Buick vs Nissan: Which Is More Reliable?

https://www.findthebestcarprice.com/author-chris-cho

Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.

LinkedinSoundcloud

Are you in the market for a new car and looking for a reliable option? Two popular brands are Buick and Nissan. Buick is known for being positioned in the middle of the market, offering upmarket and polished vehicles with well-designed interiors and simple entertainment systems.

However, some Buicks may need more gas mileage compared to their competitors. Specific models perform admirably in tests, and Buick is considered one of the most reliable domestic brands despite its small model line.

On the other hand, Nissan is a popular choice for those seeking value for their money, offering a variety of sedans, SUVs, and trucks. As you weigh your options, the question of reliability will likely be in your mind.

After taking a closer look at the Buick vs. Nissan Reliability, this article concludes that the Nissan is more reliable than the Buick. Read on to find out how that came to be.

Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Detailed Comparison

Which Is the Best Car: Buick or Nissan?

In pursuing an automobile worthy of one's investment, a question of utmost importance that ensues is which marque, among the diverse options, reigns supreme.

Two brands that have been repeatedly on the radar of many car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike are Buick and Nissan.

Therefore, the pressing question remains, which of these two manufacturers towers over the other in superiority?

Buick, positioned between the mainstream and premium categories, proffers refined vehicles with elegance and finesse, boasting opulent designs and seamlessly integrated entertainment systems.

Nonetheless, some Buick models may fall short in fuel efficiency compared to their contemporaries. Nevertheless, Buick's line of vehicles, though small, has been known to exhibit exceptional reliability.

Like most Japanese cars, Nissan is known for offering value for money. Nissan presents an array of sedans, SUVs, and trucks, each uniquely crafted to cater to various preferences.

As a general rule, Nissan vehicles have been known to be dependable, ensuring that the investment made towards acquiring a Nissan automobile is worthwhile.

The question of which brand is superior must be answered more definitively. While Buick may excel in terms of refinement and elegance, Nissan may dominate in the aspect of value for money.

Nevertheless, both brands have been consistently praised for their exceptional reliability, an essential factor when deciding.

1. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Design

With the Buick, you indulge in an ambiance of supple and sweeping surfaces, where every tone and texture exudes the pinnacle of refinement.

Purposeful amenities are seamlessly integrated into each Buick, effortlessly blending beauty and function while offering conveniences that enable you to navigate life confidently.

Whether it's the hands-free power liftgate that grants you access to your vehicle's cargo area with a simple swipe of the foot, or the wireless smartphone charging that frees you from cords, Buick is designed to tune in to your needs.

Moreover, with flexible cargo space and a model for every lifestyle, Buick has been meticulously crafted to cater to your every need.

Reflecting upon the long-standing history of Japanese creation, one can discern a unique perspective of being Japanese, which encompasses reverence for nature, meaning, and consideration for others' impact. Nissan embodies the Japanese DNA.

In this era of diversification and electrification, the Japanese DNA must adapt to the changing times.

Nissan has reinterpreted this Japanese DNA with a more universal and global perspective, known as the Nissan Design J-DNA. This is critical to their attitude, consideration, design, and action, leading to a better society and a more enjoyable life through cars.

So, whether you prefer the refined elegance of Buick or the unique sensibilities of Nissan, both brands have been designed with your best life in mind.

Winner: Both

2. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Cost

The actual cost of vehicle ownership extends far beyond the initial sticker price. It's essential to consider any car's ongoing maintenance and repair expenses.

Buick cars' repair and maintenance cost for the first decade of ownership is around $9,063. Unfortunately, this figure is $2,249 more than the industry average for other popular brands, indicating a significant difference in the upkeep cost for these vehicles.

There is also a 21.13% chance that a Buick will likely require a significant repair during that time, which is not a tiny percentage to consider.

On the other hand, Nissan models come in at an average maintenance and repair cost of $8,088 during the first ten years of service. This, too, exceeds the industry average by $1,274. However, unlike Buick, Nissan owners can rest a little easier knowing they may have to shell out slightly less over time to keep their vehicles running smoothly.

Winner: Nissan

3. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Durability

RepairPal, a trusted resource in the automotive industry, has given Buick a commendable reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, placing the luxury brand in 13th rank out of 32 manufacturers.

Additionally, with an annual repair cost of $608 compared to the industry-wide average of $652, Buick offers a reasonably affordable cost of ownership.

The esteemed Consumer Reports also released a 2022 car brand ranking, where Buick scored above average in terms of reliability.

With an overall score of 72 out of 100, Buick secured the 11th spot out of 32 car brands. Buick is still the most durable and dependable American brand, even if it falls short of Japanese automakers such as Toyota or Mazda.

On the other hand, Nissan has earned a good reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, putting the automaker at a decent 9th place out of 32 manufacturers, according to RepairPal.

This grade was derived from evaluating the dependability of 245 different car models. Regarding durability, Nissan still ranks above several other cars, such as Subaru and Buick.

Winner: Nissan

4. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Engine

Buick's impressive engine lineup boasts a wide range of options. The 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine yields 237HP with 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6L V6 engine produces 310HP and 268 lb-ft of torque, granting drivers a robust yet comfortable experience.

Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.8L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor yields a combined output of 182HP, thus elevating the power of the Buick engine lineup.

Similarly, Nissan's engines are to be noticed. The 1.6L four-cylinder motor provides 122hp and 114 lb-ft of twist, while the 2.5L four-cylinder engine provides 188hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more substantial power, Nissan's 3.0L V6 engine gives out 300hp and 261 lb-ft of torque.

The LEAF, one of Nissan's most sought-after models, features an electric powertrain consisting of a forty kWh battery pack and 110 kW electric motor, furnishing an impressive range of up to 149 miles.

While Buick engines deliver a smooth and refined driving experience, Nissan engines boast innovative features and cutting-edge technology.

Nissan's engines offer a better balance of power, efficiency, and technology, making them popular among performance enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Nissan's engines take the lead in this comparison, offering a superior combination of performance and technology, making them a popular choice among consumers.

Winner: Nissan

5. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Gas Mileage

The advent of electric technology has opened new avenues for exploration in terms of energy efficiency. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of their gas mileage, coupled with their electric iterations, is warranted.

Buick has established a strong presence in the automotive space and continues to show progress in fuel economy through models such as the Encore GX, which boasts an impressive city/highway combined mpg of up to 31/33.

The Buick Envision, a more significant offering, offers an estimated 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The Buick Enclave, the largest of the trio, attains a fuel economy of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

Regarding electric offerings, the Buick brand offers the Buick Velite 6, an electric vehicle with an exceptional range of up to 285 miles on a single charge.

On the contrary, Nissan, a trailblazer in electric vehicle technology, proffers an assemblage of fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles and commendable electric cars.

The Nissan Altima affords an admirable fuel economy of up to 28 miles per gallon (mpg) in urban areas and 39 mpg on the interstate, rendering it an impressive option.

The Nissan Sentra follows closely with a rating of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, evincing an exceptional performance.

The Nissan Maxima, the most sizable model of the trio, demonstrates a fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, which is still decent for its class.

For those seeking a more environmentally friendly alternative, Nissan presents the Nissan LEAF, equipped with an impressive range of up to 149 miles on a solitary charge, serving as a commendable option.

From the previous, it is evident that both Buick and Nissan offer various fuel-efficient options. Nevertheless, the Buick Velite 6 surpasses the Nissan LEAF by a substantial margin in terms of electric range.

Winner: Both

6. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Technology

The next-generation Buick Infotainment System boasts cutting-edge features, including hands-free texting, an enhanced Connected Navigation system, and seamless Bluetooth smartphone pairing.

Additionally, the myBuick mobile app allows users to remotely perform several vehicle functions, such as remote engine start, door lock and unlock, tire pressure check, and real-time diagnostics.

With the available Alexa Built-in, drivers can use their voice to play music, get directions, place calls, and more. SiriusXM satellite radio and Spotify in-vehicle app are also available to elevate the driving experience.

For parents, the Teen Driver mode helps monitor their teen's driving behaviors and improve safety, while an automated collision-avoidance system contributes to reducing traffic accidents and advancing autonomous driving.

On the other hand, Nissan boasts high-quality battery technology for electric vehicles, advanced driver assistance, and safety features.

The ProPILOT system, installed in many cars, enables hands-off single-lane driving. The brand seeks to optimize the human-machine interface through extensive driving simulations and testing.

Winner: Buick

7. Buick vs. Nissan Reliability: Safety

Buick offers several safety features to keep drivers and passengers safe. One of these features is the Available Front Pedestrian Braking, which can detect when a pedestrian is directly ahead and provide audio and visual alerts to the driver.

If a collision is imminent and the driver has not applied the brakes, the system may automatically apply them.

Another feature Buick offers is the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. It provides side-mirror alerts to help drivers avoid collisions with vehicles in their blind spot or approaching from their blind spot during a lane change maneuver.

The Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning can gently steer the vehicle to avoid unintentional lane departures and provide lane departure warnings if necessary.

Additionally, Buick SUVs offer safety features such as the Rear-Cross Traffic Alert Safety Feature, which provides alerts when approaching left or right cross traffic is detected while in reverse.

The Automatic Emergency Braking with Forward Collision Alert Safety Feature can help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision with a detected vehicle.

The Follow Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Feature, detects if the vehicle is following too closely to a moving vehicle and provides the "following gap time" in seconds.

Buick's Intellibeam Smart Light Feature detects lighting conditions and other vehicles and turns high beams on and off as needed, providing optimal visibility on the road ahead.

Nissan vehicles are known for their reliability and safety, with many models achieving four or 5-star ratings in multiple crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Regular maintenance can help extend the life of Nissan vehicles even further, as evidenced by a 2007 Nissan Frontier that once reached one million miles.

Winner: Nissan

Final Verdict

Based on the available information obtained from this piece, it is easy to draw a definitive conclusion regarding Buick vs. Nissan's reliability.

The Nissan is more reliable than the Buick. The Nissan ranks higher in affordability, durability, engine, et cetera.