I've owned a 2011 Nissan Sentra since it only had 10 miles. It's been 15 years and the only repairs I have had to do were my own mistakes (hitting curbs and such). I've only ever changed the bands once, but never touched anything else on the engine. The AC/Heater work the same as day 1. One of my windows won't go down with its own button, but I can still control it from the driver side. I've done basic maintenence, oil changes, new brake pads, new windshield wipers, etc. But haven't needed any major work done. Even the batteries have lasted in the car (though this specific year and model had a recall for faulty battery terminals).
The first 10 years or so, I drove it EVERYWHERE in CA. Road trips every weekend and driving through not small car friendly terrain.
In the 15 years, I crashed it twice. No serious injuries and no car blowing up (I've heard so many rumors that Nissans blow in accidents.. they don't anymore than any other car would). It's running a little funky now for the past 2 years, but again, completely my fault. The last crash was full speed at a curb and damaged the mainframe.
It's a little over 200,000 miles and I'm finally looking to get a new car, but im scared I won't find one as reliable. I've had this car since I was 18, I'm 32 now!