Although it may not rank among the most adored car brands, Nissan remains a significant contender in the automotive industry. The company has made strides in innovation over the years, including notable decisions such as ceasing investment in gasoline engines.
However, innovation doesn’t always appeal to those who prioritize reliability above all else. Fortunately, several Nissan models are known for their strong track records in that department.
When viewed as a whole, Nissan performs quite well compared to other automakers in terms of reliability.
That said, the picture becomes more nuanced when individual models are considered—some are no longer in production, and others haven’t stood the test of time as well.
In the world of automotive reliability, Nissan has carved out a reputation that blends Japanese engineering with long-haul toughness.
Founded in 1933, Nissan has grown into one of the most recognized car brands globally, known for producing vehicles that balance affordability, performance, and durability.
From commuter sedans to rugged SUVs and workhorse trucks, Nissan’s lineup has consistently delivered models capable of handling serious mileage with minimal mechanical drama.
Whether it’s the iconic Altima, the rugged Frontier, or the family-friendly Pathfinder, Nissan vehicles are built with a level of engineering that can stand the test of time—and the road.
With proper maintenance, several of their models regularly push well past the 250,000-mile mark without breaking a sweat.
In this article, we highlight the top Nissan cars that don’t just last—they thrive. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that’s not just a ride, but a long-term investment, these are the Nissans you’ll want on your radar.
10. Nissan Versa
The Versa joined Nissan’s lineup just before the 2010s and has remained in production since. In 2023 Nissan Versa review, we noted that one of its latest iterations stood out for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and engine performance.
The most recent Versa evaluated for reliability is the 2022 model, which received a solid rating of 82 out of 100. Even earlier model years generally scored above 80 in reliability, making the Versa a relatively dependable option.
That said, not all Versa models share the same positive reputation as newer versions. The 2018 model, for instance, faced criticism for subpar build quality.
While certain other versions were known to be long-lasting, they were often met with negative feedback from owners who found the driving experience underwhelming.
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s wise to focus on more recent model years. Versas produced before the 2020s might have decent reliability scores, but they come with caveats that are worth considering.
9. Nissan Rogue
Among Nissan’s SUV offerings, few are typically recognized as class leaders in reliability. However, the Rogue manages to stand out in this regard, with its 2023 model receiving a solid reliability score.
That said, the consistency of this reliability rating varies depending on the year—take the 2014 Rogue, for instance, which scored nearly ten points lower, while the 2017 model managed to climb three points higher.
This variability is somewhat comparable to what’s seen with the Versa, meaning that the most recent Rogue models remain your best bet for dependable performance.
Despite some drawbacks, the Rogue is an impressive SUV overall. The stylish 2021 Nissan Rogue suffered from a poor front-passenger crash rating, but the 2022 version addressed the issue and was praised for its strong performance.
The 2025 model has also garnered glowing reviews, especially for its finer details such as a cozy interior and a user-friendly infotainment system. If you’re considering a used Rogue, your choices may be somewhat limited. Still, opting for a new Nissan Rogue is far from a bad decision.
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8. Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks matches the Rogue in terms of reliability, but one factor gives it a slight edge in this ranking.
The Kicks holds an 82 out of 100 reliability score for its 2025 model year, with previous years also earning consistently strong marks. That reliability is unsurprising given the Kicks’ relatively recent debut in the late 2010s.
Its short production history means it’s largely avoided some of the design issues that plague older vehicles. However, there is more to the Kicks’ history than initially meets the eye.
In 2023, Nissan issued a recall affecting over 1 million vehicles, with the Kicks being part of that group. The recall stemmed from issues like faulty cruise control and defective covers, both of which impacted in-production Kicks SUVs at the time.
These problems have not persisted since the recall was announced, but they do highlight potential concerns for those shopping for a used Kicks model instead of a new one.
Unfortunately, this type of scenario is common across many Nissan vehicles, regardless of their production year. As such, the safest route to reliable performance from a Nissan vehicle often lies in focusing on the most current models.
7. Nissan 370Z
The 370Z belongs to Nissan’s iconic line of “Z” cars. Introduced in 2009, it remained in production for over a decade until it was succeeded by the new Nissan Z-Car in 2020.
Despite the model’s longstanding presence, opinions on the 370Z have been somewhat divided, with critics pointing out its harsh ride quality and the omission of basic features. Fortunately, these criticisms don’t extend to the 370Z’s reliability—which, depending on the source, is actually quite solid.
That ranks it alongside many newer Nissan models in terms of dependability, although it’s important to note that this rating only applies to the 2010 model year.The 2010 370Z has had some conflicting reliability feedback, particularly due to issues with steering lock failure.
However, a good number of 2010 owners haven’t encountered these problems, and subsequent model years have generally received more favorable feedback regarding dependability. This makes the 370Z a potentially worthwhile option, even if there’s some level of risk involved.
6. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier stands out as the only pickup truck on this list, narrowly edging out both the Titan and Titan XD.
Sharing the same reliability score of 84 out of 100 as the 370Z, the Frontier achieves this with a far more recent model year—2023. The accolades don’t stop there, as the 2024 version was named the best-value midsized pickup.
It’s also one of the few vehicles on this list that comes without a long list of reliability caveats, having experienced virtually no significant issues in the past ten years.
The only cautionary note for potential buyers pertains to Frontier models produced prior to the 2010s, which tend to carry a higher risk.
However, most Nissan enthusiasts agree that even during those years, the Frontier still outperformed many of the brand’s other offerings in terms of reliability.
As long as you avoid those earlier models, whether you’re purchasing new or used, the Frontier represents a dependable choice that should serve you well for years.
The most common criticism it receives is about comfort, and if that’s not a major concern for you, there are few reasons to consider replacing this truck anytime soon.
5. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is one of the automaker’s more expensive midsize sedans, but it manages to justify its cost quite well. It offers solid performance, excellent fuel efficiency, and up-to-date infotainment technology.
Additionally, its official store page highlights how the vehicle has earned high safety ratings across the board, which further reinforces its reputation for reliability beyond just the numbers. Of course, those numbers are still important, as they help underscore the level of trust you can place in the Altima.
From 2020 through 2025, the Altima has consistently achieved reliability scores of 80 or above, with its most recent model year earning a strong 85 out of 100. Even if you’re not interested in the latest version, virtually any Altima produced within the past five years is a dependable option.
Going back further in time might introduce more concerns, as the Altima’s most reliable model years fall outside of the 2013 to 2019 range. This is something worth remembering if you’re thinking about cutting costs by choosing a used model.
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4. Nissan Rogue Sport
While the standard Rogue already made an appearance on this list, the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport manages to rank even higher.
It’s worth noting that this variant of the SUV is no longer in production, with its final model year being 2022. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have too many concerns when considering used Rogue Sport models—aside from its earliest production years.
Beyond its reliability ratings, most versions of the Rogue Sport remain dependable after extended use, with the majority of complaints focused more on design elements than mechanical faults.
As for why the Rogue Sport was discontinued, a combination of factors played a role. While later models received only lukewarm reviews, Nissan found that the vehicle was being outperformed by both the Kicks and the standard Rogue.
As a result, it lost its place in the lineup. On the bright side, the Rogue Sport’s discontinuation had nothing to do with its dependability.
You might encounter some challenges finding long-term support for it in the future, but based on its solid track record, the Rogue Sport isn’t likely to fail you without warning.
3. Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra delivers surprisingly strong reliability for such an affordable vehicle, earning a score of 86/100 for its most recent model year. Still, it shares a pattern similar to other entries on this list—earlier models, especially those made before 2020, don’t inspire the same level of trust.
These older versions were plagued with issues, most notably related to the transmission, which proved problematic across nearly all pre-2020 models. Without the improvements made in recent years, the Sentra wouldn’t have come close to ranking this high.
Fortunately, Nissan took steps to revamp the Sentra beginning in 2020. The car received significant upgrades to its technology and overall performance, and by the 2021 model, additional safety features helped boost its appeal even more.
These enhancements transformed the Sentra from a troubled model into an excellent choice, particularly for those prioritizing dependability. As with other vehicles on this list, it’s best to focus on newer model years if you’re shopping used.
2. Nissan Murano
Among all of Nissan’s SUVs, the Murano ranks the highest for reliability. Its 2024 model year is one of only two vehicles on this list to break into the 90-point range, achieving an impressive 91/100 rating.
Like the others, its weaknesses mainly lie in the pre-2020 models, which means that sticking with newer options is your best bet for a trouble-free experience.
That’s especially important considering the Murano is the priciest model on this list that’s still available today, with a starting price exceeding $38,000.
The bigger question is whether the Murano is the right vehicle for you. While some reviews praise the recent versions for their quality, others point out that the Murano struggles to compete with rival offerings.
Its lackluster performance and below-average tow capacity may disappoint some drivers. Even for those focused on reliability, Nissan isn’t the only brand offering trustworthy vehicles.
1. Nissan Maxima
The Maxima holds the title of Nissan’s most reliable vehicle when it comes to its latest models. Even outside of its final years, the Maxima consistently outperformed the pattern seen in other Nissan cars.
Most models produced from 2010 onward received excellent reviews, steering clear of the mechanical troubles that impacted many of the company’s vehicles during that time.
Despite this, the Maxima was discontinued by 2023, largely due to Nissan shifting focus toward electric vehicle development. Its reliability didn’t decline—it remains one of the key aspects of its legacy.
Although some still consider the Maxima to be one of Nissan’s less reliable cars, this view generally applies only to models built before 2010.
Thanks to continued improvements over the years, newer Maxima models have risen to outperform nearly every other car in the lineup. Its final model year earned an outstanding reliability score of 93/100.
While Nissan has faced its fair share of reliability challenges, the Maxima managed to avoid most of them. Compared to options both within and beyond Nissan’s lineup, it stands out as one of the most dependable vehicles available.
