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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  40 Thousand and going - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SEChpman - September 3 - 8:30 am

  Use this car as my get to work car( 60 miles) and tight parking car. Have a Nissan Quest also. Have driven this car hard, and at 40,000 miles it is going great. I got it at a good price, just like my other Nissan. This car is designed to be left alone( except for fluid changes) for a long time. Oh, and if you lose a hubcap it will cost you over 60 dollars ( rip)!

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  This car is GREAT! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ES - September 3 - 4:10 am

  The 2009 Nissan 1.8 SL Hatchback was not even in my radar when I started doing my research for a new car. 48 hours after test driving one, though, I ordered it with all the available packages. This car is very fun to drive and has enough zip to not disappoint. CVT makes the ride so much smoother and quieter than the 2009 Honda Fit (I test drove both cars back to back on the same day). Edmunds.com may think its a plain car, but I love it. Nothing complicated; just sound Nissan engineering.

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  Absolutely Great Car for the money - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Choo Choo Kornitzer - September 1 - 4:31 pm

  We bought new for our son who decided to go to HS a 45 minute drive away. Price and safety features were the reasons for our choice. He put 60K miles on it in 2.5 years. We bought 1 new set of tires and changed the oil. The car was perfect every day and never a minutes trouble and thats with a teenager driving it.

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  Great little car... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By curegirl0421 - August 30 - 2:23 pm

  Unfortunately it looks as if the other reviewer got a bit of a lemon; I have enjoyed driving this car, although I will agree its a bit on the loud side. The only thing I truly have had issue with is the interior seems to be just snapped together and I often have to smack panels back in place, but for a cheap car, I cant complain. Gas mileage... well, I made it from Denver to Tucson and back on 4 1/2 tanks of gas... you do the math!

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  Nice small Car...BUT.... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Viktorio - August 27 - 1:50 am

  I bought a new car and after 18 month a start hearing noisy inside of my car, transmission goes very noisy until RPMs goes down, service check engine light comes on very offter, sendos replaced, tire blow up, transmission goes 20m/p then went up without pressing excelator almost, horn went down after 2 years. I had issue with transmission but technician was not be able to find the issue plus charge me $95 for diagnostic and next month the transmission is went down.

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  For the money, cant beat it! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jeff - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  This car is patterned after the Renault Tida, which is a staple in the European market. We took 4 grown adults on a beach trip and easily accommodated everyone (and luggage) comfortably. The CVT provides excellent acceleration for keeping up with trucks on the interstate. It feels like a golf cart gas peddle, seamlessly accelerating or decelerating with the pressure on the peddle (no herky-jerky gear shifting).

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  Perfect for the spouse - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By ron - August 16 - 10:13 pm

  My wife owned a used 97 Sentra for a few years. When we went new, she insisted on a new Nissan. As she is from S. America, and grew up with hatchback family haulers, the Versa is perfect for her. Her biggest want was space, esp. for the suitcase laden trips to visit her folks. The car has no pretensions of sportiness, but the CV transmission pulls well enough and the car is relatively quiet. It has had a few problems (ones that I have read as common): hard starting (replaced fuel pump regulator, front end "clunk"(in for service on this once, now has it again -dealership says it cannot replicate this), 6- changer CD player replaced. Overall, not a bad car, the wife loves it, would buy again

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  Versa Sedan S model 5 Speed - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By toad45 - August 14 - 11:25 pm

  I was in the market for an affordable car I could pay for with cash and avoid payments. I looked at Hyundai, Ford, Kia and Nissan. I went with the the Versa Sedan with the manual transmission. I plopped down $14,128 out the door with an extended warrenty. (5 year bumper to bumper) It drives great and is quite nimble. The back seat is huge as is the trunk. Milage is in the high 30s. It is a nice family car. Its more than an "economy car". Its solid. Im happy.

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  Initial overall value attractive, then a disappointment - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By panthers98 - August 8 - 10:05 am

  I bought my 2012 re-designed Versa sedan in November of 2011. Initial overall value appeared excellent, but shortcomings are becoming evident, hopefully they have engineered-out these problems. This was the first vehicle I have owned with an automatic transmission, let alone the CVT, so I opted for an extended warranty. Thank God I did since it had to be replaced at 80K miles. Have replaced every exterior bulb at least once. Tire pressure sensor light goes on and rear right tire goes flat about every 2 weeks unexplained. Plastic dashboard attracts lint like I have a cat sitting up there. CVT/engine combination sounds like it is going to blow up when strong acceleration is needed.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Magida - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My son, who owned a GM car that always ends up in a garage, would always borrow my car when his is not available. He said my Versa drives like a go-cart! He said the comments a compliment--meaning the car handles the road very well, even when turning tight corners. I have to agree that this car handles the road well. Thats just one of the great things about this car. It also saves gas, comfortable and the visibility inside while driving is just so great! Ever since I got it, the only thing that has been change were filters and oil. Probably,I have to change brake pads according to the manual. Ill definitely going to buy another one when the time comes.