Like all Japanese automakers, Nissan produces quality vehicles emphasizing reliability.
Their broad roster of products includes sports coupes, sedans, trucks, SUVs, and EVs – there’s one for every type of car buyer, including teenagers looking to get their first car.
Generally: Are Nissans Good First Cars? ![]()
In Consumer Report’s 2021 reliability rankings, Nissan came in at #9 out of 28 automakers, behind traditional rivals like Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru.
Being in the top one-third is a commendable achievement, but Nissan’s standing behind its Japanese foes is a telling sign that they have some ground to make up in the reliability stake.
Overall, Nissan vehicles are relatively reliable and fuel-thrifty enough, ideal for teenagers looking to get their first car.
It is only a general assessment because individual models and model years vary in their design, fuel economy, reliability, and worthiness as first vehicles.
Specific Nissan Models: ![]()
Nissan vehicles fill the entire automotive spectrum, so choosing your first car demands careful consideration.
#1 Is a Nissan 240SX a Good First Car?
The 240SX began selling in 1990 and had its final model year in 1998.
In between, it received a complete redesign in 1995 – the hatchback and convertible body styles disappeared together with its low prices; only the 240SX coupe was available.
- Questionable reliability – three decades old and counting.
- Pohon zadních kol – unsuitable for new drivers and difficult to control in slippery conditions.
- Špatná spotřeba plynu – 21 mpg combined will make refills costly.
- Nízká světlá výška – 4.3 inches; lower than the 300zx’s 5.1 inches. The bottom of the car body suffers over speed bumps and humps.
- Firm suspension – harsh ride on rough roads and long drives.
- Small cockpit – uncomfortable for large drivers.
- Relatively expensive repairs – unless you’re mechanically handy. Still, parts for such an old car will get increasingly hard to find.
It was an exciting coupe when it debuted, but for a first car today, get yourself a vehicle a little less old than the 240SX to save yourself a mountain of upkeep.
Nissan 240SX Compared with Better First Cars
If you want your daily driver to be fun, newer known quantities are available.
- Spotřeba paliva: mpg kombinované (manuální).
- Náklady na údržbu: za rok prům. (RepairPal).
- Bezpečnost (IIHS): 1 (špatné) až 4 (dobré); Průměr testů IIHS.
- Bezpečnost (NHTSA): 1 (špatné) až 5 (nejbezpečnější); NHTSA celkově.
- Viditelnost: výborný, dobrý, průměrný, špatný.
If you want a little more power when your right foot demands it, opt for the BRZ or Civic Si.
Plus, the Civic Si is an FWD and performed strongly in crash tests, so you know you have ample protection in a collision.
The 300ZX is a capable sports machine but a poor first car that teenagers should shun.
#3 Is a Nissan 350z a Good First Car?
The 350z is a nimble and sporty coupe, presenting one of the best performance values in the sports car segment when it came out in 2003.
Although discontinued in 2009, the Nissan 350z is a newer and safer coupe than the 240SX and 300ZX.
- Subpar fuel economy – 20 mpg combined won’t get you far before the next refill.
- Špatná viditelnost – the low seating position compromises the view out. Plus, the blind spots.
- Pohon zadních kol – terrible if you live in a region with snow or inclement weather.
- Omezené bezpečnostní prvky – side airbags aren’t standard.
- Questionable safety – IIHS and NHTSA ratings aren’t available.
- Difficult to park – low seat height and blind spots.
- Meager cargo room – not a car for road trips.
- No rear seats – your second friend in line is out of luck.
- Nákladné pojištění – not unexpected.
The 350z can be a fun weekend and second car after you’ve clocked a few years of driving experience.
First cars should be safe, easy to drive, and inexpensive to operate – the 350z doesn’t fit that description.
Nissan 350z Compared with Better First Cars
- Spotřeba paliva: mpg kombinované (manuální).
- Náklady na údržbu: za rok prům. (RepairPal).
- Bezpečnost (IIHS): 1 (špatné) až 4 (dobré); Průměr testů IIHS.
- Bezpečnost (NHTSA): 1 (špatné) až 5 (nejbezpečnější); NHTSA celkově.
- Viditelnost: výborný, dobrý, průměrný, špatný.
Note that 2013 was the final model year you could get an Altima coupe.
The Altimas are consistently reliable.
If you want higher fuel economy, go for the newer-gen Altima.
2016 Altima and beyond achieved maximum crash test scores, so they should be your pick if your first car must be as safe as it can be.
Nissan Altima Compared with Similar Vehicles
- Spotřeba paliva: mpg město/dálnice/kombinovaný (základní model).
- Spolehlivost: /100; vyšší = méně problémů (JD Power).
- Náklady na údržbu: za rok prům. (RepairPal).
- Bezpečnost (IIHS): 1 (špatné) až 4 (dobré); Průměr testů IIHS.
- Bezpečnost (NHTSA): 1 (špatné) až 5 (nejbezpečnější); NHTSA celkově.
- Viditelnost: výborný, dobrý, průměrný, špatný.
The BRZ (or Toyota 86) or Civic Si is a viable alternative if you want a daily driver with a little more pep.
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#7 Is a Nissan Juke a Good First Car?
The Juke is a hatchback-style subcompact car that had a relatively short run in the US market from 2011 to 2017.
It has a unique but controversial styling that appeals or repels.
- Adequately powerful – all Jukes come with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine that pumps out 188 hp.
- Frugal with gas – 29 mpg combined is respectable for a 188-hp car.
- Elevated seating position – between a hatchback and an SUV; good for new drivers.
- Kompaktní rozměry – nimble around town and easy to park.
- Volitelné AWD – increases the cost but is handy if you drive in poor weather conditions.
That said, a used 2011 Nissan Juke at over $10,000 isn’t as cheap as a used daily driver should be.
The higher-spec all-wheel-drive Juke Nismo has lower ground clearance, poorer gas mileage, stiffer suspension, and a harsher ride, making it less suitable for a daily driver.
Which Nissan Juke Year Is Best as First Cars?
- Bezpečnost (IIHS): 1 (špatné) až 4 (dobré); Průměr testů IIHS.
- Bezpečnost (NHTSA): 1 (špatné) až 5 (nejbezpečnější); NHTSA celkově.
- Spotřeba paliva: mpg city/highway/combined (base model – auto).
- Spolehlivost: /100; vyšší = méně problémů (JD Power).
- připomíná: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
The average annual maintenance cost is $456 for subcompact cars and $466 for subcompact SUVs.
The Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit is a compelling option if you want a low-maintenance subcompact first car.
If a subcompact SUV appeals more, the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Kia Soul are hugely attractive first cars.
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#8 Is the Nissan Kicks a Good First Car?
The Kicks is Nissan’s smallest SUV that debuted in 2018.
- Exceptional fuel economy – 31 city, 36 highway, and 33 combined mpg figures.
- Vynikající výhled ven – the narrow roof pillars and tall side windows help.
- Zvýšená poloha řidiče – as any SUV provides; enhances safe driving.
- Pohon předních kol – sufficient for a teenager’s first daily driver. AWD is better for overall car control but an unnecessary added expense.
- Competitively-priced – when comparing same age subcompact crossovers.
- Kia Soul
- Místo Hyundai
- Průkopník Chevy
- Mazda CX-30
- Hyundai Kona
Alternatively, Nissan Juke is another subcompact you can compare with.
See the overall Nissan vehicles comparison towards the end of this post.
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#9 Is a Nissan Leaf a Good First Car?
2011 to current – electric hatchback; 2018 Leaf was second-gen.
The Nissan Leaf is an electric hatchback.
- Fantastic range – above 200 miles on a full charge.
- No worries about changing oil.
- minimální nároky na údržbu.
- Okamžitý točivý moment – good for city driving.
- Tichá kabina – good news when you spend a lot of time in your daily driver, especially at the end of a tiring day.
- No more queuing at the pump.
- Plenty of driver aids.
That said, a brand-new Nissan Leaf worryingly depreciates 69% after five years because the technology evolves quickly.
To counter the drastic loss in value, opt for a used Nissan Leaf.
Additionally, research the proximity of charging stations to gauge the convenience.
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#10 Is the Nissan Maxima a Good First Car?
The Maxima is a midsize car with a long history, stretching back to 1990 with several design iterations in between.
It is a fine car.
- Špatná spotřeba paliva – many rivals can give you more range.
- Recommended premium gas – the higher 91 octane adds cost.
- Unnecessary engine power – teenagers don’t need a near 300-horsepower V6.
Further, the Maxima is more of an entry-level luxury and sports sedan – not the type for freshly-licensed teenagers.
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Mazda
However, if you can live with the drawbacks, 2003 Nissan Maxima or older has excellent outward visibility on all sides.
It’s a huge positive for new drivers to drive safely.
Plus, they are impeccably reliable.
Nissan Maxima Reliability
- Spolehlivost: /100; vyšší = méně problémů (JD Power).
If you want a subcompact for a daily driver, opt for the Nissan Versa.
The Altima is an excellent choice if you have the budget and need a midsize sedan for your first car.
The Nissan Leaf is the automaker’s cheapest EV if you wish to go electric.
Alternative Makes to Nissan for a Teenager’s First Car
- Honda – Accord, Civic, CR-V.
- Toyota – Camry, Corolla, Yaris, HR-V.
- Mazda – Mazda 6, CX-3, CX-5, CX-30, Miata.
- Subaru – Crosstrek, Forester.
- Ford – Fiesta, Focus.
- Jeep – Renegade, Cherokee, Wrangler.
- Chevy – Trailblazer, Spark.
- Hyundai – Accent, Elantra, Venue, Kona, Tucson.
- Kia – Soul, Sportage, Rio, Forte.
- Volvo – XC-40.
Před nákupem vždy proveďte průzkum, kontrolu a zkušební jízdu.
Reference:
Смотрите видео на тему «is a 370z a good first car» в TikTok (тикток).
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