I’m sad to say (as someone who has owned several fine Nissan proucts in the past), but many Nissan models from the last 10-15 years have pretty awful reliability records. They’ve had some serious engine problems with their 2.5 litre 4 banger (bad head gaskets, pre-cats breaking down and showering metallic bits back into the engine through the EGR system), and also some with their V-8 models. No major tranny issues that I’m aware of (unlike Honda, Ford, GM, Chrysler), but a number of other quality and reliability issues. My ‘96 Sentra was pretty good except for eating an alternator every 60k miles or so, and some corrosion issues. Overall Nissan’s quality and reliability just isn’t in Honda and Toyota’s class.
OTOH, as you say, they actually make some interesting vehicles. Honda’s and Toyota’s cars are dead boring these days, with a few exceptions like the new Accord coupe. Still, boring is not such a bad thing for a daily driver - as long as it’s comfy, reliable, and drives well (my Accord has a good balance between ride and handling, IMO) that’s all I really need.