The Nissan Altima Coupe burst onto the scene 15 years after the first Altima mid-size sedan hit the streets, for a brief five-year, two-generation lifespan that burned bright and fizzled abruptly. One of its primary competitors was the Honda Civic Coupe, which lived a much longer life, whole other competitors included the Ford Focus Coupe, the Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe, the Toyota Solara Coupe, the Kia Forte Koup, the Honda Accord Coupe, and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Introduced as a sporty alternative to the sedan, the coupe had unique exterior styling and sportier suspension. With a standard six-speed manual transmission—a continuously variable transmission (CVT) was an option—it was an interesting blend of midsize interior roominess and fun handling. While the CVT received favourable initial ratings, it was beset with problems (and lawsuits) after the 2013 redesign.
The Nissan Altima Coupe was a low-volume vehicle, and ultimately sales weren’t strong enough to justify its existence. The poor execution of the CVT in the 2013 model helped to ring the death knell.
This vehicle is more than 10 years old, but units in good condition can still command relatively high used car high prices courtesy of the sporty coupe styling and the limited number of vehicles that were originally produced.
Nissan Altima Coupe: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan Altima Coupe years are the best?
Though neither CarComplaints.com nor Consumer Reports separates the Altima Coupe from the sedan, we can draw some conclusions based on how the Altima performed overall. Predictive reliability for the 2008 to 2009 models is fairly low, as is that of the 2013 model year. While predictive reliability is never super high for the Altima, it’s average from 2010 to 2012, and those years also have the fewest complaints. The 2011 model year has the fewest complaints and recalls of all as well as the highest owner satisfaction ratings.
What are the worst Nissan Altima Coupe years?
Hands down, the year with the most complaints is 2013. A lot of those centre around the CVT with mass reports of stuttering, vibration, and rough running. There’s even a lawsuit involving CVTs in Altimas from this model year, and CarComplaints.com gives this year a special badge: Avoid Like the Plague.
Is a used Nissan Altima Coupe a good deal?
In Canada, the average price of a used Nissan Altima Coupe can vary widely and ranges from about $4,000 to $12,000. Considering that the original price was between $27,000 to $35,000, we think this is a fairly good deal, especially since the coupe version is generally priced higher than the sedan. The most desirable 2011 model tends to command the highest prices, especially if you find one with the V6 engine rather than the four-cylinder engine.
Nissan Altima Coupe Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Smooth, quiet ride
- Comfortable front seats
- Quality interior materials
Cons:
- Tight rear headroom
- Lower mpg ratings than sedan
- Problematic CVT
Nissan Altima Coupe Generations
Nissan Altima Coupe Second Generation (2013)
For this single-year generation, the Nissan Altima Coupe was redesigned alongside the new Altima sedan. The exterior and interior were completely new, and there was a more upscale feel throughout the vehicle. Steering and suspension were upgraded, and fuel economy got a small boost.
The 2013 model carried over the 175-horsepower 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, but it dropped the peppy 3.5-litre V6. The CVT became the only transmission for this vehicle, and there was just one trim level for the coupe: Nissan Altima 2.5 S. Sedan Altima models retained the V6, along with other trims.
Even though the Altima Coupe lost a lot in 2013, it gained some things, too, most notably equipment. Standard features included 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, keyless entry, six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic headlights, a six-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. However, that single trim meant it lacked the kinds of higher-end features you’d expect from a well-specced coupe of the time such as a seven-inch infotainment screen, blind spot monitoring, or a moonroof.
At the time of writing, there is exactly one 2013 Altima Coupe listed nationwide on the Canadian used car market. The car has nearly 280,000 kilometres and is priced at $6,000. However, as noted above, 2013 is not the best choice among Altima Coupe model years due to the problematic CVT. We therefore recommend avoiding this one at any price.
Nissan Altima Coupe First Generation (2008–2012)
The Nissan Altima sedan, built on the same platform as the Maxima and Murano, entered its fourth generation in 2007, while the two-door version of the Altima was launched in 2008. It had a shorter wheelbase than the sedan as well as a shorter overall length and a lower height. While the Altima Coupe body style borrows its overall design from the sedan, it has a distinctive grille, headlights, taillights, side panels, and rear end. In fact, only the hood is the same on both the sedan and the coupe.
The same engine options were available with both the sedan and the coupe, though: the 270-hp 3.5-litre V6 and the 175-hp 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, and the CVT was available as an option. A front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain was the default throughout the Nissan Altima Coupe’s run.
For its inaugural year, there were two Altima trims: the base 2.5 S and the upmarket 3.5 SE. The coupe came standard with an AM/FM radio with MP3 input, steering wheel audio controls, and cruise control. Standard safety features included six airbags, child-seat anchors, four-wheel antilock brakes, and front-passenger whiplash protection. Available features included Nissan’s Intelligent Key, push-button start, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, navigation, a rear back-up camera, and satellite radio. For 2009, push-button start became standard and dual-zone climate control became an option.
In 2010, the Nissan Altima Coupe received a small facelift, which included a refreshed grille and projector beam headlights. The 3.5 SE trim was also renamed Altima SR. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control became standard equipment, and a new Bose premium audio system became available. The last two model years of this generation were largely unchanged.
In Canada, used vehicle prices for the first-generation Nissan Altima Coupe can vary widely. As of this writing, we observed prices ranging from less than $2,000 all the way to $12,000. The lower end is primarily for the 2.5 S trims, and you’ll likely need to pay at least $4,000 for a serviceable car. The high end is reserved for the 3.5-litre V6 and the more desirable later model years. It’s worth mentioning that the coupe typically commands a higher price than the sedan, so if you see a really good deal, be sure to verify it has two doors instead of four.
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