The value-laden 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe, though rightly accused of being a downsized Maxima, offers sporty performance and a panache that’s all its own. With only minor styling modifications and a few tweaks to some of its options packages, the 2010 Altima Coupe is, at heart, a carryover from 2009. Two trims are offered for this family-oriented two-door, the 2.5 S and the 3.5 SR, each coming in front-wheel drive only, and with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is offered as an option for both trims, which, curiously, increases the price of the 2.5 S, and lowers it for the 3.5 SR. Talk about voodoo economics! In any case, the Altima Coupe is known for its sporty looks, alert handling, decent ride quality, extensive list of creature comforts, and, with the 2.5-liter engine, better-than-okay gas mileage. Powering the lower-end 2010 Altima Coupe 2.5 S is, as the numbers imply, a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine that’s managed by the standard six-speed manual transmission to put out 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 23/31 mpg. If the available CVT is selected, mileage increases a notch to 23/32. The top-shelf 3.5 SR carries a 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine under the management of the standard six-speed manual transmission for 18/27. The 3.5 SR is also available with the CVT, with which it's estimated to get 20/27. Acceleration is deemed more than adequate with the I4 and downright exciting with the 3.5-liter V6. Standard appearance features and amenities with the 2010 Altima Coupe 2.5 S include 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth front bucket seats, split-folding rear seatbacks, remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, air conditioning, keyless ignition, front and overhead storage consoles, and a single-CD player with six speakers. The 3.5 SR adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, turn-signal-integrated outside mirrors, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a power moonroof, and heated mirrors. The Altima Coupe offers few stand-alone options, with aluminum kick-plates being one, and this has led to some consumer discontent for those who want a few of the amenities of, for instance, the Premium Package, and a few others from the Convenience Package. In any case, options included with the various packages, Convenience, Leather, Premium, and Technology, consist of, among other things, leather-trimmed upholstery and a power moonroof for the 2.5 S, as well as voice-activated DVD navigation, a Bose premium sound system, Bluetooth communications technology, a universal remote garage door opener, satellite radio, and a rear-view camera system for both trim levels. Considered one of the safest coupes on the market, the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe boasts such standard safety equipment as four-wheel disc ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, with the latter initiated by Nissan’s vaunted Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, six airbags, and a remote anti-theft alarm. Front fog/driving lights and auto-on/off, dusk-sensing headlights are standard with the 3.5 SR trim and optional with the 2.5 S. One of the biggest complaints owners have with the 2009 Nissan Altima seems to be significant blind spots on both sides. The available rear-view camera system apparently alleviates much of the difficulty, but for those who don’t want to spend the money, this visibility issue can be disturbing. Gas mileage with the 3.5-liter V6 is also problematic for some owners, as is the fact that the Altima Coupe seems to run just fine on regular unleaded, even though Nissan recommends premium gas for both trims. Lack of rear-seat and trunk space is noted by many owners. Most, however, are aware of the space limitations inherent in a coupe. Praiseworthy aspects of the Altima Coupe include the fuel efficiency of the 2.5-liter I4, as well as looks, ride, handling, acceleration, and the well-regarded CVT. The keyless, push-button ignition and front passenger room of the ’09 Altima Coupe also earned kudos from owners, as does its out-and-out value.