When shopping for a reliable car, many American buyers narrow their choices down to two popular Japanese brands: Honda and Nissan. Both offer affordable sedans, SUVs, and crossovers that are known for practicality and comfort. But when it comes to the bigger financial picture, the question remains: Honda vs Nissan, which brand has lower long-term ownership costs?
The answer is not as straightforward as looking at sticker prices. Factors like reliability, annual maintenance costs, resale value, and safety technology all play a major role in determining how much you’ll spend over five or even ten years of ownership. For budget-conscious buyers, this comparison could mean saving thousands of dollars over time.
In this article, we’ll break down ownership costs with data from trusted sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, and Edmunds. By the end, you’ll know which brand offers the better value for your lifestyle, whether you’re a student buying your first car, a family looking for a safe SUV, or a commuter searching for long-term savings.
Quick Overview of Honda and Nissan in the U.S.
Honda and Nissan are two of the most established Japanese automakers in the U.S. market.
- Honda consistently ranks among the top five brands in reliability and resale value, with models like the Accord and CR-V leading sales.
- Nissan remains a strong competitor, often offering lower upfront prices on models such as the Altima and Rogue.
According to industry data, Honda sold over 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2023, while Nissan moved about 725,000. This gap reflects Honda’s stronger brand loyalty and higher resale values, but Nissan continues to attract budget-conscious buyers with competitive pricing and frequent dealer incentives.
Key Factors to Consider
Reliability & Durability
Consumer Reports consistently places Honda above Nissan in reliability rankings. Models like the Honda Accord, Civic, and CR-V often score higher in long-term durability tests. Nissan has improved in recent years, particularly with the Rogue, but some older models have struggled with transmission issues.
Maintenance & Repair Costs
According to RepairPal, Honda’s average annual maintenance cost is about $428, while Nissan averages around $500. Over five years, that’s a difference of nearly $400. While not huge, it adds up when combined with other ownership factors.
Resale Value in the USA
Kelley Blue Book shows Honda vehicles typically retain 55–60% of their value after five years, while Nissan models average closer to 45–50%. This means Honda owners lose less money to depreciation, making the brand a better choice for resale or trade-in.
Safety & Technology Features
Both brands now include advanced safety features as standard. Honda’s Sensing Suite and Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 offer technologies like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Honda often integrates these features more consistently across trims, while Nissan sometimes reserves advanced tech for higher trims.
Comparison Table: Honda vs Nissan Ownership Costs (2025)
| Model (2025) | Starting MSRP | 5-Year Maintenance | 5-Year Depreciation | Safety Features | Reliability Score (CR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | $28,000 | ~$2,100 | ~45% depreciation | Honda Sensing | Above Average |
| Nissan Altima | $27,500 | ~$2,500 | ~50–55% depreciation | Safety Shield | Average |
| Honda CR-V | $30,500 | ~$2,200 | ~42% depreciation | Honda Sensing | Above Average |
| Nissan Rogue | $29,000 | ~$2,600 | ~48–50% depreciation | Safety Shield | Average |
Pros and Cons of Honda
Pros
- Higher reliability scores
- Lower average maintenance costs
- Strong resale value
- Consistently high safety ratings
Cons
- Higher upfront prices compared to Nissan
- Fewer dealer incentives or discounts
Pros and Cons of Nissan
Pros
- Lower entry prices on many models
- Attractive financing and lease offers
- Comfortable interiors with modern tech
Cons
- Higher depreciation rates
- Slightly more expensive to maintain long term
- Reliability less consistent across models
Who Should Choose Honda vs Nissan?
- College Students or First-Time Buyers: Nissan offers lower upfront prices and easier financing, making it appealing for limited budgets.
- Families Seeking Safety and Long-Term Value: Honda’s CR-V and Odyssey deliver better resale and reliability, saving money over time.
- Daily Commuters: Honda sedans like the Accord or Civic are more fuel-efficient and durable for long-term use.
- Budget-Conscious SUV Buyers: Nissan Rogue and Pathfinder often come with stronger dealer incentives, making them more affordable in the short term.
Expert Opinions & Customer Reviews
- According to a J.D. Power 2024 Dependability Study, Honda ranked higher than Nissan in overall dependability after three years of ownership.
- Edmunds owner reviews often highlight Honda’s strong resale value, while Nissan owners appreciate the affordability of entry-level trims.
- A customer review from a Honda CR-V owner in California noted: “After five years, my Honda still drives like new and has barely lost value.”
- A Nissan Altima owner in Texas commented: “I saved thousands upfront compared to a Honda, but the resale wasn’t as strong when I traded it in.”
Final Verdict: Is Honda or Nissan Worth It in 2025?
For buyers focused on long-term ownership costs, Honda comes out ahead thanks to higher reliability, lower maintenance costs, and stronger resale value. Nissan is still an excellent choice for those who prioritize lower upfront costs and short-term affordability, but Honda ultimately provides better savings over the full ownership cycle.
