2010 Nissan Altima Exterior Design

The exterior design is the Altima coupe's most positive attribute. Unfortunately, it's also one of the car's downfalls, because there are packaging compromises that are inherent in any coupe. The sloping roof line means that the trunk is smaller and shallower than what you'd find in a sedan. Luckily, the rear seat folds down, but access to the rear to reach the release button can only be described as difficult. I'm not a large person [Amy's the size of an elf -Ed.] and I found it incredibly awkward trying to maneuver myself so that I could perform the seat-lowering operation. I could only live with those compromises if this were a true sports car, but the Altima coupe is definitely not. Its engine, while producing plenty of power, is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that is marred by notchy throws and a too-stiff clutch. The red leather seats are, to my eyes, gaudy and out-of-place in an otherwise nicely designed interior. The Altima coupe may seem like a less expensive alternative to the Infiniti G37 coupe, but in this case, you get what you pay (or don't pay) for. Amy Skogstrom, Managing Editor