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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  Good Car and Great Price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Kentucky owner - December 5 - 3:53 pm

  I bought the 1.6 base model. My out of pocket was 5400 dollars + Tax after the cash for clunkers deal. It is nice not to have a loan to worry about and have a 3 year warranty. That is my biggest rave about this car. I drive about 2 miles to work and back as well as running errands around town. So far this car is doing what I expect it to do. It handles well in the city, has good pick up. It is very utilitarian which is exactly what I wanted. Great commuter car (so far) I am looking for a very low total cost of ownership. Basically I drove my last car for free and I hope I can do the same for this one.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Harry.C.Sadler - November 27 - 10:20 pm

  Good car but Nissan has dropped the ball on their Quality control. Car had serious airbag defect upon delivery took almost 2 months to have it repaired. In the meantime, front end alignment was out. Dealer had to get specs from Nissan before they could repair. When it rains keep your windows closed while driving or youll getr a shower. Roof gutters allow rain to come in. And side vents arent available yet. TPMS seems to be the biggest problem with this vehicle. All else is good. Have been getting anywhere from 32-36 MPG driving w/9600+ miles on vehicle. Ride is good. Arm rest is too far to the rear and tiny. Just holds a small bag of peanuts.

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  Much more than meets the eye - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By awm - November 26 - 9:23 am

  I bought it 10 months ago mainly because I liked the extremely roomy interior and it was a great value for the price. Overall Ive liked it, its been good basic transportation with no major faults. It now has over 15k miles on it and still holding up well. Fuel economy has been decent. We get about 400 miles per tank on the highway, 320ish per tank with just in-town driving. Ride and handling are good, road noise noticeable but not terrible. I dont think its as stylish as a VW Golf/Rabbit or the upcoming 09 Fit, but its not bad looking either. Beware that the price can go from reasonable to expensive with options.

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  Value Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By kzitikat - November 18 - 3:53 am

  Bought the car to drive back and forth from work. I plan on keeping it until it dies or 300,000 miles - whichever comes first. I like the ride and quality feel which isnt what I expected in a subcompact. I wish the gas mileage was better compared to my last car (my Corolla was getting 38), but I am getting between 32-34 which isnt terribly disappointing. The air conditioner is making a disconcerting grinding noise when I first turn it on. I plan to have it checked by the dealer. Otherwise the quality has been excellent. The engine in the car is not very powerful. I like to call it a sewing machine engine. It is sufficient for my usage though.

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  Versa is okay but... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Andy - November 13 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for 4 months and these are the things Ive found: The vehicle gets no where near the mpg advertised, Im averaging 22 mpg. I was also told that the back seat folds flat and it does fold down but leaves a hump so large that most of the useful storage space in the rear is taken up with it. Ive also found that the vehicle is underpowered, but then it is a 1.8 L engine so I can accept that. Im hoping that my choice of a Nissan will turn out that Ive purchased a reliable car. We bought this vehicle to keep for the 3 years in the hope that in that time the fuel saving technology will have improved

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  2010 1.8S Hatchback - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By kw0422 - November 11 - 8:22 am

  I have been driving my Versa for a few months now. Its been a great car! Small, but incredibly roomy. It definitely feels like a much larger car that it actually is. Right now Im getting around 29 mpg (mixed driving). I wish that was better...Im hoping gas mileage improves as it gets more broken in. I wish it had a little more power as well - but its not really meant to be powerful! Overall, comfortable and affordable car.

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  First Nissan - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By fenderbass - October 29 - 6:40 pm

  I always avoided considering Nissans going back to the Datsun days (B210s). When I checked out the Fit, Yaris, and Accent in looking for a simple good mileage car, I almost ignored the Versa, being biased against Nissan. I did my homework on all the above cars and kept on coming back to the Versa as the best overall value. When the dealer finally had a 2009 s 6 spd available, I made the jump and after the first 1500 miles, am very glad I did. So far its a great little car thats fun to drive. I tend to keep cars (last car 1995 Saab 9000 with 305,000 miles) and felt the engine would hold up better than the Fit or Yaris over 100,000 miles.

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  2013 Versa 3800miles - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By wakeride - October 28 - 2:29 am

  Has no storage for driver to access items like center console. Drove me crazy so I bought one off ebay for $45 works and matched perfect. No place for glasses either. Cup holders are placed odly to far up and the others to far back. No inside trunk release. Complained to dealer right corner panel loose and no place to hang gas cap they told me all versas are like that? Very squirley on fwy in wind and rides a little rougher than I would expect for a new car . but I do like the car even with these negatives see favorite features.

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  A Total Disappointment - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Wilma Transou - October 21 - 3:57 pm

  I purchased this Versa in 2013; after about 68,000 miles I started having transmission problems. I was totally frustrated especially after no one would take responsibility for the problem. It is just a disgrace that so many other owners of the same model are having transmission problem as well and there should be a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of this vehicle!!!!!

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  DONT EVER BUY A VERSA! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By horriableversa - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  My mom got this car brand new in 2007 with less than 20 miles on it. I got the car when I was 16. It was an ok car at first than my mom hit a tire busted the oil pan and transmission pan. After that I lost two hub caps, my key was stuck in the ignition, my front bumper had fallen off numerous of times. Its made of pure plastic I will say that much. The 3 button on the radio fell off, my dash got stuck shut, the car sucks in the rain, it eats tires on the front two, sucks gas, you need to change the oil more often than usual. Some guy backed into my front end the other week tore it plum off. insurance says their is no way the car was in park, I would say more but their is not enough room!