2009 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S

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If you want to have some good, clean, and inexpensive fun, test drive the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S like I did last week.  The Altima is billed as a “true coupe” that offers true performance, and for once the marketing guru’s claims are justified.

For starters, the exterior styling has a lot of attitude, since the 2009 Altima 2.5S is sportier, smaller (more coupe-like) and has a bolder look. With a wheelbase of only 105.3 inches and overall length of 182.5 inches the coupe is also only 55.3 inches in height.  With its aerodynamic design, the Altima Coupe’s driver has the joy of zipping down the highway (where traffic and speed limits permit, of course) and relishing the true freedom of the road—and look really cool doing it!

Parking this compact coupe is also a breeze, a happy change from driving large trucks and SUVs.  And since the vehicle I drove got better than the estimated 31 mpg on the highway and 23 in town, I only used half a tank of gas all week.

The 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 175 HP and a really comfortable and exciting drive. The Coupe also is available in a 3.5 liter V-6 engine that is said to be even more exciting, but thanks to the Xtronic CVT™ (continuously variable transmission) the smaller coupe provided plenty of excitement for less money.

The interior is surprisingly spacious for a 2-door coupe, with room for up to five people and their gear. Safety features are also plentiful, including the Nissan Advanced Airbag System, emergency inside trunk release, LATCH (anchors and tethers for children) and front-seat active head restraints.

Base price for the Altima Coupe 2.5S is only $22,250, however, there are numerous packages available, such as the Convenience Package (with power driver’s seat, wood trim and steering wheel-mounted controls) for $1,300. There is also a premium package that includes leather seats, power moon roof, XM satellite radio, heated front seats and dual climate controls that’s even pricier ($3,800).

Jo Ann Holt is a car columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).