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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  Great Small Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By NJ Versa - November 28 - 3:23 pm

  Affordable. Packed with features, space, and technology/amenities you wont find anywhere else... and trust me I looked. Unbelievable value for the money.

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  Loving the Versa - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By mredct - November 25 - 10:17 pm

  I have owned my Versa for about a month so far. My mileage has been about 39 mpg, so this car has been quite economical to own. My previous car, a Subaru Outback, got about 22 mpg so I am saving some dough! I took a long distance trip - driving from CT to FL in the Versa and it was so comfortable. In the past Ive had to pad seats with a pillow to make the trip tolerable, but the seats on the Versa were just right for me. The cruise control made driving so easy - all I had to do was point the car! When I ran the A/C the car still got good mileage. My average for the trip was 40 mpg. We had our first snow storm yesterday in CT and the traction control handled it like a champ.

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  08 Versa Hatchback (CVT) - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By alan600 - November 19 - 10:09 pm

  Overall, I have been very happy with the car. It handles well, is easy to drive and has a lot of interior room and comfort. Good value too. The one caveat is that my transmission failed after 40,000. It was replaced under warranty with no problems. I am not sure how common this is or if I was just unlucky. Since the replacement transmission was installed the car has run great. The gas mileage estimates are not as high as stated by Nissan.

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  very reliable - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  ive owned this car for 5 months i like the cabin space its as large as some mid sized cars, the engine is very peppy no problem getting on the hgwy. however it could use some storage other than the glove box , and the armrest is woefully inadequate,with that said ive yet to reach gas mileage north of 30 mpg oh and the seats are very firm. overall a good car ,but i really love the cvt transmission a big departure from small cars , the way it pulls thru the gears seamlessly.

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  Best sub-compact - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By scribdraw - November 15 - 1:16 am

  The Versa is by far the best sub-compact on the road. Seats are thick and supportive and handling is great. Back seats dont lay as flat as the fit, but are much more comfortable and tons more leg room/head room. Cool features like bluetooth and I-key. Good price.

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  Versa 1.6 Best Car Deal - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By John S. in CT - November 7 - 11:50 am

  I think it looks fantastic. I like the faceted look at the edges of the trunk and hood. Anyway, form should follow function, and this car is very functional - it has more back seat leg room than many much larger and more expensive cars. It also has one of the largest trunks (sedan) in its class. I think its great fun to drive. If you want the best combination of low price, good gas mileage, large interior and trunk room, I think the Versa 1.6 wins hands down. Just put in a radio/CD and go, it already has 4 spkrs.

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  2012 Versa Good design & great value - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By medmann48 - November 7 - 2:44 am

  We purchased a 2012 versa SV sedan about 2 months ago & love it so far. I already have a 2009 Versa Hatchback & have had Zero problems with it this last 3 years & drive it EVERY day. I like the design of the new 2012 sedan & chose it because so many sub sompacts are made to be small & sporty. The 2012 Versa sedan is like a small family car with lots of room. It may not be sporty but it has lots of room & the price is right, we have 2 6ft sons who hop into the back seat with no problems, try that in a Yaris or Fiesta, good luck! I still marvel at how nice this car looks, kinda like a smaller version of the Altima or Maxima.

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  Good Civic Corolla alternative. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ZYZEX - November 2 - 5:16 pm

  Roomy-ness and comfortable interior in small car for tall people describes the overall driving experience. The quality of Nissan is much improved than I remembered. I feel the effects of the merger with Renault. There is a blend of European design cues mixed with Asian. Front seats are high of the floor like in a Jetta. You comfortably sit with your knees bent, not straight like in a sports car. At 63" I find plenty of head room. Did not come with a stock radio for $1k more. Install a way better one, for not even half.

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  Excellent commuting car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By TD - October 29 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased the 4dr hatchback SL with CVT and I have been impressed with the quality of options such as the 6 disc cd changer. The elbow rest is nicely padded which is respective of the quality of the rest of the interior. The rear seating is very impressive with two car seats and no feet pressing against the back of my seat, Im happy. The tires could be a little wider so the ruts left by semi- trailers wouldnt grab the vehicle so easily.

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  this is a winner - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By joe mason - October 21 - 9:03 pm

  the cvt transmission is perfect for this engine.it is interesting to watch the tach while going up hills,the cvt is able to follow the power curve of the engine unlike a gear tranny.the seats are made of "memory foam" and become more comfortable as you drive. you feel like you are in a much larger car because of the room inside. the fuel economy is affected by the ac use but still gives 34 mpg.side air curtains & multiple front air bags give some peace of mind.the whole vehicle is a quality build and worth the money.