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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  2011 Versa - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By jimsullivan2 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car moves quicker and handles better than the Impala that I drove previous to this vehicle. Gas mileage averages at 31 at mostly highway driving but I like to drive close to 80mph. If you are thinking that this car is too small, take a test drive. There is more interior room than most cars out there.

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  2007 versa commuter - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By garrett - February 21 - 8:50 am

  I drive 100 miles daily and find the Versa to have good comfort. 4 big men can ride in it no problem. I like the 6 speed manual but a lot of time spent in stop and go traffic will leave you worn out. The only problems Ive had is excessive cranking at startup. Took it to the dealer twice and they changed parts but couldnt fix the problem. I suspect a relay but it usually is no problem.

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  Great Value - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By gpez - February 12 - 7:23 am

  Have driven the car for 2 months, nearly 1500 miles. You get a lot of value for your money. Gas mileage has been 31-32 mpg for mostly non-highway commute, very respectable. The cars got enough pep and great brakes with the ABS option. The interior exceeds expectations. It does have some quirks - gets a little loose at highway speeds (probably could improve with better tires), the rear suspension is soft (go slow over speed bumps) and oddities like no temp gauge (instead goofy LEDs) and the glove box light only comes on with the exterior lights. Not the sportiest car but for the price it has exceeded my expectations. If it yields long term reliability then Nissans got a winner here.

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  Great car but the RPMs run high - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By TIna Kline - February 10 - 2:26 am

  I just purchased a 2008 Versa hatchback, so far love it! Averaging 33 mpg, not bad condsidering I drive 50 miles to work, and hit 32 lights along the way. Im a little concerned about the RPMs running high, in 6 sp, 62 mph Im running at 3000 RPMs. Other than that great car!!

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  Drive a versa now - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SS - February 6 - 8:00 am

  4 weeks ago , I didnt even know what a versa was. I drove a honda fit and about had a fit. It felt like a clown car. I drove a toyota yaris and it was the noisest car Ive ever driven. I accidently sat in a sold versa, closed the door, turned on the stereo, and almost fell asleep in a comfortable seat. The customer couldnt get financed and after I went on a 25 mile demo ride , I bought the car. The cvt tranny is a joy. Quiet, roomy interior,no blind spots,great gas milage ,cold cold air conditioning,blue tooth tech, keyless ignition and a great look. I have never bought a car without researching it for a week and driving it 3 demo times, but this car is different. It says BUY ME NOW !!!

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Jennings12 - January 26 - 6:06 am

  We got the S Model with the power pack option, including cruise control, power windows, power locks, keyless remote entry. This is a really well-designed car. The interior is extraordinarily roomy and comfortable and looks and feels great; there is lots of cargo capacity; the sound system is great; the mileage is good; the air conditioning seems very efficient and has lots of different adjustment options; the ride is decent for a smallish car; the exterior (I got the sapphire blue) is snappy; lots of safety features. I actually look forward to driving to and from work.

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  08 Versa S Sedan Auto - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - January 17 - 10:23 pm

  Auto trans, power package, ABS, side curtain air bags. Fun to drive, good on gas, lots of interior room. Very nice looking interior & reasonably comfortable. Considering the price its amazing how much car you get for your money. Accelerates ok, auto trans shifts very well. Reasonably quiet at highway speeds. Corners nicely with amazing braking performance. Dash controls are nice and simple. This car is almost exactly what I wanted at an excellent price. Very satisfied.

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  Easy Transition, Maxima to Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By S Boyle - January 16 - 11:53 pm

  Driving the Versa made it easy to economize and transition from an 04 Maxima SL in both cost and comfort. I wanted a more fuel efficient car and spent weeks researching the Honda Civic/Fit, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Senta/Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, and Ford Focus. After test driving the Civic, Focus, Corolla and Sentra, I chose Versa with ABS. Its amazingly peppy with easy steering and great turning radius. It offers the most room of any of cars I drove and is just as comfortable as the Maxima. There is plenty of rear room for grandchildrens car seats without adjusting front seats. The difference in the payments, gas costs and insurance saves me nearly $4,000 over the next 20 months.

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  a lot of blind spots - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By versa - January 16 - 7:16 pm

  The hachback window is small and not enogh veiw out of it. The post from the side rear windows to the hachback window is to broad that is where the blind spots are. The stupid tringle windows in driver and passengers side windows are also a distraction. The sticker said 25 mpg,in town and 36 mpg highway. Well I have not done much highway driving yet but I do not get any where near 25 mpg where I live and I live in the country.

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  Problems - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By desertrat11 - January 16 - 11:11 am

  I bought my Nissan versa in august of 20111, 1st thing went wrong trim on top of roof fell off, 2nd needed a air filter I thought, 2nd needed a new transmission, 3rd needed new rear brakes, 4th blew a tire on the freeway and lastly contacted Nissan customer consumer affairs and after 3 weeks of playing phone tag their was not a thing they could do for me. And by the way did I mention that my dealership said I have roadside assistance which is only for a tow up to 100 dollars and a rental