Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Versa Note is the hatchback version of the subcompact Versa sedan. Previously known simply as the Versa hatchback, it got a new name when the redesigned model bowed for 2014. The Versa Note boasts a roomy interior, good fuel economy and an unusually low base price.

Given its tepid driving dynamics and underwhelming cabin quality, though, the Versa Note isn't a top pick among small, affordable hatchbacks. Rivals like the Honda Fit and Kia Soul have a wider range of talents. But money talks, and there's a good chance that Nissan's little runabout will be the most affordable car on your list. If you're looking for a spacious hatchback on the cheap, take note.

Current Nissan Versa Note
The Nissan Versa Note is a four-door hatchback offered in S, S Plus and SV trim levels. The S sticks to the bare necessities, providing steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, manual windows and locks and a four-speaker sound system. The S Plus gets a standard CVT (continuously variable transmission), cruise control and active grille shutters to aid fuel economy. The SV adds full power accessories, upgraded interior trim and gauges, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Optional extras on the SV are largely bundled into packages and include keyless ignition/entry, a rearview camera, two different touchscreen interfaces (measuring 4.3 inches or 5.8 inches), a navigation system, a 360-degree parking camera system, a USB/iPod input and Bluetooth streaming audio.

All Versa Notes are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is mandatory on the base S trim, while the other trims are equipped with the CVT. The best fuel economy comes from selecting the CVT.

In reviews and ratings, we've commented favorably on the Versa Note's astoundingly roomy backseat. Based on the car's pint-sized dimensions, you'd expect two adults to feel crammed in there like proverbial sardines, but a couple of 6-footers can actually share the rear bench with head- and legroom to spare. Luggage space is also a strength, though maximum capacity with the seatbacks flipped forward is unremarkable.

In other respects, the Versa Note falls short of segment leaders. Interior materials are about what you'd expect from one of the cheapest hatchbacks on the market, notwithstanding the SV's extended cloth inserts. The engine drones intrusively when it's working hard, which is often. Even in a featherweight subcompact, 109 hp isn't much oomph. Although the ride is generally comfortable, rough roads can give the car's structure a bad case of the shakes. If you keep your expectations low, you might be pleasantly surprised, but most of the Versa Note's competitors will be more pleasant on a daily basis.

Used Nissan Versa Note Models
The current Nissan Versa Note is a new model. But its predecessor, the first-generation Versa hatchback, was produced from 2007-'12 and is covered in the Nissan Versa model review.

User Reviews:

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  Great little car - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By icecream3 - February 16 - 7:53 am

  We got our blue Versa Note on 7-12-13. I have to say we did a lot of research on this vehicle and others, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, etc., what drove us to the new note was its claim on fuel economy. Well after driving it for almost 2 weeks now I can say that there fuel economy rating is pretty spot on, we are getting 34 in the city, and the few times that it has been on the highway we are getting 42 on the highway. I am quite impressed with that. It has a nice quite ride for a car of its size also. The exterior is stylish, but the interior is the same as the versa sedan which bland. But the controls are all easy to get to and work well, the back up camera is quite handy. Updates coming.

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  Excellent Car for all around town driving at 40mpg avg - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By kirk_jackson - January 29 - 8:45 am

  We just bought our 2014 Nissan Versa Note and I have to say it is great. You cant hear the engine below about 2000 rpm which is the usable economical range. I am getting about 39 to 40 mpg average by watching the mpg constantly. Key is 25 inner city and 55 freeway on cruise. Lots of interior room except the driver door touches my left leg. We got the SV model at 500 of base which included everything. Very easy to park in tight spaces which is something we required. Has euro styling better than competitors. I am learning more about this car every day. Uphill is not good so go 20 to maximize economy. No sun roof.

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  Underpowered? - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By markafolse - October 30 - 11:18 pm

  Only if youre a car reviewer who is jealous you werent assigned the Murano convertible to review. Its a small engine car, no doubt, but I have experienced none of the sweaty palm moments reviers warned about entering the interstate. I was leary of the CVT but acceleration is smooth and there when you need it. Braking is excellent. My only complaint so far is the steering has that mush 70s GM feeling. You dont feel as much close control taking corners, but I find it more than adequate in the city driving I do. Parking in the crowded urban neighborhoods I visit is a snap, and the passenger compartment, especially the back seat, is huge and comfortable.

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  Cheap, not inexpensive - Could this be the "throwaway car" of our generation? - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By jobone - August 4 - 4:17 am

  This car is victim to three factors: 1) Nissan design, 2) Poor manufacturing QC and 3) Poor dealer networks. Fit and finish issues all over. Locations of things (like 12V power, USB) are poor and subject the connections to accidental contact and theyre far away from the dash. Just really bad engineering as if the designers take the bus to work. The car could have been a Honda Fit/Toyota Yaris-killer but they just dont take the extra few moments to do it right. Initial quality has been the worst of any vehicle Ive ever purchased. Considering Ive been buying new cars for 30 years, thats pretty sad.

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  Easy, Reliable, and Fuel Efficient - 2016 Nissan Versa Note
  By Aaron King - July 29 - 10:41 pm

  ... which is basically all I wanted. Not many bells and whistles, but its a really great car.

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  Say No To Versa - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By isabellespi - August 18 - 12:30 pm

  I have had this Versa Note for less than 3 months with under 1,000 miles on it. Yesterday I noticed the oil leak spots on the driveway. The worthless dealership says I have to wait 6 days for an appointment to bring it in. If I had known the heap was made in Mexico I would never have bought it. This leak is due to shoddy, sloppy workmanship. One more thing, the worthless dealership said they may have to keep the heap overnight! I dont know which is worse, the dealership or the car. Meanwhile, I have to keep checking and adding oil for the next 6 days while waiting for the worthless dealership appointment.

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  Disappointed Owner of new Versa Note - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By zile - July 11 - 2:05 am

  I purchased this car in July 2014. I have spent dozens of hours @ dealerships & talking to Nissan Consumer Affairs. Wasted efforts. Still... I have a navigation system that is defective & has yet to be replaced - seems that since it is such a new car, the parts are hard to come by. The inside ceiling has come out of the rubber tubing that hold it in place - interior cheap & is uncomfortable in long rides. Cupholders to close to dash to use. Car has a difficult time in elevations or hills - I turn off the A/C & sometimes use lower gears to make it. The car is noisy when idling, esp. for such a small engine. Very crowded. Storage usage above rear cargo area, blocks rear view. Dont do it

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  CVT transmission failure - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By montigirlmn - October 18 - 2:54 pm

  I am writing a follow up to my initial review, left by montigirlmn. My CVT transmission failed at 21000 miles, 10 months into owning a new car.

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  The Note sings - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By jbullerjahn - September 12 - 8:43 pm

  The Note is an interesting piece in a sea of sameness. Even with only 600 miles on the clock, Ive been averaging about 35 miles combined highway and city. I have the SV with the CVT and am very happy with it. It seems to gave enough scoot, but with only 600 miles on the clock, Im not doing any hard driving yet. The Note is a car where reading the owners manual is a definite plus, though I found a few features on my own. Ill list them in the next section. Its a roomy, reasonably quiet, though the bluetooth and media volume buttons are not intuitive. The up and down button is the phone, while the button going across is the volume control.

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  surprisingly good - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By frankevich - November 30 - 7:56 pm

  We say "surprisingly good" because if one read all the negative reviews...well you get the idea. Notes MPG, with usually two aboard, and under all conditions including steep hills and a couple of mountains, is astonishing at 40+ mpg average. Car is noticeably quiet and has a nice ride on most road surfaces. CVT takes some getting used to but we favor it over regular automatics. Car really rolls (due in part to its low drag figure.) We found the strength of the car is on the open road--this is no "grocery getter" only, as described by one dopey reviewer. So, car looks good, is well built, great mpgs, is quiet and rides well. What more could one want?