Though it shares a name with its sedan counterpart, the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe hits the streets with its own unique styling and performance. Wearing a different grille, lights, and body panels, sporting a more raked windshield, and coming in 7 inches shorter and 2.5 lower than the sedan, the Altima Coupe looks and acts sexier than the comparably priced Accord Coupe. Indeed, some see it as a more affordable Infiniti Q35.

For 2009, the Altima Coupe gets standard automatic door locks on its two trims (S and SE), along with standard Smart Key push-button ignition. New options for the S include Bluetooth, a voice-recognition navigation system with real-time traffic, XM radio, and a rearview camera. Otherwise, this sexy front-wheel-drive performance coupe remains the same. Looks aside, the 2009 Altima Coupe shares its four-cylinder and V6 engines with the sedan, but its smaller size and lighter weight improve highway acceleration, minimize body lean, and enhance cornering capabilities.

The 2.5 S features a 175-hp inline four, with 180 lb-ft of torque and 23/32 mpg city/highway, while the 3.5 SE comes with a 270-hp V6 that delivers 258 lb-ft of torque and 19/27 mpg. Both are paired with a standard 6-speed manual or optional CVT with manual mode. The CVT in the V6 also carries a Sport mode and adaptive shift control, which adjusts gearing according to road and driver inputs. Predictably, the V6 packs more punch and pep than the I4, with 0-60 times under 6 seconds.

The 2009 Altima Coupe suffers in the backseat. Though the cabin feels well-appointed, and both S and SE trims come decently equipped, rear passengers lose a noticeable amount of headroom due to the coupe's sloping roofline. This makes the car better suited to singles or couples rather than families or road trips with friends. Rear seats split-fold flat 60/40, onto a 7.4-cubic-foot trunk, another area that disappoints owners. The Altima Coupe's cargo capacity falls significantly behind that of the Accord and Solara.

All trims come with 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, dual-stage front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, a tire monitor, and active head restraints. Traction and stability control are optional. The 2.5 S rides on 16-inch alloys, while the 3.5 SE sports 18-inch alloys, adding a bit more noise and road feel. The S trim comes equipped with full power features, cruise control, and a CD player, and the SE adds wheel-mounted audio controls, an 8-way power driver's seat, and a moonroof. Various option packages offer a Bose sound system, heated leather seats, and xenon headlights.

Good braking, limited torque steer, and confident V6 power offer plenty of weekend highway fun for drivers looking to make a stronger statement than a midsize sedan provides. Owners love the seductive, sporty look of the 2009 Altima Coupe, which doesn't sacrifice the good fuel economy of the sedan. Aside from the small back seat and trunk, few negatives cloud owners' opinions.