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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  Versa Note SV 62,000k - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By patrick - October 24 - 5:35 pm

  I have had this Versa Note for 62,000 miles now. Had all the recommended services at 35,000. Good thing, the CVT fluid needed changing. I get 41 miles per gal/ with the original tires and 38 with the snows on, If you believe the counter. With the right snows the car is great in the snow. I do have this annoying rattling when I step on the gas pedal. It has decreased after the last recall updating the CVT software. I have hauled a lot of stuff in this car. With the seats down you get a lot of room for transporting. I would recommend this car as a commuting car , great so far. BTW Im still looking for rain guards.

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  Great first car - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By mattywiggles - October 5 - 11:37 pm

  The Note is pretty good considering it is one of the cheapest cars you can buy new at the moment. Manual windows, locks, pretty much everything besides the side mirrors is manual. The interior is very cheap and plastic feeling. At the same time however, the interior is simple and easy to navigate. The back seats have some of the best space for any small car on the market. You can easily fit two 300+lbs 6 foot high people in the back with no problem. The 1.8L motor does the job just fine producing 109HP. It isnt very quick, but I have yet to have any problems merging onto the highway or driving on any road. Im happy with this purchase.

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  Bought it as a commuter. Exactly what it is. - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By Chesty Puller - August 16 - 4:52 pm

  So I bought this car as a commuter. Currently have 45,000 brutal miles on her. I drive 100 mile round trip to work over Donner Summit in the Sierra Nevadas of Northern California. (Ever heard of the Donner Party) Its a 5,000 foot elevation gain from my house to work. The car, during the very steep sections, noticeably struggles. About 4k rpms during the steep sections. Fuel economy suffers also while driving up the summit. But, lets be realistic. I spent $13,500 out the door for this car. For the price, I am more than happy with its performance. I hate it when people compare a $13k car to some other $30k+ car. Fuel economy. I average 35mpg average. I also drive 75-80mph up a 40 mile, 5,000 foot elevation gain. So gas mileage gets murdered on the way (20mpg) up but averages like 60mpg on the way back. This car has some space. I am amazed, when I lay down the seats, how much money I can blow at Home Depot and fit all the goodies in the woman car that I drive. Realiability. I change the oil every 4,000 miles. That it literally all I have done besides some fresh new tires. Never had a single problem. Ever. Snow: I chain up when there is mandatory chain control, but if I dont have to, the car gets around great with the continental true contact tires I bought. I have owned a couple Nissans before and they have always been reliable. I have been impressed with this car as it has a tough daily drive and has not given me a single problem.

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  not too shabby, pros and cons - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By bastion74 - January 15 - 10:27 am

  as most people here, i was looking for a decent gas shipper. although im not pleased i had to buy the SV ( 2 levels up from base)to get power windows, still its a nice lil car. havent gotten that advertised 40 mpg yet, i average about 34. riding as a passenger i feel a bit uncomfortable as far as armrests since i end up sharing the drivers. but it does have better rear passenger legroom than most comparable, esp the COTY VWGolf which is $8k more. side window visors/guards a must as the rain water will drip in.be leary of servicing since Nissan chokes you into the CVT only being done at dealership.be smart and budget minded when buying as the normal nickle and dime stuff will pinch the wallet

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  Happy buyer - 2015 Nissan Versa Note
  By frankevich - October 30 - 4:03 am

  Purchased this SV Note in May 2014 and have over 5,000 miles on it. Went to Mobil 1 low friction oil (0W30) at 3500 miles and increased already excellent mileage by at least 1 mpg, so recommend. Car drives great, handles like a dream and is--for class--quiet from road and engine noise, and has a nice ride. Pump to pump mileage checks show consistently over 40 mpg in warm weather and this includes a wide variety of conditions (including hilly and mountainous) with usually two people aboard. Car looks good to my eye with upright stance (as compared to the Fit, for example.) So, looks good, rides and handles great with outstanding mileage and is enormous inside. Recommend.

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  Great ! - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By dhorgeron - April 1 - 11:05 pm

  I purchased the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and have since put just 900 miles on it. So far I love the car. I traded in my 06 Mecedes C Class. I decided I wanted to get a simpler car that would save me a lot of money. I do not regret the decision one bit. I am averaging 39 miles per gallon, and have more room in this car than the mercedes. Is it very powerful, NO but if I wanted powerful I would not have looked at this car. Its very simple car that will get you from A to B and allow you to put more money toward more important things. Spending 30+ for a car just does not make much since any more.

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  I like my 2014 Nissan Versa Note 5 Speed - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By tim226 - February 18 - 5:10 pm

  I am in outside sales and drive about 49,000 miles per year. I selected Nissan because the dealer is very close to my home. I wanted an economy car with good gas milage and I wanted a stick. The 2014 Versa Note is a nice looking, professional enough, economy car. First, the EPA gas mileage puts it in the low 30s combined. I am averaging about 38 MPG combined, which does include a lot of interstate, but also in town and awesome TN Backroads. I like the 5 speed, which gives me great control. ANOTHER GREAT FEATURE, the Versa Note has a computer driven feature that allows the engine to maintain a safe speed on a steep mountain decline. This is an awesome feature.

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  the mobile command center - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By jfortune - May 21 - 11:28 pm

  Have had the car for about 9 months.....gas mileage is as claimed......the ride is more than decent for a car of its size.......and it handling is very good....i was pleasantly surprised for a car of its size.....the seats are very comfortable, have taken it on some 4 - 6 hour car trips and did not feel beat to death as I have in some small cars in the past.....all in all, I am very pleased with the car so far

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  Hits All The Right Notes - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By Bob McDonald - April 29 - 5:13 pm

  This is our 14th Datsun/Nissan vehicle, and fourth in the Versa family. The Note is our first non-manual transmission vehicle and the CVT performs very well. From cruising the highways in PA to the need for quick merges into heavy traffic in DC and NJ, the power train hasnt let us down. The Note is just a touch smaller inside than our Versa hatchback, but still very roomy, and rear seat passengers are always surprised by the generous legroom, even with the front seats all the way back. With a fifth passenger, the back is a little tight side to side, but that come with the territory. My wife commutes an hour to work, and we make frequent 3-4 hour drives on our travels, and the ride comfort is great, never feeling cramped. Weve been spoiled by the XM radio. Fuel economy is very good, and we didnt have to pay any premium for a hybrid. Solid, reliable transportation that wont break your budget. 4/14/16 Update: No real changes in opinion on anything. Since were at 60,000 miles, and after a talk with the service manager to inquire about whether a transmission flush on the CVT is recommended at 60K (it is), were having that done tomorrow. They tell me its called a "drain down" because with the CVT they dont drain all the fluid out because of how the transmission is built. Not having any issues with the CVT that I can tell, although weve been driving manual transmissions so long, that this is still a bit outside of my experience. Late winter we had a transmission reprogram done on a recall, which actually bumped up the mileage a bit, but didnt seem to change how it feels at all. Getting 41-42 mpg combined driving at the moment. Were going to Indy for the race this year, so that will be the next long road trip to check highway mpg.

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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.