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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  99% happy with my Nissian Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By cary zwern - July 13 - 12:40 am

  I have drove my versa 39,000 with know problems at all. I change the oil every 4000 miles and put gas into it and could not be more happy. I live in Denver co and go into the mountains all the time and my versa has lots of power for a 4cycl motor and and goes up and down the mountains with know problems at all. The versa handles well in the snow also. When parking the car it is very easy. I would buy a versa again.

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  Perfect First New-Car Purchase - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By VersaSport - July 9 - 10:06 am

  This is my first new car purchase. What a great deal! Much quieter and smoother drive than my previous 01 Mazda Protoge. The Fit, Yaris, and Aveo dont even come close to the quality and amount of car for the money.

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  smilingary - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By Gary Gibbens - July 5 - 12:59 pm

  I get 41 mpg easy on highway at 70 mph. I also took a drive on a road with only 2 stops in 40 miles and no traffic I drove at 50 mph and got 54.7 mpg. I could not believe it myself but I double checked it. In the city it is hard to get 31 mpg. The car labors to get up to speed and looses gas mileage. I usually get about 29 mpg. If you want a fast car this is not the one. If you want gas millage this is a choice. Over all I am happy so far.

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  Versa works for me - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Paul - June 30 - 4:53 pm

  I test drove the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa numerous times before making up my mind. I chose the Versa and I am extremely happy that I did. It feels substantial, looks good and the CVT, Intelli key and Blue tooth hands free are awesome. The trunk is small but the ride is smooth and quiet. The engine tends to "lug" a bit when cruising around 30 mph but smooths out quickly when gas is applied. The engine sound is "buzzy" during quick accelerations but quiets right down. MPG so far is 26.44 but that is strictly around town driving (hardly ever over 50). Overall so far, I love it. I added a very light weight trailer so the small trunk isnt an issue plus I can now haul larger stuff to the dump

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  Great passenger room and cheap! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Pragmatic Bastard - June 26 - 4:00 am

  I bought this hatch because it had more room for passengers than any comparable cars. The Fit handled better, but seemed geared higher & had less room for passengers in back. The Yaris was tiny, had the annoying center gauges & felt like it would roll easily. Over 6500 miles, my Versa is getting 32 mpg (rural commute). The car is comfy, stable & handles well. It is too early to predict long term reliability. The only major knock I have is the drivetrain. The 6 speed manual needs a higher overdrive. The Clutch is a bit vague & needs to have more "feel". My total price was $15,000 out the door with California taxes and title for a 1.8S with power package, VDC and 5 yr. 0.9%. financing.

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  Fool me once... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By twicescrewed - June 18 - 9:50 am

  Ive owned TWO 2007 Versas, probably the worst cars I have ever owned (and that includes GM products). The first one was in the shop 5 times for TPMS issues in 8,000 miles before, mercifully, it was destroyed in an accident. Unfortunately, I was set up with another, and that one was worse. In the shop 14 times for 23 separate issues over 32,000 miles. The dealer never fixed it right, including simple things like gluing the rear door seals in place. I got rid of this (on my own, and my own expense) when they refused to fix a problem where the transmission (6-sp manual) occasionally went into 1st when you put it in reverse. NO THANKS, NEVER AGAIN will I own a Nissan.

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  Versatile Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By MetallicMoment - June 7 - 11:30 pm

  Traded in my old 1995 Nissan 4X4 king cab for the 2009 Versa 1.6 L sedan with ABS and AC (cash for clunkers) The Versa is very comfortable, quiet, and very peppy on the road. Happy to have the AC and the ABS, no radio though. I got 400 miles on the 13.2 gallon fuel tank, not too shabby and that is with the AC on and in a lot of stop and go traffic. Looked at the Yaris but it was more expensive and not as comfortable or quiet and considerably less roomy. The Honda Fit was also less comfortable and less roomy plus more expensive. The Versa may not be flashy looking but it covers all the bases and then some.

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  underated - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jj - June 1 - 9:26 am

  I bought my versa for the most part for the price and also the room. I am 63" tall, and it is difficult to find a comfortable small car. The Versa fits the bill. We liked the Versa so much that three months later we purchased another, this time the HB. Love them both. If you have the extra money- spring for the power option, my 1.6 has only A/C and it is very inconvenient to have no power locks or windows, although a small price to pay, for such a solid built, fuel efficient, comfortable car at that price.

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  Nissan Forever - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Nissan Rich - May 24 - 2:16 pm

  We have two other Nissans (and our 1969 AMX). We buy them for the longevity and value. This one is no different, good value for the money, a/c, p/s, p/b, cruise, CD, auto. Not sure if that is the series or extra purchase. Gets about 30 mpg, city/highway combined. Got 35 mpg highway at 85 mph in Colorado, Washington on a trip to see my son. Has had a few hiccups, fuel regulator causes you to turn key three or four times to start while pressure builds, fixed under warranty, tire pressure sensor goes off for right rear tire but so slow a leak dealer cant find it, steering wheel made a scuffing sound when turned lock to lock. Overall very satisfied, 11,000 miles already, fun to drive, good mpg.

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  Excellent MPGs and price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By robj80 - May 20 - 9:10 am

  I grabbed this 1.6 because I needed a car and didnt want a used one. I have never gotten less then 34mpg mixed driving. Its way better then the EPA rated. The car costs very little, insurance is hardly nothing and its so roomy.