The Z has always been a fairly low production vehicle and more importantly, I think, it's very much a sports car as opposed to a sedan in a two-door coupe configuration. Any sports car, Corvette included is going to have a limited appeal for that reason alone. I really don't know how the Altima coupe is doing.

Back in the day, I loved "coupe" versions of cars like the Delta 88 and GTO (real GTOs) and Grand Prix, etc. I never really considered the Firebird or Camaro or Mustang to be a "coupe" (even though there were coupes by definition - I realize it was just a perception think but it was a distinction just the same).

Speaking for myself, I drive a full-sized SUV or pickup because I like them I like the size and I like the ride and I like the driving perspective. When the day comes that I can't buy one any longer I guess I'll shift back to a car but I won't do it before I have to!

 

I don't think your perception is off the mark, actually. The Mustang and Camaro were not available as anything other than a coupe. Thus, as with Corvette, there was no "version" chioce.

 

I can't wait to buy a new Camaro. But, after hearing of the possibility of the G8/Caprice/Lumina/whateverthef*ck coming to production, I may reconsider. The fact is, sedans are more practical. I have 2 young children & right now I have to open & close the door for them. I want a RWD V8 M6. If I can get a 4 DR @ a reasonable price, I'm there. But, I'll probably lust after the Camaro & regret my purchase, then kick myself for not getting it, so I'll probably get a 2SS. Either way, it's not happening for me until next yr.

 

I blame the "formal roofline" fad in the 1980s. Some of those coupes looked nearly to the sedan, minus 2 doors. Why bother?



Not coincidentally, that's about exactly when the mainstream coupe market started drying up.

 

this:


isn't that different then this:

 

I think your situation is what's called growing up.

 

Now THIS is a coupe!

 

And now both cars in the family are used to carry around kids. Women have more say in what cars are purchased. Cars are less about show and more about being useful/practical to most people today.

I really want a Camaro... but getting a car seat in and out of there is a big pain.

 

My dad had one!

 

Not everyone wants a frickin 4-door...

 

Pretty much the same situation here. For an everyday car i would stay with four doors. I cringe at the thought of trying to squeeze a couple of my 6'3" 300 lb friends into the back of a coupe of any size. I bet if you look at the take rate of coupes to sedans of the same model type in the 90's and early 2000's it would be striking. it probably got to the point that the cost to engineer and tool for the different parts just wasn't worth it.

 

Can hardly tell it's a sedan and even has what what look like at least 20"s...

 

I'm still not buying that kids are the reason for the decline of the coupe market. Kids are not a new invention. Been around as long as I can remember.

 

Yes I agree. If anything it would be more likely a result of obesity and / or obese children.

 

Well, first people are bigger. 2nd, today when people have kids, the mother isn't the only one taking the kids around anymore. Women have much more of a say about car purchases. Talking with people that I know with kids, a coupe just isn't even an option now. So, it is part kids, and part women's role in the home that has changed.