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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  Versa Hatchbacks ROCKS - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By damsel36111 - October 19 - 8:18 am

  I love this car! The nice people at Cronic Nissan in Griffin Georgia got me a great deal on a new 2011 Nissan Versa & Im tickled to death. When you sit in the seat it looks like a sportscar and the seats are on the same frame as their more expensive cars so it is comfortable. The stereo is wonderful with the MP3 jack. The only thing I dont like is the hatch was to be locked and unlocked by the drivers door and there is no hatch opening in the car so you have to take the key out of the car to get something out of the hatch if you dont want to let down the seat. Other than that it is an amazing car for the $.I drove ten in the lower than 20 k price range. Get a Versa,you wont be sorry

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  Clunkers dream car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ktong - October 15 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this yesterday with my Clunkers trade-in incentive of $4500. It also carries a manufacturer rebate of $1750 for SL, totaling a saving of $6250! Its hard to beat that. In order to maximize my Clunkers incentive, I needed a car that has 28 mpg or better. Its hard to find one without going hybrids which can easily cost over 20K. This one fits my bill perfectly. Actually not all Versa have 28 mpg or better, just the 1.6 engine or the 1.8 engine with CVT. Unfortunately, with such saving programs in place, the whole dealership was jammed with customers. I had to buy the car in pretty much MSRP price and with extras loaded. So far, the car is fun to drive and handles well.

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  Great Point A to B car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By versalove - October 1 - 3:20 am

  Did tons of research on compacts out today. All have pros and cons. Most important in the end was safety ratings then price. The Versa fit my bill the best and is a really nice ride for the money. Unfortunately the car only came with automatic tranny, AC and floormats as options, but dealer hooked me up with splash guards. As for the lack of radio I just went on ebay and got a factory versa radio for 50 buck. Car then was complete and I was totally happy. Interior is VERY roomy and comfortable. Power from engine is zippy, but can be very buzzy when acelerating hard. Seen 28 to 40 mpgs so car is great fuel saver. Automatic tranny is not the smoothest Ive driven.

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  best by far in its price range - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By thorman944 - September 29 - 8:30 pm

  After looking at the Versa Basic (Base+A/C) with Auto trans and ABS and nothing else (not even a radio) with MSRP of $12,965, my wife and I decided to purchase the $15,8xx S model because it included a very nice $1,250 rebate AND had a higher markup between invoice and MSRP which allowed us to get a better deal. We wound up spending $1200 to get the upgraded interior, the upgraded engine, power locks/windows/doors, keyless entry, stereo, floor mats, cruise control,and alloy wheels. Basically $3000+ worth of features for $1,200. We love the car and wound up paying $14,200 at carmax. With the CARS program we got $4,650 for our 1985 dodge and the Versa S only cost us $9,550.

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  Poorly built/poorly designed - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By RB - September 24 - 11:53 am

  This car is mediocre at best. Very poor quality, the interior molding and panels started coming off withing a few months, despite being well-taken cared of. Interior also awkwardly designed and made of cheap material, seats very uncomfortable, dash is dimly lit, useless cup holders, This vehicle is surprisingly low quality for a Nissan.

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  Great car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By HippieVictorian - September 21 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this car for a week with the premium package. I had a Saturn Vue prior and have not noticed a decrease in comfort or the quality of driving. I test drove a Honda Fit and this car and the Fit could not match the comfort of this car. My two year old daughter loves it. I still feel like I am setting in my SUV instead of a small car, but I can maneuver so much better. Great car!

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  2008 VERSA - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Sonny31 - September 20 - 8:03 am

  I have a 2008 Versa Hatchback and this is an awesome ride. it has been a year now owning it and had 50,000 + miles on it. to this day I have only taken it in for minor sunroof issues and had my car stereo replaced 2 times now. Handles great but when the wind comes blowing by, Man does that car pull to the sides. I really dont think its getting 30+ MPG. i would say its more like 25- 29 MPGs. the sound system in it needs to be a lot better than what it has now. my mother has a dakota and the sound system is Great! If its a sport package and needs a better sound system. Other than that it is a great car to drive and my car for traveling.

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  Can you say reliable? - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By plagenzamama - September 17 - 9:14 am

  =) Love my 2011 Versa! I have 2 children and Im going to be commuting a lot for school. Lots of space and GREAT mileage! I can get an average of 30-32 mpg. I was looking into the Honda Civics but their so much more expensive than the Versa for pretty much the same thing!! for the price of an SL Versa with a Nav AND sun roof it would have only gotten me a Base model of the Honda Civic. =/

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  A commuters delight - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jason Cilasta - September 16 - 2:43 am

  The vehicle was everything i dreamed about. Though it was tough to get because every dealer was selling them the second they hit the ground. Fireside treated me with the greatest respect and made me want to refer all of my friends. I love the car!

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  Nissan Versa Sedan Great Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By john cooke - September 15 - 5:53 am

  Bought it the end of March 2009. Just wanted cheap transportation with good gas mileage. Got it. More room than anyone would imagine for a small car. I get 33 MPG in the winter and consistently 37 in the summer. My wife has a Honda Civic. I like the Nissan better. Great car.