Not too up on Nissans...need help buying

I'm trying to buy my wife a used car. Can't find her a Honda like I won't, but it was suggested I try Nissans, because they're said to also be reliable cars. However, I'm not too up on Nissans, so I don't know which cars have durable engines (with the exception of 300 and 200 series). What are some of the better models I should be looking at?

I think Nissans are reliable as a whole. There are some bad ones( that goes without saying) The Maxima is a nice car. I'm Biased though. I have one and I'll keep it untill it falls apart. THe VQ30DEand the VQ35DE are wonderful engines. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

Yeah, what's your price range?

For under $15k, I'd say go for a 2000-2001 Sentra SE 2.0. It's got the wonderful and legendary SR20 engine, gets great gas mileage, lots of trunk space and four doors. You should be able to find one for about $6-9K. If you're looking for a larger car, DEFINITELY look at a used Maxima. EVERY generation of Maxima has been top-notch.

If you're looking for something for around $20k or so, look at a 2002(and up) Altima 3.5 SE. Those cars look nice, are big, and are FAST!

As for engine durability, the SR20 and the VQ30 are superb. Don't know about the lifetime length of the VQ35 though. It's too new. Definitely stay away from a 2002 Sentra SE-R Spec-V. The 2002 models had TONS of engine problems. I'd say stay away from the 2.5 liter engine entirely. It's in the SE-R Spec-V, Altima 2.5 S, and the Sentra 2.5.