Overview & Reviews

Like other vehicles in the growing subcompact segment, the Nissan Versa offers excellent fuel economy and available upmarket features while remaining very affordable. The current Versa also distinguishes itself with two available body styles -- the sedan and the Versa Note hatchback (reviewed separately) -- as well as one of the biggest backseats this segment will ever see. It's an adequate choice as an entry-level vehicle, though drivers looking for any degree of excitement or personality are advised to look toward the Versa's competition.

Current Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa sedan is offered in S, S Plus, SV and SL trim levels. The S is about as basic as it gets, providing steel wheels, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat and a two-speaker sound system. The S Plus gets a rear spoiler, cruise control and four-speaker audio. The SV adds alloy wheels, a folding rear seat and higher-quality interior trim. The SL boasts larger alloy wheels, keyless ignition and entry, Bluetooth and a USB/iPod input. Some of the SL's features are optional on the SV. The SL is eligible for additional technology features, including a navigation system and a touchscreen interface.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the base S trim level, while a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. The other trims come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which greatly improves the car's fuel economy.

In reviews, we've found the Nissan Versa's tall roof line allows for a huge amount of interior space. Headroom in particular is extraordinary. There's also ample legroom, even in back, where 6-footers can miraculously ride in comfort. Cargo space is similarly impressive, with the trunk outdoing those of several larger cars. Materials quality, however, is underwhelming.

As a daily driver, the Versa provides pleasant enough service. It's a sensible sort of car, with an uncommonly cushy ride for a subcompact. The 1.6-liter engine doesn't like to be rushed, but it remains reasonably civilized in normal operation. If you're looking for a little flair or excitement, something like a Chevrolet Sonic or Ford Fiesta will probably be a better choice, as they provide more involving handling and distinctive styling.

Used Nissan Versa Models
The current, second-generation Nissan Versa sedan debuted for the 2012 model year. The current Versa's dimensions are largely unchanged from those of its predecessor, but the car is considerably more fuel-efficient. If you're shopping for a used current-generation Versa sedan, keep in mind that the 2013 model received a handful of additional standard and optional features. There have been no major changes, though.

The first-generation Nissan Versa sedan was produced from 2007-'11, and there was also a Versa hatchback (now known as the Versa Note) offered from 2007-'12. Originally, every Versa sedan and hatchback came standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produced 122 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard. A four-speed automatic transmission was optional on the base Versa S trim, while a CVT was optional on the more upscale SL. For 2009, the SL sedan came standard with the four-speed automatic, while the SL hatchback got the CVT standard.

Another, more significant revision occurred for '09 when Nissan added a pair of even cheaper entry-level sedan models: the 1.6 Base and 1.6. As the number suggests, it had a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produced 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual was standard and the four-speed automatic was optional. These 1.6 models had even fewer features than the 1.8 (air-conditioning and a radio were options).

It's important to note that antilock brakes were optional on all trims until 2010, when they became standard. ABS was always optional on the 1.6 variants. We highly recommend making sure a used Versa has this important safety feature.

We liked the original-generation Nissan Versa's spacious, comfortable and well-equipped cabin. We also found the 1.8-liter Versa to be surprisingly peppy and comfortable to drive. The CVT did a commendable job of getting the car up to speed on the highway; however, the six-speed manual made better use of the 1.8-liter engine's power reserves, so we recommend it to buyers who don't mind doing their own shifting.

As for the 1.6, it actually wasn't the downgrade you'd think it would be given its lower power. A sprint from zero to 60 mph still was accomplished in less than 10 seconds with the manual, and it rarely felt overwhelmed on the road. It's not the most pleasant-sounding engine in the world, however. Regardless of engine, this Versa suffered on rough roads, with the wheels tending to hop over obstructions rather than settling quietly back into place.

User Reviews:

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  Death trap of a car and ownership nightmare - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick Gallagher - July 10 - 6:07 pm

  bought This car from Enterprise car sales, with about 30,000 miles on it. About 10,000 miles after I purchased the car, the transmission totally failed and needed to be replaced. This was covered under the manufactures warranty, so at least there’s that which makes almost getting stranded in the Mohave Desert somewhat less terrible. About 10,000 miles after that the left rear turn signal went out several times, each of which required a separate repair. About 10,000 miles after that, while driving at pretty much any speed more notably on the freeway, I would lose all ability to accelerate. After taking it to the dealership several times, they figured out that the onboard computer for some reason thought I had my foot on the brakes at random times and was cutting the acceleration, in advertently putting myself and other drivers at risk. About 12,000 miles later, the radiator fan failed, and due to lack of any indication from the car that there was any problem, the car overheated. Got the radiator fan fixed, but now almost immediately after that I am noticing weird jumpiness in the RPMs. Also if I roll both windows up at the same time while idling, The RPMs stutter...?! And different car is idling and I hit the AC button, the whole car jerks and the RPMs drop very low. This car behaves so strangely and poorly, I am nervous and feel unsafe anytime I am driving it. It feels at and if car is idling and I hit the AC button, the whole car jerks and the RPMs drop very low. This car behaves so strangely and poorly, I am nervous and feel unsafe anytime I am driving it. It feels at any the car will break down for the last time. I have owned this POS for only about a year and a half, and have taken pretty good care of it. But it seems determined to die. I will never ever buy another Nissan again. I hope that these words prevent another from making the same mistake I did.

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  NOT WORTH IT - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By palebeachbum - March 17 - 5:31 pm

  This was my first brand-new car and my first Nissan vehicle. I expected good overall long-term quality. I was severely let down. Within the first 1,000 miles of ownership, squeaks and rattles all around the interior began. Primarily at the passenger side of the dash, the headliner, and drivers door. Constant squeaks and chirps. Very annoying from a brand-new car! Next, the front suspension began squeaking badly. I had Nissan take a look. They found nothing wrong, so I had to live with it. Then, the paint began peeling in a couple of areas. At the A-pillar and also around the rear tail lights. Nissan repaired the paint under warranty. Then the car required replacement of the catalytic converter heat shield replaced twice within my ownership, under warranty. Its clearly a defective part. The transmission NEVER felt right from day one. It made creaking and whistling noises. It was very jerky in operation. It had a lot of behavioral problems. I hated the transmission. Luckily, I got rid of the car before it had a catastrophic failure. The windshield wiper linkage was loosening badly. The wiper arm movement became very disjointed and sloppy. Although the interior was cavernous for such a little car, the ergonomics were terrible. In 2yrs of ownerships, I never found a comfortable driving position. If I adjusted the seat to be a comfortable distance from the pedals, the steering wheel felt too far away. If I adjusted to be comfortable distance from the wheel, the pedals were too close. A telescopic steering wheel would have solved this. More reach is required. Ingress/egress was excellent! The option packaging on this car was comically bad. I owned the mid-spec SV trim. The car was missing some critical features some comparable cars offer in base trim. No split-folding rear seat? No variable intermittent wipers? Only 4 (crumby sounding) speakers for the stereo? Aside from the transmission issues above, other aspects of the engineering were quite poor as well. The steering was horrible. It was terribly light and offered no road feel at all. Trying to drive in a straight line on the interstate was pretty much impossible. The car liked to dart back and forth. Ride quality was very smooth...until you hit a bump, then it just hammered over it. The brakes were excellent. One bright spot to this cars driving dynamics. Acceleration was adequate, but the transmission made it a clumsy, miserable experience. Handling was pretty decent, but the skinny tires didnt have much grip. If you enjoy driving at all, this is not the car for you. It has no personality at all and drives like an appliance. I absolutely do not recommend this model of car new or used. Exceptionally poor quality overall. I was so disappointed in this car I traded it in after only 2yrs and 56k miles.

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  Dont buy this car - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By nissansucks69 - February 9 - 1:00 pm

  I could review this car if I could actually use it!! I have not been able to use my car since it was broken since the day they gave it to me. Nissan and its laughable excuse for customer service have had my car for over a 3 weeks and I bought it 4 weeks ago. And they still cant fix it. I have asked for a refund or a new car and they just hang up the phone or redirect me to my contract which basically says "hahaha we screw you over". Listen to this precautionary tale - Dont trust Nissan ever.

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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Renee B - February 8 - 3:33 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I took it to the dealership 3 months after purchasing it because there was a squealing noise when it was shifting through the gears. I drove it with the mechanic and he didnt hear anything when I pointed the noise out. They checked it out and told me there was nothing wrong. They also said that I shouldnt worry because Nissan warranties this particular transmission up to 100,000 miles. 6 months later I brought it back in because it was jerking other road, would not accelerate and my check engine light came on. I had just made it to 68,000 miles at this point and figured it would not be a problem. They informed me that the warranty had actually expired at 60,000 miles and any repairs would be at my expense. They couldnt recreate the problem so they reprogramed it thinking the check engine light was a computer glitch. 3 months later the transmission has completely failed on the car. The total cost for the transmission is $3,000 without labor. If you have this car and it is in working condition, please sell it asap.

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  AVOID ALL VERSAS AT ALL COST!!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Sandy M - August 5 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car new in 2008. I do all smooth country road driving and very little city driving. After 80,000 miles until now with 122,000 miles I have had to replace the rocker arm (cracked at 80,000 miles), new muffler (hole from corrosion at 80,000), front coil spring broke just sitting in the parking lot (110,000 miles - now they just put a recall on that, which entails Nissan taking off my much thicker new springs and replacing it with theirs, if I want my $1,200 back that I had to payout.), my passenger handle paint is bubbling off, driver door handle sticks in the summer time (it wont spring back when pulled), have to replace the hood latch under the hood now, because it wont close after numerous times of even praying lubricant on it, back seat wouldnt go down until I had to lubricant that to death and many more little crap! I have never had a vehicle with so many problems that shouldnt be a problem until 200,000 miles. I cant change my own plugs... Because you have to drain the antifreeze to take off a cover to get to the #4 plug. AVOID ALL VERSAS! Neighbors have a 2011 and 2013... Nothing but problems for them also.

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  The Worst Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By mandj123 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost 2 years now and from the moment I bought it I have had problems. It has been to the dealer multiple times, and when I say multiple I mean way too many to count. I have had start up issues since I bought the vehicle, which leads me to believe that the fuel pump is bad, I have alignment problems, I have a car alarm that works sometimes but not at other times, the material on the interior doors has been falling off for some time now, the car makes noises when I turn, and worst of all and most recent the piece of junk is having transmission problems at just 25,000 miles and the dealer cannot fix it. I hate this car, dont think of buying one its a nightmare.

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  HOW DOES THIS EVEN HAPPEN? - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By mpf2007 - December 16 - 3:10 am

  okay so I received a 2007 Nissan Versa for christmas in 2006 - nice gift huh? WRONG. I drove the car to the grocery store and was dropping my fiance off at the house. He grabbed the bags & when he shut the door ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MYCAR DEPLOYED IN MY FACE! I was pissed went to the nissan dealership & it took 9 MONTHS TO FIX IT To make matters even worse when I got to the nissan dealership they tried to hand me the bill & make me pay it when the corporate office said it was warrantied add that to the jacked up transmission horrible quality of the plastic & metal,broken tire pressure sensor & o2 sensor brake light wiring issues and nissan & theyre cheap car can go to you know where

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  Transmission problem - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Teriaune - October 5 - 10:12 am

  This car is not worth the money are headache. The transmission is awful. Peace of junk. Please let me no when the class action law suit starts are recall because this is ridiculous.

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  Bad Engines - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By lyotchik@gmail.com - September 6 - 9:54 am

  These cars have engine problems. Just google piston slap nissan versa. My versa developed it, and dealership says the noise is normal. Save yourself the trouble dont buy a versa.

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  think before buying Nissan - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By toyosta - May 9 - 7:03 pm

  I am very upset for having made mayor mistake in buying this car. It rattles badly, has terrible fuel economy, is uncomfortable to drive, the price is not competive with other small sedans. I do not know what I was thinking when I bought this. I would only buy a Toyota or a Chevy next time.