If you’re shopping for a new car this year, here’s some great news—Nissan is toping the charts for quality! In the “39th annual” J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), Nissan earned the honor of being the highest-ranking mass-market brand with a standout score of 169 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)—beating the mass-market average of 187 PP100. That means for every 100 new Nissans sold, there were fewer problems than nearly every other mainstream brand. In simple terms: Nissan owners are dealing with fewer headaches during those all-important early months.

J.D. Power surveys drivers around 90 days after purchase. People answer 227 questions across 10 areas, like infotainment, seats, powertrain, climate, exterior, and more. Think of it as a road‑test survey that tracks how many issues pop up when the car is fresh off the lot. A lower PP100 score is better—like a lower golf score. Nissan’s 169 PP100 is just two spots behind Lexus (166 PP100), which is mostly a luxury brand. That’s huge for a mainstream company.

J.D. Power’s press release points out: “While customers do find the larger touchscreens visually appealing, their functionality within the vehicle is an increasing source of frustration… By retaining dedicated physical controls for some of these interactions, automakers can alleviate pain points and simplify the overall customer experience.” This means Nissan has been focusing on keeping control buttons simple and easy to use—helping them avoid typical touchscreen complaints that hurt other brands. And in a Nissan-specific statement: “Safe, durable and reliable – we’re proud to rank highest among Mass‑Market brands in the J.D. Powers U.S. 2025 Initial Quality Study.” Those words—safe, durable, reliable—sum up why Nissan stands out in early quality.

It’s not just Nissan overall. Specific models won their categories: Nissan Sentra is the top compact car, and Nissan Altima leads the midsize car class. These wins matter—local Akron buyers love reliable sedans for daily drives, school runs, or highway trips. A Sentra or Altima means stepping into an award‑winning car built to last from Day One.

Fewer early problems — You’ll likely face fewer issues during those key first months. Enjoyable tech — Nissan’s clear infotainment layout means less frustration with screens and under‑used touchscreen controls. Peace of mind — When a car brand ranks high in quality, you get confidence—not just when driving, but when it comes time for service and trade‑in. Value for money — Sentra and Altima went head‑to‑head with pricier models—and came out on top.

Test-drive both Sentra and Altima: Feel the comfort, control layout, and visibility. Compare to any other brand. Ask about physical controls: Locate the dedicated heating/cooling buttons and volume knobs—this is part of what helped Nissan win. Explore trim options: Consider the upgraded tech packages, but pay attention to designs that keep usability simple. Talk with our service team: Quality isn’t just factory-made. Ask about ways we keep your car running smooth, like routine inspections or early recall alerts. Ask for local owner stories: Our Akron customers often say things like “no early surprises” or “smooth from Day One.” Just ask our sales reps for real customer experiences.

Best for commuters: The Sentra is perfect if you’re driving 20+ miles daily. It’s efficient, compact, and packed with comfort and convenience. Best for families & road trips: Go with the Altima for more room, advanced safety tech, and a smooth, confident ride. Looking to upgrade affordably? Ask about our current Nissan specials—we regularly offer promotional pricing and financing options tailored for local buyers.

Here’s how to enjoy a stress-free car shopping experience: Step 1: Stop by and get comfortable in the Nissan Sentra or Altima. Step 2: Try out the controls and tech—see how intuitive they are. Step 3: Ask us how Nissan compares in owner satisfaction and reliability. Step 4: Drive home in a top-rated vehicle for less than you’d expect.

Worried about long-term care? Nissan vehicles are J.D. Power quality-checked for the first 90 days, and regular inspections and service help maintain reliability for years to come.

In the 2025 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, Nissan led all mass-market brands with just 169 problems per 100 vehicles. Their simple, user-friendly tech and focus on reducing touchscreen issues helped them stand out across the board. That’s peace of mind for every Akron driver: you’re getting a car that’s well-built, easy to use, and ready to go the distance.

Whether you’re after fuel efficiency, family comfort, or affordable tech, the Nissan Sentra and Altima are two top-rated choices.

At Fred Martin Nissan, we’re proud to be part of the Akron community, offering vehicles backed by award-winning manufacturing and trusted local service.