Are Nissans Good Cars? A Complete Guide to Nissan’s Reliability, Performance, and Safety
Nissan has been a well-established brand in the automotive industry for a long time now. Many drivers are curious about whether Nissan vehicles are good and reliable cars. This complete guide aims to answer that question by providing an in-depth analysis of the Nissan brand and its vehicles.
In terms of affordability, reliability, and safety, Nissans are considered good cars. They are also known for their efficiency, offering great power and performance on the road. Despite the lack of styling updates for some models, Nissan vehicles are filled with many of the latest tech features. This guide will provide a breakdown of the most reliable Nissan models for the year and explore the pros and cons of owning a Nissan vehicle.
Table of Contents
Reliability
Nissan Reliability History
Nissan has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable vehicles. In fact, according to Consumer Reports, Nissan ranked 9th out of 32 car brands in their 2022 survey for reliability. RepairPal also rates Nissan with a good 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability in their 2022 survey.
However, it’s important to note that Nissan has had some issues with recalls in the past. In 2020, Nissan had to recall over 300,000 vehicles due to a potential brake fluid leak. In 2019, they also had to recall over 1.2 million vehicles due to a problem with the backup camera system. While these recalls are concerning, it’s important to remember that recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry and are often a sign of a manufacturer taking responsibility for their mistakes.
Common Nissan Problems
Like any car brand, Nissan has its fair share of common problems. Some of the most common issues reported by Nissan owners include:
- Transmission failure in some models, such as the 2013 Altima
- Issues with the CVT (continuously variable transmission) in some models, such as the 2014 Sentra
- Problems with the air conditioning system in some models, such as the 2014 Rogue
- Electrical issues in some models, such as the 2013 Pathfinder
It’s important to note that not all Nissan models will experience these issues, and many Nissan owners report trouble-free ownership. Regular maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can help keep your Nissan running smoothly for years to come.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Nissan has a reputation for producing cars that are both powerful and responsive. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at Nissan’s engine performance, handling, and suspension.
Nissan Engine Performance
Nissan offers a range of engines across its various models, from efficient four-cylinder engines to powerful V6s. The Nissan Maxima, for example, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides plenty of power for accelerating quickly and passing other cars on the highway.
The Nissan GT-R, on the other hand, is a high-performance sports car that comes with a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces a whopping 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque. This engine is capable of pushing the GT-R from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.
Nissan Handling and Suspension
Nissan’s handling and suspension systems are designed to provide a sporty, responsive driving experience. Many Nissan models feature responsive steering and well-tuned suspension systems that provide precise handling and a smooth ride.
The Nissan 370Z, for example, features a sport-tuned suspension system that provides excellent handling and a comfortable ride. The Nissan GT-R, on the other hand, comes with an advanced all-wheel-drive system that provides exceptional grip and handling in all driving conditions.
Safety
Nissan has always been committed to providing top-notch safety features in their vehicles. In this section, we will explore the Nissan safety ratings and the safety features that Nissan cars offer.
Nissan Safety Ratings
Nissan has received high safety ratings from reputable safety organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2022 Nissan Leaf, for example, received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.
Nissan Safety Features
Nissan cars come equipped with a range of safety features that help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. Some of the safety features that Nissan offers include:
- Safety Shield 360: This suite of advanced safety features includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and High Beam Assist.
- Intelligent Around View Monitor: This feature uses four cameras to give the driver a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the car, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer.
- ProPILOT Assist: This driver assistance system helps keep the car centered in its lane, maintains a safe distance from the car in front, and can bring the car to a complete stop in traffic.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This feature prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping the driver maintain control of the car.
- Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC): This system helps prevent skidding and loss of control by applying the brakes and reducing engine power when necessary.
In conclusion, Nissan cars are equipped with a range of safety features that help keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. With high safety ratings from reputable organizations, Nissan is committed to providing top-notch safety in their vehicles.
Cost of Ownership
When considering the purchase of a Nissan vehicle, it is important to factor in the cost of ownership. This includes not only the initial purchase price, but also ongoing expenses such as fuel economy and maintenance costs.
Nissan Fuel Economy
Nissan offers a range of vehicles with varying fuel efficiency. According to the EPA, the 2023 Nissan Leaf has an estimated range of up to 150 miles per charge. The 2023 Nissan Altima has an estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The 2023 Nissan Rogue has an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
It is important to note that fuel economy can vary based on driving habits and conditions. However, in general, Nissan vehicles offer competitive fuel efficiency compared to other vehicles in their respective classes.
Nissan Maintenance Costs
When it comes to maintenance costs, Nissan vehicles are generally considered to be affordable. According to RepairPal, the average annual cost of maintenance and repairs for a Nissan vehicle is $500. This is lower than the average cost for other vehicle brands.
Nissan also offers a variety of warranties and service plans to help reduce the cost of maintenance. For example, the Nissan Security+Plus® Extended Protection Plan can cover up to 1,500 components and includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.
Conclusion
Based on the research and information gathered, it is evident that Nissan is a reliable car brand with a long-standing reputation in the automotive industry. Nissan cars are known for their affordability, safety, and efficiency, making them a popular choice among consumers.
The most reliable Nissan models for the 2021 year, according to Consumer Reports, are the Nissan Murano, Altima, and Maxima. These models are perfect for growing families and offer good performance on the road.
Nissan cars have excellent safety ratings, with four models receiving the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS in 2021. With regular servicing and care, Nissan vehicles can easily reach 300,000 miles, making them good high-mileage cars.
In terms of features and amenities, Nissan cars are designed and built to meet modern consumer standards, offering the latest tech, comfort, and convenience features.
While Nissan may lack in styling and sometimes go a long time without a refresh, leaving some older designs on the road, their cars still offer good value for money and are a reliable choice for consumers in the market for a new car.
FAQs
Are Nissans expensive to maintain?
Nissans are generally affordable to maintain, with repair costs falling within the average range for most models. However, keep in mind that luxury models may cost more to maintain due to their higher-end features and parts.
Are Nissans fuel-efficient?
Nissans are known for their fuel efficiency, with many models offering impressive gas mileage. For example, the Nissan Altima gets an estimated 28 city/39 highway MPG, while the Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle that doesn’t require gas at all.
Are Nissans safe?
Nissans are generally considered safe vehicles, with many models receiving high safety ratings from organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, it’s always important to research specific models and their safety features before making a purchase.
Do Nissans have good resale value?
Nissans generally have average resale value compared to other car brands. However, factors such as the model, age, and condition of the vehicle can greatly affect its resale value.
Are Nissans reliable in the long run?
Nissans have a reputation for being reliable vehicles, with many models lasting for years with proper maintenance. However, like any car brand, there may be specific models or years that have known issues or recalls. It’s always important to research specific models and their reliability before making a purchase.
