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:

• 

  My Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By waylon - April 25 - 11:06 am

  A lot better than I was looking for, I was looking for a point a to b car. Everything is on the wheel cruise and radio plus 6 disk cd/mp3 player. Also the blue tooth is great I get in the car and it works. The fact I never need to pull the key out of my pocket is great too. I would get another

• 

  mini suv - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bob - April 23 - 7:50 am

  have 6k miles now and car is fun and comfortable. average 30 mpg city /hwy not bad. this car is a mini version of the murano suv. twice the mileage and half the price.Good ride if you let tires down to 28 psi ( has no effect on mileage but \ improves the ride drastically}. great buy for the money. has more room,power than all cars in its class. Its the largest sub compact. its so ugly its beautiful.

• 

  serves its purpose - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Andrew - April 20 - 7:16 am

  Bought the car new in sept 2012. drive it about 12k miles a year as i bought this as a second vehicle for daily driving because my other vehicle is a suburban. What sold me was the extremely low price tag. I hate how a lot of car companies these days force you to buy things you dont need like back up cameras, etc. If i want to know whats behind me ill just turn around thanks. It has great interior space, a big trunk, gets great gas mileage, has a radio with aux plug in for my phone, has a/c, heat, and nissan reliability. What else do you really need?

• 

  A Great Way To Save Some Cash - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By toddp77 - April 17 - 11:55 pm

  I have enjoyed saving cash and driving a manual transmission. I drove a 1983 Nissan Sentra in high school and this car provides some nostalgia for me. This is a very inexpensive vehicle and it shows in several ways that may be deal breakers for some people but reminds me of how much money I saved. The handling and power are sacrificed for savings and fuel efficiency. I was also swayed by the large interior with numerous air bags and better than you would expect safety ratings.

• 

  beware of gas economy - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Alan Mcsavage - April 17 - 9:03 am

  DO NOT BUY! I cannot even get 350kms per 50lt tank. My 1995 Toyota Corolla still gets over 450kms on a 40lt tank. How can a 4 cylinder with all the new technology get worse mileage than most 8 cylinder cars. I was totally deceived into believing I was getting a fuel efficient car. From now on I will stick to Toyota! DO NO BE DECEIVED!!!!

• 

  Luv my Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By dil52 - April 15 - 8:40 am

  I have always owned a standard transmission, however driving in California traffic, its nice to have an automatic. There is no shift shock, as they advertise.

• 

  Best in class - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By emmale - April 13 - 11:30 am

  I drove every econo box before I made a decision - Fit, Spectra, Aveo, xA, Corolla, Civic... none came close in interior comfort. Only those from Toyota and Honda drove as nice. That said, the automatic is a little clunky (I should have gotten the stick or the CV tranny!) Gas mileage is very disappointing, I drive all highway miles and struggle to get 28 mpgs.

• 

  I Love This Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By noregrets - April 9 - 10:10 pm

  I really love my Versa. I went from an unreliable 1994 Mazda 626 to a 2007 Versa and it was a wise choice and a great buy. My only issue is I have not mastered parking it like I did with my Mazda. Hopefully, I will get better with time. I love my Nissan Versa!!!!

• 

  Rear window defect - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Linda Baiz - March 26 - 8:46 pm

  Two days ago the rear window of my Versa shattered spontaneously. I had just started the vehicle but was not yet in gear. There was no evidence of a rock or bird strike. Nissan does not warranty broken windows and my insurance has a $500 deductible so I had to pay $386 for replacement.

• 

  Good Little Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By MobStar - March 25 - 9:43 pm

  I did my research before I bought it, and havent ever regretted the decision. Driving mostly city (Southern California traffic), I can pull almost 34 mpg. The interior is really nice, doesnt look cheap at all. Comfortable to drive, definitely not quick, but its a good commuter and daily driver. With the back seats folded down there is more than enough room to stow anything you need to - except maybe furniture, unless its from Ikea :)