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 Car - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By phil31 - May 15 - 1:05 am

  Very, very nice car for the money. Excellent fuel economy with the cvt avg mpg between 38-45, with 2500 miles on the odo. Nice body stype, much bigger then the 2011 model, very large truck and back seat paid $15.3 delevered for my SV model

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  Great lil car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By victor - May 12 - 10:23 am

  This car is great! Looks small on the outside but very roomy on the inside! I traded in a ford taurus for this car and feel i got the better deal. Gas per week is $60-$80 less and I drive a lot. I live in NYC where parking is hard to get... this car fits everywhere!

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  Good car for this price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jaz - May 10 - 10:23 pm

  I have this car about a couple of weeks and I just love this car. I looked at Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. I see these cars on Route 1 and they look too small for that kind of Highway. I wanted 1.8 L not 1.5 like Fit and Yaris. Interior is roomy and it feels like a big car. Its zippy and I am very comfortable on highways.

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  What more could I ask for ? sub compact utility vehilce - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By raz59 - May 1 - 9:40 pm

  Just purchased a 2014 Nissan Versa Note Sv 5 door hatchback , the car is to get my wife too and from work on a daily basis , for shopping , taking the dog to the groomers ect plus my wife is having her first grandchild around xmas time , the car is light grey with dk cloth interior , it has blue tooth, air , cruise , rear camera , amfm Usb. conv package which includes an adjustable floor , bigger screen for the audio and rear camera, pw mrrs , fold down seats with arm rest ,, the car drives nice and is very quiet and the cruise works excellent ,,, I am getting used to the CVT as it seamless through hills and acceleration , Nissan seems to have the right deals on the vehicle.

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  rockin lil car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By danielsan - April 27 - 8:33 am

  i love it. so far so good. i was going to get a fit, but then i test drove the versa, and its a much better deal for the price.

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  Seems like a great value so far - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By AnnDrexHill - April 19 - 2:46 am

  This car has worked out great so far, the price was low enough that I was able to afford nice extras inside. Lots of little things are included in the Versa: long sun shade works well for shorter drivers, good interior storage (huge glove box), you sit up high w/good visibility, impressive rear leg room, cool sunglass holder and iPod attachment. Handy radio controls on steering wheel. I held out for the Metallic Blue color because its my favorite. Took another reviewers advice and paid extra for the rear cargo organizer; it makes that deep hatch back well level with the fold-down seats and hides some of your stuff. Gas mileage only so-so.

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  3 months 6000 Miles - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bekah - April 18 - 7:53 pm

  The Versa is a comfortable ride, it averages at about 30.5 MPG mixed city and highway. I have had it for three months, and just about two weeks ago the engine doesnt start every time I turn the key. This is a bit frustrating since I just bought the car in January. It doesnt handle extremely well and it blows around in the wind a bit. It is extremely roomy, and has a good sound system, and is a nice cruising vehicle. Overall (if this engine starting problem gets straightened out) I love the Versa, it is the first new car I have bought, and the second car I have owned. It is cute, easy to drive, and pretty fuel efficient.

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  At 38,000 miles - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ron - April 12 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased the SL CVT in Nov. 2007 and no problems except one wheel leaking air requiring weekly fill up. Tire sensor lets me know when to fill, but dealer cannot find or fix wheel leak. Totally reliable, no other fixes so far. Everything holding up well and no rattles yet. Car is garaged and kept clean in and out. Northwest weather is mild on vehicles. Tried Fit Corolla Civic and Scion but purchased Versa for smooth quiet ride and large passenger space. The Hondas were a better drivers car but too noisy and rougher riding. Mileage has averaged 30.2 to date. Suburban driving: 29mpg, High speed 70+ Hiway = only around 30 mpg. Worst city driving mileage was 26 mpg. Quiet at idle and hiway

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  Great Value - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bob - April 10 - 12:03 pm

  I have 3 teenage drivers and this car is perfect for them, and me too. I also like the fact that it is a humble car. No flash, no fuss. Those of us who bought them know we would have spent a lot more on the Corolla, Civic, Fit, etc and had a lot less interior room.

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  After 2000 miles - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By anna - April 5 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my SL hatch 2 months ago (see "New Versa Yesterday") and so far I have no cause for complaint! It averages 32-33mpg mostly highway driving. Definitely spring for the SL if you can.