When it comes to new cars, first impressions are everything. That initial 90-day period, when the new-car smell is still fresh and you’re discovering all the bells and whistles, is critical. A single annoying rattle or a glitchy infotainment screen can sour the whole ownership experience. It seems Nissan has been paying incredibly close attention to these crucial first moments, as the brand has just stormed the podium in the prestigious J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Nissan has been ranked as the highest-performing Mass-Market brand, a significant achievement that also saw it place second in the entire industry, outperforming many premium marques. The J.D. Power IQS is the furthest thing from a marketing fluff piece; it’s a rigorous, independent benchmark, now in its 39th year, that drills down into the real-world experiences of new car owners within their first three months of driving.
The study’s methodology is straightforward: it surveys tens of thousands of purchasers and lessees of new 2025 model-year vehicles, tracking every issue they encounter. The final score is calculated on a “problems per 100 vehicles” (PP100) basis, where a lower score signifies higher quality. Nissan achieved the lowest PP100 score among all its Mass-Market competitors, demonstrating a clear focus on improving quality and the customer experience. The study is exhaustive, covering 223 specific problem areas across nine categories, from build quality and driving experience to features and infotainment systems.
This wasn’t just a general brand win; several key models put in stellar individual performances:
- Nissan Altima: Took the top spot in the competitive Midsize Car segment.
- Nissan Sentra: Ranked highest among all Compact Cars.
- Nissan Rogue, Frontier, and Pathfinder: All secured top-three positions in their respective segments.
For us here in New Zealand, it’s worth noting the Rogue is the American-market version of our popular X-TRAIL, while the Frontier is their equivalent of the Navara ute. Seeing these core platforms perform so well in a study of this magnitude is certainly reassuring for local buyers considering these models.
Ultimately, this win in the J.D. Power IQS validates Nissan’s “customer-centric commitment to producing vehicles that deliver quality and customer satisfaction”. While this is a U.S.-based study, the results reflect a global manufacturing and design philosophy that prioritises getting things right from the very start. It’s a strong signal that when it comes to initial quality, Nissan is a brand hitting its stride.
