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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  First Nissan Ever - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dvkiel - September 14 - 4:13 pm

  Bought the Versa over the Toyota Matrix (have one already) because of standard features on the Versa. This Versa becomes the wifes car and I get the Matrix. Ive had the Versa for one week now and have a little over 100 miles on the car, all city driving. Gas gauge still on full. Car is very quiet and smooth running, CVT is very nice and very quiet. No estimate of MPG yet but am hoping for at least the stated average at this point for city/hwy driving. Great economical car thus far with many great features and good design and style.

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  first_time_user - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By 033277 - September 13 - 1:04 pm

  I just replaced my 2001 Ford Explorer Sports Trac with 225k miles, its the best move I have ever made. Presently, Im going to average a little over 30 miles to the gallon...considering the winter conditions of WI and commuting. Big relief at the wallet! Reliability time will tell; will post more...

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  Great car for the money! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce - September 6 - 1:16 pm

  Have had the Versa SL for almost a month and am loving it. The CVT transmission is super smooth. The just checked MPG was almost 37. The seats are comfortable and the interior is well finished. The interior is midsize roomy with lots of leg and head room. The convenience package makes a nice addition. My dealer experience with the local dealer in Oceanside was super.

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  Little Big One - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Tonya Fraga - August 18 - 3:46 pm

  Before I ever test drove this car, I climbed in the back seat to see about the leg room. There was tons! This car is roomy both front and back seats, but the outside of this car makes it look tiny. It maneuvers thrive traffic very well and gets into small parking spaces. I love this car!

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  Versa (Tiida) in Oz - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Andrew in Oz - August 16 - 1:16 am

  Drove one as a high car here and was looking for a vehicle to buy. Tried a few vehicles not really considering Tiida but kept comparing others to Tiida. Great in traffic - nice to shoot off from the lights while the V8 boys cant afford to shoot off anymore. Comfortable to drive as plenty of adjustment in seat (including height) and steering wheel. Was only going to be a second car but cant really justify spending twice the price for little more than a badge. Read so so reviews in Oz but good to see owners rate this car.

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  Queen of the castle - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Michel Chapleau - August 11 - 7:53 pm

  I used to drive an Infiniti G35 coupe wich is very expensive on maintenance, tires and gas. I made a compromise with my wife that with a cheaper car we would travel twice a year instead of 1. I changed my coupe for the versa SL hatchback 6 speeds with convenience, sound and sport package and my surprise is that ok I must admit that I miss the power of the G35 coupe but overhall I am pretty satisfied with my Versa and find it surprisingly fun to drive. And let me tell you that for the gas, brake and tires maintenance it is day and night hehe!! Also the interior is really big and the place in the back too!!! So leaving soon for 3 weeks in the Bahamas at Staniel Keys Island :)

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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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  Perfect for 47,000 then problems - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By byers - July 31 - 6:10 am

  Car really performs great in the hills. Fun to drive and good ride for a compact. Gas mileage in hot weather is 34 mpg. No problems at all until 45,000 miles, then the fuel pressure regulator started leaking and resulted in hard starting. Now at 48,000 miles the ABS warning light is on and I have been told the repair could be over $2,000. The ABS option was only a fraction of that. Makes you wonder what may come next. Drove my last 2 LeSabres and Silverado for a total of 275,000miles with no failures.

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  Good so far - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By JOEL - July 26 - 11:10 am

  1500 miles to be exact, just arrived from vegas for a break-in trip for my versa SL HB, Im enjoying the ride. No problems so far... Lovin my ride!!!

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  Wife thinks its cute! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Brian - July 20 - 6:33 pm

  Good around town runabout. Performance is good for this class of car. The 4 speed auto is to be desired. Lots of foot well space for my size 13s to shift a manual (if I had gotten it). The wife cannot drive stick so auto it is! Not much room for groceries but it does the job for a younger couple starting out. Over 4000rpm the engine gets obnoxious but cruises great in top gear at 2450rpm @60mph. Very quiet inside, not much wind noise etc. Its a bit sloppy on the road in high winds, but descent in the snow. Why is there no temperature gauge?? Come on Nissan! Alternator and most major parts are easily replaceable under the hood for those who plan to own for a long time!