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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  logical and economic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob Malcolm - December 10 - 11:32 am

  This car is very good with fuel mileage.It handles great on smooth and somewhat bumpy roads.Be carefull when parellel parkparking.The hubcaps will get scraped up if you come too close to high curbs.The sound system sounds great.The brakes are very good.good.This car is good for city and highway driving.

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  Great car - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Milton Kovar - November 30 - 3:22 pm

  Overall great car. CVT takes some getting used to and acceleration onto freeway unsatisfactory.

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  ROOMY, LOTS OF PICKUP... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By capergal - November 27 - 8:21 am

  Really good mileage - lots of pep on the highway. A little concerned with the braking - mine tends to go an extra foot or so before completely stopping even after brake is fully applied. Dealer says theres no problem. Also, the CVT, although supposedly good for mileage, takes some getting used to. Im still on the fence about that. On inclines, it does help to slow you down without braking, but this feature isnt always helpful on level ground. As soon as you take your foot off the gas pedal, theres little "coasting" - it stops much quicker than any other car Ive driven. Not so sure I like this feature.

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  Excellent - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gajas - November 25 - 6:30 am

  The car engine is very good. Mileage is not that what they advertise but it is definitely worth buying the car especially if you are not looking for anything which is fancy. Interior is very comfortable and airy and has lots of space. The car design is different than new versions like Fit and 2007 Hatchback of Hyundai but it is different and unique.

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  Completely AWESOME - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By zbaerenlovesme - November 22 - 11:40 am

  I love my Versa, and Ill be sad when I have to trade it in soon due to having another child. The one thing I dont like is that it wont fit three car seats ha ha ha. I have had negligible problems with my Versa. I have never "lost" a hubcap due to fly off or fall off, just to other versa owners STEALING them. I am surprised that another owner has expressed problem with the interior noise as I sometimes cannot tell if it is on or not it is so quiet. I have had it in the shop only for Nissan notified issues and regular maintenance. I agree, replacements hubcaps are too expensive. I get a reasonable gas mileage at 27 city, 33 highway.

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  Not too bad for a puddle jumper - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Carl - November 14 - 8:53 pm

  I am not too crazy over the road feel. It is difficult to keep the car going in a straight line at hwy speeds.i think that has something to do with the electric pwr. steering?

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  Nissa does not care about CUSTOMER SAFETY! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bill Fitzgerald - November 11 - 9:11 pm

  2 years ago my passenger side front wheel fell off the wheel support structure. I was traveling 25mph and the car abruptly stopped dead in its tracks, no rolling to a stop or skidding. 10 minutes later I would have been traveling 65mph heading to work & can imagine the potential for damage, injury, loss of life. The repair bill was $388. I contacted Nissan and requested that they reimburse me, after all this is a defect, wheels do not fall off. Nissan declined. In Jan 2016 I received a recall notice from Nissan indicating the the front wheel springs needed to be replaced because they were susceptible to corrosion due to the winter weather in the north east. The corrosion could cause the springs to fail and the wheel would fall off. I had Nissan replace the springs and sent them a letter with the $388 repair bill from 2014. After all, Nissan just admitted that the front wheels could fall off at any time! Nissan declined to pick up the tab for their wheel defect. During my conversation with the Nissan representative, I told them that Nissan does not care about customer safety. Nissans refusal to reimburse me for the wheel structure defect repair enforces the point that Nissan does not care about customer safety. Any company which cared about customer safety would recognize their wheel structure defect and immediately take care of it. How many other unsuspecting Nissan owners are driving around in a vehicle in which the wheel could fall off at any time! Nissan does not care about customer safety!

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  Good, but not great - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ron R - November 11 - 10:56 am

  I bought this for my daughter to drive in the future, and it has a lot of good things, but as we use it, find a few disappointments. After only three years (just out of warranty) I learn that replacing a taillight costs over $100. Replace or add a key: $200. Scuff marks are hard to remove, there is a lot of plastic. We like the features, although selection was limited, I guess this is common now. It also advertised a little better mileage than I get which is @27 mpg.

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  Great car for tall men - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By John - November 9 - 3:23 pm

  I am 63" tall. I was looking for a small, fuel efficient, reliable car that was as comfortable as possible. I tried Hondas, Toyotas, Hyundais, Fords, Cheveys, Susukis and Nissans. Of all, the Nissan Versa was by far the most comfortable-lots of legroom, headroom, backseat room, a quiet interior and comfortable front and back seats. It also sits higher off the ground so when you get out of the car you dont have to hold onto the edges of the door frame to pull yourself up and out of the car - something that gets real old after a few days. And Consumer Reports gave most of the cars components a "Well Above Average" rating for durability. Plus the most inexpensive and great mileage!

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  Excellent value for money - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By thgeary - November 5 - 2:16 pm

  The car is awesome overall - very, very smart indeed, nippy/fast around town, but engine is geared low (hence the nippiness) so it revs high on freeway - 4k rpm for 80 mph - sounds like youre in a washing machine. backseat leg room is inexplicably huge - really - even for two 66" men sitting tandem its huge. The inside materials are surprisingly good. gas mileage so far is 34 freeway, 30 commute (mix). So thats fine. The front-on view is pretty ugly, it has to be said, but I rarely see it, so i dont care. manual transmission is fun but notchy - this is no sports car (you knew that already though) Excellent value for money - 11.4k with destination, before tax etc. cant be beat.