What is the most reliable nissan car

When the Nissan GT-R landed in the U.S. 12 years ago, it was one of the quickest cars ever made. The 2021 Nissan GT-R is still quick, covering a 0-60 mph dash in about 3 seconds. But most of its competitors have become lighter and faster.

The GT-R remains an impressive technical feat. It generates prodigious power from a turbocharged V6 engine, each one hand-assembled in laboratory-like clean room conditions, and each affixed with a small metal plate bearing the craftsman's name. Sophisticated suspension and all-wheel-drive systems ensure no power goes to waste during hard driving and cornering. The interior, while plain and functional in design, is laced with luxury touches and comfort.

Key to the GT-R's appeal is how easy it is to drive. It's a low-stress supercar, at home on the highway or a racetrack. Large windows offer ample visibility, and driver-adjustable configurations let you dial in soft, aggressive, or somewhere-in-between suspension and transmission settings.

But the GT-R is long overdue for a refresh. Revisions haven't kept pace with price increases since its 2009 U.S. debut. In the interim, rivals have gained speed, added features, and made bigger splashes.

The Porsche 911, a primary competitor, is already on its third update since the GT-R's debut. The Chevrolet Corvette has undergone a complete transformation and at about half the price sacrifices little in power and handling. And the Acura NSX — the original Japanese supercar — has returned with a 573-horsepower hybrid powertrain. Mercedes, McLaren, Ford, and Audi all sell compelling alternatives as well.

In one sense, the GT-R remains a pure high-performance sports car. No fussy driver aids, no features of dubious value (Wi-Fi hotspot, anyone?), no Android Auto (a glaring oversight and legitimate complaint). It barely even has a back seat. But given the many choices in the GT-R's price bracket today, it's no longer the value it once was.

Drivers of a certain age may remember Nissan when it was known as Datsun in the U.S.

Nissan has come a long way since its Datsun days, offering up a capable midsize sedan like the Altima, or its smaller, affordable commuter cousins, the Sentra and Versa. The Japanese automaker also has a fleet of SUVs like the super-popular Rogue, the powerful Pathfinder and sleek Murano.

And if you’re looking to go green, there’s the Nissan Leaf, a spacious, comfortable, and yes, affordable, electric vehicle. The Leaf is the least expensive electric vehicle on the market right now.

If you’re in the market for a dependable family vehicle, something from Nissan’s lineup may be for you.

Nissan Reliability Ratings

Considering buying a used Nissan? Then you’ll probably want to know more about Nissan’s reliability.

According to Consumer Reports’ annual reliability survey, Nissan ranked No. 13 among 26 brands, with a score of 51. That put it behind BMW which ranked at No. 14 with a score of 52. Audi was No. 14, with a score of 46.

Mazda, Toyota and Lexus were the top three brands respectively, while Lincoln ranked last among the 26 brands, with a score of 8.

Consumer Reports’ reliability data comes from its members’ Auto Reliability Surveys. The trusted non-profit received surveys of 329,000 vehicles, detailing 2000 to 2020 models. Consumer Reports’ brand-level rankings are based on the average predicted reliability score for vehicles in the brand’s model lineup.

The predicted reliability score is calculated on a 0-to-100-point scale, with the average rating falling between 41 and 60 points. For a brand to be ranked, there must be sufficient survey data for two or more models.

How Is Reliability Judged?

Generally, there are a range of factors taken into consideration when giving a car model a reliability rating. These include:

• Industry standing: The reputation of the brand within the automotive industry.
• Coverage: This is based on the types of extended warranty plans available, including the coverage terms and other benefits like roadside assistance.
• Cost: Companies that provide lower coverage costs generally get a higher score here.
• Critical reception: The opinions of professional car critics is also a factor.
• Customer service: Determined by customer reviews, responsiveness and helpfulness ratings.

The Consumer Reports surveys reported on any vehicle problems during the past 12 months that members considered serious because of cost, failure, safety or downtime, in any of 17 trouble spots.

These trouble spots include minor and major engine and transmission issues, electrical system, climate system, suspension, exhaust, brakes, paint and trim and in-car electronics.

Why Does Nissan Score So Well?

According to Consumer Reports, recently designed Nissan models deliver strong performance with impressive fuel economy. Most newer models come standard with advanced safety features such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Several Nissan models are on Consumer Reports’ “recommended” list, for good all-around scores for reliability, customer satisfaction, safety features and road test scores.

Nissan also rates well for reliability with RepairPal. RepairPal helps car owners find peace-of-mind with free, custom repair estimates, cars overviews, and recommendations to local, fair car repair shops.

Nissan’s RepairPal reliability rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 32 for all car brands, based on an average across 345 unique models. The average annual repair cost for a Nissan is $500, compared to $652 across all car models.

What are the Most Reliable Nissan Models?

Let’s take a closer look at some popular, reliable Nissan SUVs and cars.

Nissan Rogue

Although it has a less powerful engine than the Toyota RAV4 and less cargo and passenger room than the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue still ranks high in the compact SUV class. It is EchoPark’s most popular used Nissan model, and is the 7th bestselling vehicle in the country for 2021 so far.

The Rogue has ample passenger and cargo space, an upscale cabin and good fuel economy and handling. It was redesigned for the 2021 model year.

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Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is a popular commuter car, with plush, comfortable front seats, ample room in the back seats and decent fuel economy. It has an upscale cabin and comes standard with a list of safety features such as lane departure warning, rearview camera and pedestrian detection.

Good reliability and safety scores round out this compact Nissan model. It cracks the list of bestselling vehicles in the U.S., coming in at No. 25.

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Nissan Altima

U.S. News and World Report calls the Nissan Altima midsize sedan a “comfortable cruiser” with spacious seating. It offers a cushioned ride and great gas mileage. All-wheel drive is available as an option.

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Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder, a midsize SUV, has a strong engine, roomy interior and comfortable front seats, according to U.S. News and World Report. It was redesigned for 2022, getting an updated, luxurious cabin and space for eight passengers, among other significant improvements over the prior model.

The Pathfinder is also a good SUV for outdoor adventures, with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.

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Nissan Murano

The uniquely styled Nissan Murano is a solid combination of quality and value. This midsize SUV has roomy seating, a comfortable ride, high safety scores in a competitive class and comes standard with a variety of features.

Gas mileage is good for a midsize SUV, at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

Shop Nissan Murano

Shop Used Nissans for Sale at EchoPark

EchoPark has a large selection of Nissan SUVs, cars and trucks to make it easy to for you to find a reliable used car. Our Experience Guides are here to help you find the used Nissan that best fits your lifestyle, so start shopping today.

Founded in the 1930s, Japanese manufacturer Nissan has produced some incredibly popular cars over the years.

However, it has really upped its production and model choice in the last couple of decades, which has seen some of its models rocket in popularity. It comes as no surprise when Nissan models are often chosen for their reliability and dependability but their models also offer cutting-edge technology, along with some interestingly quirky and iconic designs for good measure.

Discover our 'Top 10 Best Nissan Cars' below.

Best Nissan SUVs

Nissan Qashqai

We kick off with one of Nissan's best ever sellers - the Qashqai. In recent years the Qashqai has topped the best-selling crossover/SUV category as it gave customers a sought-after high driving position and chunky SUV styling, but still kept a relatively low 1.3-litre petrol engine that made it inexpensive to run.

The small engine gave a it a 0 to 62mph time of around 10 seconds dependent upon the spec you choose. This isn't rapid, but the Qashqai didn't feel slow either. Despite the 4x4 looks, nearly all variants of Qashqai tend to be front-wheel drive, again keeping costs low and ensuring the Qashqai felt car-like. You can find all-wheel drive versions if you need that extra grip and stability, however.

Updated in recent times, the Qashqai is much more sleek and sophisticated, using a mild-hybrid system to ensure the car is still an excellent and affordable family SUV.

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Nissan Juke

The quirky Juke was first seen on British roads in 2010, offering a uniquely-styled SUV that was full of Japanese charm and character. The styling was like nothing else on the road and was perhaps one of the Juke's biggest strengths, as it was a compact SUV for those who liked to stand out.

It sold really well and has been refreshed in recent years with a much more sophisticated style. It's also been fitted with hybrid technology without the need for plugging in. This helps retain its peppy nature and low running costs, which all add in to the overall appeal. With 56mpg possible, this compact SUV is not going to be expensive to run, despite its chunky and funky looks.

As stated, the later version is a much classier affair, but if you're looking for more value, the previous generation will still appeal.

Nissan Navara

Having been around since the 1980s, the Navara had showcased to the world that Nissan could produce a tough, practical, and dependable pick-up/SUV.

No longer available to buy new, the Nissan Navara is still sought-after used, thanks to its large payload and impressive towing capabilities. Unlike the more conventional SUVs mentioned previously, the Navara is a proper workhorse.

Many pick-up SUVs can be a little uncomfortable and rather agricultural, yet you don't have this problem with the Navara. It's comfortable, and although it has a workhorse reputation, it's quite good-looking for what's essentially a work truck.

The Navara is pretty decent off-road too, making it great for lugging things about when the terrain gets tricky.

Nissan X-Trail

With the Qashqai and Juke showcasing just how good Nissan are at creating compact yet practical SUVs, the X-Trail demonstrates the other end of the scale, offering 7-seat practicality.

Sitting above the Qashqai and more compact Juke, the X-Trail is the largest SUV in the Nissan range. Park the X-Trail next to the Qashqai, and it pretty much looks like a larger version, which is no bad thing as they're both easy on the eye – perhaps why they sell so many of them.

There's a big boot, which is reduced if you opt for a 7-seat version, but that's always going to be the case. Comfort is very good, and despite its large proportions, nearly 50mpg is possible from some engines, ensuring this is a reliable and inexpensive to run family SUV.

Best Nissan Hatchbacks

Nissan Micra

In the early 1980s Nissan gave the world the humble little Micra. Boxy and simple, the Micra gained more popularity in the '90s when it was renown for being an ultra-reliable hatchback with properly low running costs.

It gained a reputation for being a sort of go-to car for older drivers, especially in 2010 with the fourth generation. In 2016 though, the humble little Micra was given an injection of youth, with a fresh new design offering more cutting-edge styling, much needed updated technology and just a different vibe to the generations gone before.

Despite its new lease of life, the Micra hasn't forgotten its roots and still offers economy in excess of 50mpg and entry-level specifications that offer kit normally seen on more expensive trim levels.

Nissan LEAF

With electric cars being the future of the automobile, Nissan were miles ahead of the game in 2010 with the all-electric LEAF. The trouble was, back then electric cars were rather expensive, and it was only really a small number of buyers who got behind the technology and electric car novelty.

However, with the second generation LEAF coming along in 2017, electric cars had become much more affordable and less daunting. The only problem now is that electric technology is becoming more mainstream, and so the LEAF has many more competitors.

You'll get between 168 and 239 miles from a LEAF depending on spec, and the LEAF doesn't exactly hang around with a 0 to 62mph time of around 7 seconds which will feel rather brisk for most.

Best Nissan Sports Cars

Nissan 350Z/370Z

We've mentioned everyone's favourite SUVs, and the more every day Nissan cars, but now we get to the spicier stuff, the sports cars.

First seen in the late 1960s, Nissan Z cars (Datsun back then) showcase the sporty offerings from the Japanese brand.

Since 2003, it was the 350Z that continued the legacy of the legendary Nissan Z cars, with the updated 370Z succeeding it in 2009. Made famous by films like The Fast and Furious franchise, especially Tokyo Drift, the 350Z was a car that was ripe for tuning and personalisation. Its rich 3.5-litre V6 sounded great too, packing 276bhp, which was pumped up slightly with updated versions. This meant it was good for 0 to 62mph in around 5.7 seconds.

The updated 370Z came along in 2009 with a bigger 3.7-litre V6 engine and 323bhp. The performance was marginally better, with 0 to 62mph happening in 5.2 seconds. Slightly more polished looks gave the Z a cleaner look, but both cars are still very much sought after today.

Nissan Silvia

You have to go back to the 1960s to discover the very first iteration of the Silvia, only it was called a Datsun 1600. Here we will focus on the S13 which came along in the early 1990s and the S14 which came along in the late 1990s.

Often also called the 200SX, the Silvia was a sleek sports car with typical 90s styling. The 'S14' version came typically with a 2.0-litre 200bhp, good for 0 to 62mph in around 7 seconds. The S15 came after, and in the sought-after Spec R guise, it offered 247bhp, which was good for 0 to 62mph in just over 5 seconds – not bad at all for a late 90s sports car.

The Silvia's calling came with the rise of the drifting scene. This is a form of motorsport that essentially has drivers trying to get their cars as sideways as possible. The Silvia's rear-wheel drive nature, ability to tune, and relative affordability meant they were the textbook choice for drifting. Finding a standard Silvia is getting much harder because of this.

Nissan Skyline GT-R

Dating back to the 1960s, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is the range-topping performance Nissan, and the most sought after versions of the Nissan Skyline. Although there's the legendary C10 and C110 Skyline GT-R versions, we will start here with the original 'Godzilla', the R32 Skyline GT-R.

Using a legendary 2.6-litre twin-turbo straight six, featuring all-wheel drive, the RB26 was a beast of an engine for 1989 – the year the R32 Skyline GT-R was introduced. The year before, a 'gentleman's agreement' was implemented, stating that Japanese manufacturers would not give their cars more than the 276bhp. And so the R32 had 'exactly' that, only it was more like 310bhp...

It gained the nickname 'Godzilla' due to its dominance in Touring Car racing. A legend was born. 1995 saw the R33 GT-R come along, again with its '276bhp' – yeah right. The R33 GT-R was the first production car to crack the sub 8 minute mark around the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife. Finally, in 1999, the last Skyline GT-R was introduced in the form of the R34.

Again, like the R32 and R33, the R34 used the legendary RB26 engine with supposedly '276bhp', nudge nudge, wink wink. The R34 would complete the 0 to 62mph time in around 5 seconds, whilst the R33 would be a little more than 5 seconds, and the R32 just under 6 seconds.

Today, any Skyline GT-R is a serious collector's car with a massive cult following, made famous by the legendary racing game Gran Turismo, making it arguably the most famous Japanese car of all time.

Nissan GT-R

In 2009 the legendary GT-R name was back, only this time on its own rather than alongside that of a Skyline.

The Nissan GT-R is often billed as the ultimate PlayStation car, due to its mind-boggling performance. Fitted with a 3.8-litre twin turbocharged VR38DETT V6 engine, the GT-R produced 471bhp. This ensured a 0 to 62mph time of a supercar-embarrassing 3.4 seconds.

A new 'Godzilla' was born. With supercars offering more power, the GT-R quite easily humiliated most of them on track and in drag races, proving the 'R35', as some people dubbed it, as a high performance hero that could be had for much less than a supercar.

Updated versions dropped the 0 to 62mph even further to a hypercar-matching 2.6 seconds.

Find your Nissan with Evans Halshaw

It's clear to see just how popular the Nissan brand has become, and the sheer range of fantastic cars they've offered over the years.

We're pleased to represent the Nissan brand via our portfolio of official Nissan retailers. To learn more about Nissan, or to book a test drive, contact your local Evans Halshaw Nissan today.

Alternatively, why not browse our latest offers on a brand-new Nissan or peruse our used Nissan stock.