Nissan a Good First Car? (350z, 370z, SX, ZX, Altima + More)
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.
Unless you can find a still-healthy Nissan 240SX with verifiable service history, it is a little too old now and a poor choice for a first car:
- Questionable reliability – three decades old and counting.
- Rear-wheel-drive – unsuitable for new drivers and difficult to control in slippery conditions.
- Poor gas mileage – 21 mpg combined will make refills costly.
- Low ground clearance – 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.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan 240SX | 155 hp | 21 | $396 | NA | 4/5 | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Hyundai Veloster | 138-147 hp | 31 auto | $493 | 3.4/4 | NA | Average |
The Civic Si has enough power for some spirited driving but insufficient to get you into trouble.
Plus, it’s a Honda, and it’s current; you can keep running costs in check.
#2 Is a Nissan 300ZX a Good First Car?
The 300ZX is one of Nissan’s 90s sports coupes with a turbo option.
If the 240SX was poor, the Nissan 300ZX with more power is a terrible first car:
- Not a safe car – the 300ZXs are three decades old now (or older). Safety tech has come a long way since.
- Too powerful – close to 300 hp is dangerous for inexperienced drivers.
- Rear-wheel-drive – teenagers should opt for the cheaper and safer FWD.
- Low ground clearance – 5.1 inches; higher than 240sx’s 4.3 inches, but lower than a Civic’s 6.7 inches.
- Impractical daily driver – it’s a two-seater (or a tight two-plus-two); a problem if you regularly need to carry passengers.
- Miserable fuel economy – sub-20 mpg.
- Relatively expensive maintenance – repair costs will only increase.
- Costly insurance – an old and unsafe car plus a young driver don’t combine well.
Look for an approximately ten-year-old vehicle if you’re getting a used car for your first daily driver (not the 300ZX) – old enough to drive prices down, but not so ancient that you live in fear of the next expensive repair.
Plus, exceedingly old cars aren’t as safe.
Safety first – always!
Nissan 300ZX Compared with Better First Cars
The competition below has more power than the regular sedan but has a ride that’s compliant enough for daily commute.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan 300ZX | 222-300 hp | 18 | $471 | NA | 3/5 | Good |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Hyundai Veloster | 138-147 hp | 31 auto | $493 | 3.4/4 | NA | Average |
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.
Still, in the context of first cars, the Nissan 350z is an awful choice with its subpar credentials:
- Subpar fuel economy – 20 mpg combined won’t get you far before the next refill.
- Poor visibility – the low seating position compromises the view out. Plus, the blind spots.
- Rear-wheel-drive – terrible if you live in a region with snow or inclement weather.
- Limited safety features – 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.
- Costly insurance – 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
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan 350z | 306 hp | 20 | $452 | NA | NA | Poor |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
If you find it impossible to contemplate a used Corolla or Civic, perhaps the Civic Si can quench your desire for speed but not enough to get you into trouble.
#4 Is a Nissan 370z a Good First Car?
Introduced in 2009, the 370z succeeded the 350z.
It is still a V6 but with more power – 332 horses, which is more potent than the 2010 V8 Mustang.
If the 350z is bad for teenagers, the more powerful 370z is an appalling pick for a first car:
- Too powerful – over 300 hp is excessive and dangerous for a first car.
- Too fast – it’s worth repeating the fact to drive home the message.
- Rear-wheel-drive – a car that sends 300 hp through an RWD drivetrain is beyond a new driver’s ability to control, especially in slippery conditions.
- Harsh ride – its performance tuning makes it unsuitable for daily commute.
- Poor visibility – the low-slung driving position doesn’t help when parking or changing lanes safely.
- Not for nighttime driving – the low seating position means the light from most vehicles in the opposite direction is constantly hitting your eyes.
- Impractical – it’s a two-seater; unless you implement a strict no-family-in-the-car policy.
- Limited trunk space – you will need to do grocery shopping and road trips at some point.
- Questionable safety – crash test data isn’t available for scrutiny.
- It’s prohibitively expensive – around $20,000 still for the oldest 370z.
The 370z is an excellent sports car and looks cool, but getting a 370z for a first car is pure madness.
Nissan 370z Compared with Better First Cars
Something a little docile, perhaps?
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan 370z | 332 hp | 20 | $504 | NA | NA | Poor |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Honda Civic | 110-158 hp | 33 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The BRZ and Civic Si can give you a sportier feel than regular daily drivers.
Still, a dependable and cheap vehicle like the base Honda Civic is most suitable for a teenager getting the first car.
#5 Is a Nissan Altima a Good First Car?
The Altima has a long history stretching back to its 1993 debut.
Today, it is an appealing midsize sedan with a distinctive style that is a match for its more illustrious Honda and Toyota counterparts.
The Nissan Altima is competitive in the midsize segment and an excellent first car:
- Strong reliability – competitive in its class.
- Superior fuel economy – over 30 mpg combined is thrifty for a midsize car.
- Inexpensive maintenance – $483 per year when the segment average is $526.
- Excellent visibility – good view out on all sides for the driver makes driving safer.
- First-rate safety – good ratings in the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests.
- Comfortable drive – good for short and long trips.
- Roomy interior – fits four passengers comfortably.
- Optional AWD – available as an option on newer Altimas; good for driving in poor weather conditions.
- Affordable insurance costs.
Which Altima Year Is Best as First Cars?
Nissan vehicles are reliable, so which Altima year should you choose?
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Recalls |
| 2022 Altima | 4/4 | NA | 28/39/32 | NA | NA |
| 2021 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | 1 |
| 2020 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/39/32 | 81/100 | 4 |
| 2019 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 28/39/32 | 83/100 | 5 |
| 2018 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 27/38/31 | 82/100 | 2 |
| 2017 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 27/39/31 | 83/100 | 3 |
| 2016 Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | 27/39/31 | 83/100 | 4 |
| 2015 Altima | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | 27/37/31 | 83/100 | 10 |
| 2014 Altima | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | 27/37/31 | 82/100 | 8 |
| 2013 Altima | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | 27/38/31 | 79/100 | 12 |
| 2012 Altima | 3.5/4 | 4/5 | 23/32/26 | 83/100 | 4 |
| 2011 Altima | 3.5/4 | 4/5 | 23/32/26 | 81/100 | 1 |
| 2010 Altima | 3.5/4 | NA | 23/32/27 | 82/100 | 3 |
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
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan Altima | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $483 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Honda Accord | 30/38/33 | 82/100 | $400 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Toyota Camry | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $388 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Mazda Mazda6 | 26/35/29 | 82/100 | $481 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The average yearly maintenance cost for midsize cars is $526.
All the cars listed are inexpensive to maintain and have comparable reliability.
If you want the cheapest to maintain and highest gas mileage, choose Toyota Camry.
If you want a stylish midsize sedan with a quality interior, opt for the Mazda6.
Otherwise, they are all excellent first cars.
#6 Is a Nissan (Skyline) GT-R a Good First Car?
The GT-Rs were some of the best performance cars when they debuted in 2009 but have only been receiving updates ever since.
Some use the names GT-R and Skyline interchangeably, which is imprecise.
To clear the confusion:
- R32 (1989 – 1994), R33 (1995 – 1998), and R34 (1999 – 2002) are Skyline GT-Rs – there were the standard Skyline coupes and the higher-performance AWD Skyline GTRs.
- R35 is GT-R (without ‘Skyline’; 2009 – today)
The Skyline GT-Rs were not sold in the US due to import laws, although any car over 25 years old (from its original registration) may be imported.
The 2009 GT-R was the first time the legendary car became available stateside.
It was an ambitious project, targeting the Porsche 911 Turbo as the benchmark, and succeeded; it’s reasonably priced for such a high-performance sports car.
While its high-performance capability makes it an exciting sports car, the Nissan GT-R (or even the older Skylines) is a terrible first car for teenagers:
- Excessively powerful V6 – 500-plus horsepower is too much for an inexperienced driver to handle safely.
- Too expensive for a first car – the cheapest and oldest Nissan GT-R (2009) will cost you more than $20,000.
- Gas guzzler – 18 mpg combined is disappointing when you drive it daily.
- Low ground clearance – 4.3 inches, to be exact. A Honda Civic has 6.7 inches. It’s not a comforting idea to imagine the car negotiating bumps, humps, and potholes.
- Hefty curb weight – close to 3,900 lbs (1,770 kg). Compare it to the Honda Civic’s 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg).
- Average visibility – the low driver’s seat is a disadvantage when you need to reverse or change lanes safely.
- Impractical rear seats – better for cargo than passengers.
- Expensive parts – plus, they’re hard to get.
- Expensive insurance.
The earlier Skylines (R32, R33, and R34) still produce 276 hp and are decades old now, making them a bad first car for teenagers needing a safe and reliable daily driver.
Nissan GT-R Compared with Better First Cars
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (manual).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan GT-R | 473-600 hp | 18 | $920 | NA | NA | Average |
| Subaru BRZ | 205-228 hp | 24 | $672 | 3.8/4 | NA | Good |
| Honda Civic Si | 197-205 hp | 30 | $368+ | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
The BRZ (or Toyota 86) or Civic Si is a viable alternative if you want a daily driver with a little more pep.
#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.
The Nissan Juke is good for a first car, as long as you stick to the base Juke and skip the Nismo:
- 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.
- Compact dimensions – nimble around town and easy to park.
- Optional 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?
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model – auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Recalls: NHTSA or manufacturer-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Recalls |
| 2017 Juke | 3.4/4 | NA | 28/32/29 | 82/100 | 1 |
| 2016 Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | 28/32/29 | 77/100 | 1 |
| 2015 Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | 28/32/29 | 82/100 | 1 |
| 2014 Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | 27/31/29 | 84/100 | 2 |
| 2013 Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | 27/31/29 | 81/100 | 2 |
| 2012 Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | 27/32/29 | 79/100 | 4 |
| 2011 Juke | 3.4/4 | NA | 28/32/29 | 77/100 | 3 |
A short run without redesign in between means the oldest and newest Juke don’t differ much.
How reliable the Juke you’re eyeing will depend on its service history, so please inspect before buying.
Nissan Juke Compared with Similar Vehicles
Interestingly, Nissan Juke is part subcompact, part SUV, and part sports car, so the competition is a mixed bag.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| Nissan Juke | 28/32/29 | 82/100 | $548 | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | Average |
| Toyota Yaris | 32/40/35 | 80/100 | $333 | 4.0/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Ford Fiesta | 27/37/31 | 71/100 | $552 | 3.6/4 | 4/5 | Good |
| Honda Fit | 33/40/36 | 79/100 | $390 | 4.0/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Kia Soul | 27/32/29 | 84/100 | $437 | 4/4 | 4/5 | Excellent |
| Mazda CX-3 | 29/34/31 | 75/100 | $345 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average |
| Honda HR-V | 27/31/29 | 79/100 | $301 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Jeep Renegade | 24/32/27 | 77/100 | $498 | 3.8/4 | 4/5 | Average |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 22/29/25 | 80/100 | $492 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
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.
#8 Is the Nissan Kicks a Good First Car?
The Kicks is Nissan’s smallest SUV that debuted in 2018.
It may not be the best subcompact SUV in engine performance, but the Nissan Kicks come with positives that make it a good first car:
- Exceptional fuel economy – 31 city, 36 highway, and 33 combined mpg figures.
- Excellent outward visibility – the narrow roof pillars and tall side windows help.
- Elevated driving position – as any SUV provides; enhances safe driving.
- Front-wheel-drive – 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.
If you like the Nissan Kicks for your first car, consider these alternatives before deciding:
- Kia Soul
- Hyundai Venue
- Chevy Trailblazer
- 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.
#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.
Electric vehicles have pros and cons, but the pros are consistent with the needs of a teenager, making the Nissan Leaf an excellent first car:
- Fantastic range – above 200 miles on a full charge.
- No worries about changing oil.
- Minimal maintenance.
- Instant torque – good for city driving.
- Quiet cabin – 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.
#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.
But considering the exciting options you have in the midsize car segment, the Nissan Maxima isn’t an ideal first car because of:
- Poor fuel economy – 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.
Better alternatives to the Maxima as a first car include:
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
Table Guide:
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2021 Maxima | 88/100 |
| 2020 Maxima | 87/100 |
| 2019 Maxima | 86/100 |
| 2018 Maxima | 85/100 |
| 2017 Maxima | 84/100 |
| 2016 Maxima | 85/100 |
| 2015 Maxima | NA |
| 2014 Maxima | 84/100 |
| 2013 Maxima | 82/100 |
| 2012 Maxima | 83/100 |
| 2011 Maxima | 81/100 |
| 2010 Maxima | 82/100 |
| 2009 Maxima | 83/100 |
| 2008 Maxima | 80/100 |
| 2007 Maxima | 81/100 |
80/100 is a respectable average score, so Maxima’s ultra-reliable stature is great news for first car shoppers.
#11 Is a Nissan Micra a Good First Car?
The Nissan Micra is one of Nissan’s oldest models, dating back to 1982.
It’s a four-door subcompact car and is available in the UK, Canada, and most parts of the world – except the US.
Super-small vehicles typically aren’t the safest, but for teenagers on a small budget, the Nissan Micra is generally a good first car:
- Outstanding fuel economy – real-world mid-30s mpg combined (or around 15 km/liter, or 7 liters/100km).
- Good safety ratings – full 5 stars from Euro NCAP, although 4 stars without the safety pack.
- Diminutive size – a nimble city car that’s easy to park for teenagers.
However, be mindful of these negatives if you’re considering the Micra as your first car:
- Poor visibility – relatively short windows on all sides hurt the driver’s view out.
- Middling reliability – the later Micras are less reliable; CarBuyer UK ranked it #63 out of 100 in their 2019 survey.
Viable alternatives to the Micra include:
#12 Is a Nissan Pathfinder a Good First Car?
The Pathfinder is a midsize three-row SUV with decades-long history, covering five generations – from 1985 to today.
For teenage drivers looking to get their first car, the Nissan Pathfinder isn’t ideal:
- Dismal range – a twenty-year-old Pathfinder returns sub-20 mpg combined. It only improves slightly with newer models.
- Large dimensions – difficult to park and maneuver.
- Average maintenance costs – $542 per year is manageable when midsize SUVs average $573.
Depending on the model year you’re reviewing, the specifications vary significantly.
You should only consider a three-row SUV if you need the room.
#13 Is a Nissan Qashqai (or Rogue Sport) a Good First Car?
The Nissan Qashqai is a small crossover SUV that began production in 2006, and was available in many countries except the US.
That changed in 2017 when the third-generation Qashqai was rebadged as the Nissan Rogue Sport for its American debut.
Overall, the Nissan Qashqai (and Rogue Sport) is a good first car with several positives for teenager drivers:
- Excellent visibility – large windshield and tall side windows.
- Plenty of safety features – automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, driver and passenger airbags.
- Topnotch safety scores – Euro NCAP scored the Qashqai 5/5, while the IIHS and NHTSA gave the Rogue Sport top ratings.
- Good fuel economy – 40 mpg (17 km/l) combined for the Qashqai, although less for the Rogue Sport.
- Average reliability – Nissans, as a whole, aren’t as reliable as their Japanese and Korean rivals.
Research and test-drive these competitors before deciding:
#14 Is a Nissan Sentra a Good First Car?
Nissan Sentra is a compact and economical sedan.
It has its merits and is worth considering.
Despite the competition it’s up against and the plentiful choices you have, the Nissan Sentra is reasonably good for a first car – except for some drawbacks:
- Good size for a first car – any compact vehicle is easy to drive and park.
- Good visibility – the slim pillars and large windows all around aid outward views.
- Good gas mileage – over 30 mpg combined, although the Civic and Corolla can do better.
- Average reliability – the transmission is Sentra’s worst problem.
- Relatively low resale value – a brand-new Sentra loses 56% after five years; the Civic or Corolla only depreciates 38% to 39% in the same period.
Avoid 2013 and 2014 Nissan Sentras as they are the most problematic.
Direct competitors to the Nissan Sentra worth considering include:
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
- Hyundai Elantra
- Kia Forte
#15 Is a Nissan Versa a Good First Car?
The Versa started as a hatchback in 2007 but has seen significant redesigns in 2012 and 2020 when the sedan body style became available.
It dropped the hatchback in 2020.
Used Versas are available as sedans and hatchbacks, and both would make good first cars, although the newer Nissan Versa sedan is the better pick:
- Outstanding gas mileage – 35 mpg combined; on par with segment leaders.
- Good outward visibility – supports safe driving.
- Roomy interior – surprisingly roomy for a subcompact.
- Plentiful driver aids – front and side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, and traction and stability control are standard.
- Topnotch safety ratings – the 2020-gen Versa received full marks in the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, although the 2012-gen one didn’t.
That said, the Versa has several rivals worth considering:
- Chevy Spark
- Hyundai Accent
- Toyota Yaris
- Kia Rio
- Mini Cooper
#16 Is a Nissan Xterra a Good First Car?
The Xterra is a truck-based five-passenger midsize SUV, with 2015 being its final model year.
It is a competent off-road SUV, but less so on the asphalt.
Midsize SUVs are less ideal as a first car than small SUVs, making the now-discontinued Nissan Xterra an uninspired choice for a teenager’s first vehicle.
- Miserable gas mileage – below 20 mpg combined is a gas guzzler.
- Huge and heavy – it lumbers around tight turns and steers like a large vehicle that it is.
- Less comfortable on pavement – not the ideal city car.
- Not the safest vehicles – 3 out of 5 stars in the NHTSA rollover tests should leave you with concerns.
If you like the Xterra as your first car, consider these competitors before deciding:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Cherokee
- Subaru Forester
Comparison: Best Nissan for a First Car
See the table below on how the various Nissan models compare in the areas that matter for a first vehicle.
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base model). MPGe = mpg equivalent.
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
| Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | |
| 350z | NA | NA | Poor | 20 combined | NA | $452 |
| 370z | NA | NA | Poor | 20 combined | NA | $504 |
| GT-R | NA | NA | Average | 18 combined | NA | $920 |
| Juke | 3.4/4 | 4/5 | Average | 28/32/29 | 82/100 | $548 |
| Versa | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | 32/40/35 | 82/100 | $456 |
| Sentra | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good | 29/37/32 | 86/100 | $491 |
| Altima | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent | 28/39/32 | 82/100 | $483 |
| Maxima | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average | 18/26/21 | 87/100 | $540 |
| Leaf (EV) | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average | 112 MPGe | 81/100 | $748 |
| Kicks | 4/4 | 4/5 | Excellent | 31/36/33 | 78/100 | NA |
| Rogue Sport | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent | 25/32/28 | 85/100 | NA |
| Rogue | 4/4 | 4/5 | Excellent | 30/37/33 | 81/100 | $467 |
| Pathfinder | 3.8/4 | 5/5 | Good | 21/26/23 | 81/100 | $542 |
| Xterra | 3.2/4 | NA | Good | 16/22/18 | 78/100 | $514 |
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
Based on the Nissan vehicles that make good first cars, other choices are aplenty:
- 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.
Always do your research, inspect, and test drive before buying.
References:
https://www.kbb.com/car-values/
https://www.drifted.com/nissan-skyline-illegal-united-states/
