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:

• 

  Get it all at a small price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bethanie Hollister - January 15 - 3:06 pm

  By far the best car that I have owned so far! I have only had minor problems with my Versa since purchase and all have been fixed quickly by warranty. The dealership I went to in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, "Beaver County Auto," was amazing and I would recommend them and the Versa to everyone. If you can swing it the SL with the CRV transmission is great! No more feeling your car shift into gears and with all the extra features you feel like youre driving a sports car. I will be a Nissan driver for life!

• 

  Happy we got it! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By alb&rav - January 12 - 2:06 pm

  Our 5dr SL is a very comfortable car. The rear seat legroom is excellent! I really enjoy the smoothness of the CVT. The handling is surprising also. Im used to driving high performance sports cars, and this vehicle makes me feel at home behind the wheel. BRAVO Nissan!

• 

  Rural Colorado - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By rural Colorado - January 10 - 4:13 am

  Test drove the CVT, my 6 speed is much more responsive and quiet. Fuel economy is great at 32 city-35 hwy. Drove a lot in Denver recently- consistent 32 mpg. Very happy with the options chosen with the S (cruise, power package), and equally happy with the price. Test drove Corolla and Civic. The Versa and the options I wanted would have cost me much more in the other (more well known) models. Insurance is also cheaper! The Versa is much more comfortable and fun to drive. Wish there was an arm rest... small price to pay. A lot of space in such a small sedan. Handles well on ice and snow. Great car!

• 

  Excellent Value - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bob Browne - January 9 - 9:13 am

  The Versa S sedan, manual trans, with the Power Package is more than enough car for our family of young drivers. The car shifts smoothly, rides nice for a small car, and has much more interior leg room in the back seat than many mid size cars. The trunk space is surprisingly large too. The dash has a nice look. I believe this vehicle will gain a lot of sales momentum as it priced so competitively and has so much to offer.

• 

  nice car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By chooch - January 9 - 2:13 am

  I have only owned my versa for 5 days and i love it! its so smooth, i know a speeding ticket is in my future! its so comfy. Not a bad car for $15,000.

• 

  Good Commuter and nice drive - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By nissanguy81 - January 6 - 6:44 am

  Nice car for the value, and price. I leased this Sedan got a great deal 130.00 a month for 24 months. I cant complain, I looked at all vehicles and this was the best deal for a new car lease. Yes, its not a sports car or very smart in terms of technology and drivablility, but its very practicle. Im a student and need a car that is cheap and good MPG, this car was a no brainer. My only complain is that on highway speeds 60mph plus it has a tendency to swerve in high wind drafts, but its not to bad once you get out of the wind tunnels. But the car drives solid, I like the stiff suspension, conering could be improved, but overal for the price its a hands down car.

• 

  2008 Nissan Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By bomart - January 2 - 7:50 pm

  I test drove the Yaris, Fit, Focus, and the Scion xD. The Versa was not the best driving car, too much oversteer on turns, felt top heavy, and uneven braking, but I felt it was the best value. My 2002 Focus SE handles much better, and gets about the same 30-34 MPG. The 1.8L CVT has better acceleration than my 2.2L Focus, but is noisy at higher RPMs. What sold me on the Versa was its upscale stock interior styling and the roomy back seat. I found only 2 manufacturing defects, a squeak coming from the dash, and the chrome plating on the front Nissan emblem peeling (dealer replaced). Not bad compared to the many defects I found in my Ford Focus when purchased new.

• 

  So far so good - bought used - owned it for 6000 miles and 6 months now - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By casinnova - January 1 - 12:19 pm

  I am definitely a skeptic and buying a new car is so hard to do. I settled on the Versa for 2 reasons: Leg room and fuel economy. Both are absolutely acceptable. The car is spacious. Compared to any other hatchback or sedan that I have ever been inside of, this thing feels huge. It fits 4 adults very comfortably. Since keeping track of mileage I have averaged 29.35 MPG mostly city driving. If I drive carefully I can get 32 MPG in the city but most of the time I am late for work and have to drive crazy. I have no complaints really. The car is solid. I will update my review after another 6 months.

• 

  HOW DOES THIS EVEN HAPPEN? - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By mpf2007 - December 16 - 3:10 am

  okay so I received a 2007 Nissan Versa for christmas in 2006 - nice gift huh? WRONG. I drove the car to the grocery store and was dropping my fiance off at the house. He grabbed the bags & when he shut the door ALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MYCAR DEPLOYED IN MY FACE! I was pissed went to the nissan dealership & it took 9 MONTHS TO FIX IT To make matters even worse when I got to the nissan dealership they tried to hand me the bill & make me pay it when the corporate office said it was warrantied add that to the jacked up transmission horrible quality of the plastic & metal,broken tire pressure sensor & o2 sensor brake light wiring issues and nissan & theyre cheap car can go to you know where

• 

  Wheres my Mileage? - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Diane - December 11 - 10:50 am

  I traded in a Hyundai Santa Fe on this car back when the gas prices skyrocketed. I was told I would get 35 mpg. Not. I gave up many extras that I had on the Santa Fe (heated seats, leather interior, etc.) Not worth it. I drive 42 miles round trip to work 5 days a week and get about 28 mpg. I make a 5-6 trips from Cincy to Columbus (about 200 miles) and only get 29-30 mpg. This may not seem like a lot but I would have been better off with the Hyundai, it was paid off.