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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  Mini-Murano - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Chazz - December 25 - 11:00 am

  The Mrs. wanted a Murano, this unit is about $20,000 less, case closed. I couldnt believe the interior room and comfort, equal to the Maxima SE I traded for this car. Its way smoother on bumps and the seat is a dream on trips. The hatchback feature is great. Paid $119 for aftermarket console, looks great.

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  You chose a Good car at a Great price - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Richard Groh - December 17 - 4:49 am

  "You get what you pay for" is certainly true with the Nissan Versa. When you buy basically the lowest price car sold in the US, you are not expecting luxury or high quality in every component or system of the car. But you DO get what you pay for! You get a good, reliable car at a great price! One annoying negative for me: I knew the car did not have power locks or power windows, but only the drivers door has a lock for the key --- if you return to the car on the passenger side , you have to walk all the way around the car to unlock it, get in, then unlock the passenger door if you want or need to open it.

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  Nissans Entry Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Commuter Man - December 14 - 2:36 pm

  In short, great car! I bought this car for its features, price and mpg, in that order. At 16K in todays market I did not expect a performance vehicle. I wanted good transportation that was safe and economical. The ride is great for a compact econo-box. The engine is quiet most of the time and it performs well in city and on the highway. This would be a perfect car for a college student or a commuter of any age. My average mileage is 30 mpg and I am quite pleased with that. On occasion it is called on to carry 5 adults and it does so with reasonable comfort. The leg room in this car is amazing! I have had no mechanical issues and the fit and finish is excellent.

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  Fuel Mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Susan Kite - December 13 - 4:30 pm

  We traded in a 1998 Toyota Corolla to purchase our 2007 Nissan Versa in order to save gas. The sticker on the window indicated that we would be getting 28 city and 35 highway miles. We have now owned this car for almost a year and are barely getting 23 miles to the gallon, a far cry from our old toyota that ran perfect. So not only due we now have a car payment but a car that gets horrible gas mileage. Weve tried several times to off load this to purchase a car that gets good gas mileage only to find out that a car we paid $14,000 for less than a year ago is only worth around 9 or 10 thousand dollars. Im so sad that we no longer own our toyota. Cute car, fun to drive but dont buy it to save.

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  Gran pequeno automovil - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By gtise - December 8 - 2:21 am

  Lo compre hace 6 meses con 28,000m y ya tiene 42,la verdad que estoy sorprendido con el, en las fiestas viaje a Florida y fueron 2300 millas, sin ningun problema, con buen consumo de gasolina, solo a la semana de comprarlo comprobe que no funcionaba el A/C,pero como estaba en garantia fue reparado sin costo pero de ahi en mas solo ponerle combustible y manejarlo....grata sorpresa!!!

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  driving 2007 VERSA - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By lili - November 25 - 2:10 am

  fantastic, drives like a dream, sturdy noise free, sophisticated, could use arm rest shoulder and back seats pockets as a standard bonus.

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  Cool Canadian - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Cool Canadian - November 18 - 11:23 pm

  Right now western Canadians are paying about $1.10 per litre ($4.15 per gallon) for regular unleaded. I was paying about $400.00 per month in fuel alone driving my restored cutlass supreme. I needed something to save money, fast! Apples to apples the Versa is the best quality in its class with a lot of bragging rights in the category! Love it, love it, love it! I thought I was going to hate a compact car because I drive a 300+ hp car and a new crotch rocket, but this car has a lot of pep! The 1.8L engine is matched beautifully to the 6 speed manual. I tried the cvt, liked it, but the 6 speed was way too much for an enthusiast like me to pass up! Nissan, youve made a believer out of me!!

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  2007 Versa S Automatic, Power Package - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SamNC - November 16 - 9:40 pm

  It downshifts between 20-45 mph at which speeds to merge on highways are dangerous. There is a second or 2 delay in shifting gears, seems in neutral with high revs. It accelerates well from 60 to 70 mph and is equally well accelerating from 70 to 80 or 90 mph. Very good steering and handling when driving below 65 mph. Anything above 65 mph, steering becomes bad and sway a little within the driving lane. The car is now at 800 miles. With about 45% highway 55% city and I am easy on throttle and look way ahead for stop driving, I get about 25 mpg, way below the expected 32 mpg. Remotes and keys are quite bulky.

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  My Second Versa - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By rarrowsmith - November 16 - 3:47 am

  I just purchased a gently used 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback. This is actually my second Versa and Ill keep buying them. The cost is incredible, the quality is fantastic, the value for your money is unmatched. I drive 30 minutes each way for work 5 days a week and do quite a bit of road trips to see family. The Versa is fun to drive, is great on gas and its roomy and comfortable. I have an 8-month-old son and its so much easier getting a car seat in and out of this car than any other Ive had. The doors open wide and the seats are a bit higher, so its easy! The first Versa I had took a ponding in a severe hail storm. It cleaned up great and went on ticking!

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  Love the car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Brian - November 12 - 7:30 pm

  Car is well worth the money. Has plenty of power to accelerate on to the interstate, without worries. A/C cools the car quickly. Stereo has great bass and sound quality. Car is quiet no wind noises up to 80 mph. Its light weight so be prepared when an eighteen wheeler fly by. Any compact will give you the same feeling of being blown off the road. Wish the rear seat on my sedan folded down, but does have a lot of trunk space. Blind spots and the small quarter glasses on the front doors take some getting use too. Automatic trans shifts smooth, 1.8L engine has noticeable injector noise or valve noise when accelerating hard. Would buy again, and again. Great gas mileage..