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:

• 

  1.6 base sedan review - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By brkrotke - May 18 - 4:26 am

  I have owned this car for about six months now, and havent had any issues. I average 35 mpg with 75% city/ 25% highway, which is great in my opinion. Feels refined when you drive it, and it shifts smoothly. Im 64" and I fit perfectly inside.

• 

  Great in Winter too! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By fpl1972 - May 16 - 3:36 pm

  I just got back from a 1700 mile winter road trip through Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. My Versa started without a single problem in -26 weather. Out performed a 4Runner in the snow and only had to put chains on because the state troopers made everyone! Transmission was seamless and enabled me to get out of deep snow without spinning out of control. Even with the low profile, it still went through deep snow easily.

• 

  Best Economic Decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Prock - May 15 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Pathfinder LE for this vehicle. I was no longer towing heavy trailers so I didnt need it. I am 61" at 185 lbs, plenty of room. This car has much more head and leg room than my wifes 2003 Sentra. Fuel economy was much lower than the EPA estimates but still acceptable. The fit and finish is very good for this price category.

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By honest_reviewer - May 13 - 3:00 pm

  Overall, a great car. Nice appearance – both the exterior and interior. The interior has a nice “futuristic” feel to it (not over the top) and is exceptionally spacious (back seat okay for adults). Mixed fuel economy has returned an impressive 30 – 33 mpg (albeit mostly highway). The CVT is wonderful – it offers seamless shifting (I’ll never settle for a conventional automatic again…). Ample acceleration (no sports car however). Great features for an "entry-level". Why buy an SUV, like the Honda CR-V my wife and I traded in, when you can have effectively the same interior space, much better fuel economy, in a less expensive package?

• 

  My Choice to Drive - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cnsmike - May 12 - 4:26 pm

  The Versa is more of a car than any others in the class. I drove all of the other cars and nothing comes close to comparing. The standard features of the SL are unmatched.

• 

  Great small car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Roberto - May 8 - 6:30 pm

  Although being small, the car is roomy. It doesnt feel powerful, but it is very pleasant to drive and it has a very smooth drive. The trunk has space for two big pieces of luggage and there is room left for some other stuff. Fit and finish is great. It has lots of headroom.

• 

  Better than expected!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Brandynana - May 7 - 7:00 am

  Love it! The Versa was the best deal with options for the price. Gas mileage hard to beat. Rides smooth, even on bumpy roads. Lots of bells and whistles. Great interior room, lots of leg room in both front and back. Love the 6 CD player and iPod connection.

• 

  This is the one! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mikedrives - May 5 - 5:16 am

  After evaluating several close competitors, youll find that this is the car to get. Zippy, fun, durable and, for the dollar, the best car to get. Fully loaded with an excellent sound system, sunroof, bluetooth, fog lights and a very comfortable ride on long trips. It is quite impressive in handling, fuel usage (Im getting mid 30s) and curb appeal. I think this is a solid performer and a winner for Nissan.

• 

  Best deal on the planet - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By kzphil - April 30 - 8:03 pm

  My son and I both own 2007 Versas. Both are 4 dr "S" sedans that we purchased about 4 months apart from the same dealer. I have 14000 miles on mine and average 27 mpg. Everyone from the big to the little people in our family loves these cars and I am going to buy a 2008 model soon.

• 

  No-hassle, Low-cost Daily Driver - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SanDiego999 - April 26 - 5:43 pm

  I have owned my Versa for about seven months, and I have been delighted with it so far. My previous car was a BMW 3, which was getting too expensive to own. Obviously the Versa doesnt have the performance capabilities of the BMW, but I still find it fun to drive in daily use. I special-ordered mine with ABS, and I am glad I did -- I have felt it kick-in when stopping quickly on wet pavement. I test-drove the auto transmission and liked it, but the CVT makes the engine nearly silent in city driving and makes the process of going up hills much more pleasant. My gas mileage averages 28 in 50% heavy city traffic and hilly terrain. Our other car, a VW Golf auto, gets 22 mpg on the same routes.