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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  Good on gas - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Dave - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought vehicle new based on price and estimated mileage. So far, has been extremely reliable, comfortable for a small car and actually somewhat fun to drive. For a small car, it actually is quite large and has an underpowered engine. But thats where the fun comes in. Keeping the engine in the optimum rpm range for performance and economy is a game I play. If you really know how to drive a manual its a kick. The biggest benefit of all is the gas mileage. Ive kept track since new and Im averaging over 35 mpg. Thats combined driving not highway. The only negative thing I have to say about this car is that the air conditioning is not cold enough for my liking.

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  I love my Versa more every day! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jessica - June 28 - 3:33 pm

  I bought mine preowned with 9500 miles, and have put 10K more miles on it. I looked at the Yaris, Matrix, Fit, Corolla, xD and Mazda 3, and the Versa hit the sweet spot for features and price. The Fit had a cheap-looking interior, the Yaris had that dashboard in the center (yuck!) and the others cost more or got poorer mileage. As others have said, the comfort, leg room, options, gas mileage and overall solidity of the car is awesome. If youre thinking of a Versa, get the SL. The Intellikey, CVT, additional storage and upgrades are absolutely worth it. The ride is so quiet and smooth that Ive thought I was going 60 when I was really going 80! Lead feet beware.

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  Was a little unsure - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By shaunsully - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  Was a little unsure about such a small car and some reviews! to sum it up! Great car! economical! practical! Fun to Drive. recommend the SL with the CVT. And it comes with center armrest! and Ipod hookup! also Sl has few great features that take away most complaints I have seen! If people were not so cheap they would get a much better value for some pocket change! really peppy car actually went from a Pontiac G6 gt to this and his would probably keep up with it! lol handles nice and very very comfy! also more lighting and mirrors in the SL! great buy for the price. Must drive it

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  30,000 and running great - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By p byers - June 17 - 11:53 pm

  I am very satisfied with this car. After 30,000 miles I have had no problems and gas mileage has been averaging 34.3mpg. I drive mostly in the mountains and small towns. The cvt transmission is the best automatic that I have driven in the mountains. The holdback saves on the brakes and there is no shifting as I navigate these winding mountain roads. The antilock braking system works great in ice and snow.

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  Versa SL Hatchback - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By petrolhead85 - June 17 - 11:43 am

  Mine is an SL with the tech and sport packages (i.e., every option available) So far I am very impressed with my Versa. I cross-shopped this car with the Fit, Rondo, Yaris, VW City Golf (Canada-only model) and even the Mazda 3. in the end it was between this and the Fit. I chose the Versa because it had a better interior and was better value for money. So far (~4000 miles) nothing has gone wrong and there hasnt even been the customary "mysterious new car dash squeak." It feels like Im driving a high quality product and not an econobox. The CVT takes a bit of getting used to, but it really suits this engine and doesnt feel bogged down like the 4 spd auto in my 04 Sentra.

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  2008 Nissan Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick Bouchard - June 4 - 2:33 pm

  Nissan Versa 4dr hatchback, CVT + cruise control & Bluetooth technology. Very roomy and comfortable car for long distance trips. Heavier by 500 pounds than YARIS/ECHO. Big+ on highway, on a windy day. Extremely stable car. Interior well finished, sound system good. Points: cable opening hood broke on my 3rd try. Air conditioning made noise, had to be emptied and refilled with proper level of refrigerant. Frustration with bluetooth compatibility. Nokia 5200 and Nokia 5300 are fully compatible.. read carefully Nissan web site for compatibility. Patiently train your bluetooth.

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  Bad transmission - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By katdunn - May 30 - 11:51 pm

  I initially loved my Versa. I soon found that the quoted mpg was not as quoted, no surprise there. I drive all highway miles to and from work. After I purchased my Versa,I was sent an extended warranty for my transmission which expired at 120,000. This should have been the first clue that there must be a problem with the transmission. Now at 128,000 miles, my transmission starting making loud humming sounds, the car at one point almost wouldnt go in traffic, but once it got past 20 or 30 mph it ran normally. No fluid was leaking and its pretty much a closed system. They didnt take much time to check it out but were very quick to give me a price on a new transmission of $2800.

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  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nicole - May 27 - 8:33 pm

  I really enjoy this car. I upgraded from a 2004 Sentra, and the Versa has been a vast improvement. There is plenty of room for people and cargo, the CVT is smooth, and driving is more comfortable. The safety features are unbelievable and the gas economy is ok. I havent been getting advertised economy, but its still pretty good. All and all I am very happy with the switch.

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  Recommended - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By GeoGal - May 21 - 6:30 pm

  I dont drive far to work but its a great car when I drive half way across the country to visit family.

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  Good value for the money - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By ziggy1808 - May 20 - 7:22 am

  I bought my 2010 Versa SL Hatchback new in 2010. Options included the premium package and floor mats. The mileage rating on the window sticker indicated 28 city and 34 highway. In several 500 plus mile trips on interstate highways through the mountains of PA it did indeed get 34 mpgs, no more, no less. In city driving it has gotten close to 28 mpgs, sometime a little more, sometimes less. I have discovered that running the a/c or the defroster has a negative effect on gas mileage to the tune of 4 or 5 less miles per gallon in city driving. Very reliable, no issues.