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, undervalued - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By El Viejo - October 31 - 9:16 pm

  The Versa is a great car, built well, comfortable, great CVT, rides well, corners well and is all around a great product. When gas goes to $7 a gallon, who will be laughing?

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  Sad to post... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jasonmontreal - October 30 - 3:20 am

  For 50,000 km (about 30,000 miles) my Versa was perfect. Then one day the problems started.... 1) Car started to make diesel-like noise every time I accelerated. I took it to the dealer and they informed me there was a crack in the pistons. Result=a new engine at 50,000 km 2) Air conditioning pump failed about 5,000 km later. Dealer repaired under warranty 3) The final draw was this week, when the car wouldnt start and left me stranded in a parking lot at night. I had the car towed to the dealer where I learned that the fuel pump was finished. As the car is out of warranty, repairs were $700 I signed for a Toyota Corolla yesterday, and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

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  Love the Versa - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Fifth Nissan - October 30 - 1:43 am

  I bought the Versa after attending a car show and sitting in every small car made. The Versa is extraordinarily roomy and comfortable for its size, as roomy as most midsized. The headroom, both in front and in back are excellent. The seats are comfortable, especially for a subcompact. Ive read some comments about the width of the Versa. It is indeed narrow, but the designers have constructed the Versa in such as way as to create a sense of greater width than it objectively has. Im pretty wide, 5 6" and 250, and I truthfully do not feel squished. Ive owned my Versa for about 3 months. It handles beautifully. The ride is quiet. I highly recommend it.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By R. Northcott - October 21 - 6:00 am

  I bought the Nissan Versa the first year it came out. I was looking for good gas mileage and the sticker said 28 city, 35 highway. The mileage was good at first but then I noticed that I was going to the gas station more often so I started tracking my mileage again. Well, I then discovered that I was getting 19 miles to a gallon instead of the 26 or so I got when I first bought the car. I brought it to the dealership where I bought it and another local Nissan dealership and was told nothing was wrong with the car. Im not happy and will never buy another Nissan.

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  Amazing car for the price.. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cloud9ine - October 19 - 3:23 am

  The Nissan Versa is an amazing car for the price. Awesome handling, great interior and lots of space. Totally great car.

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  Awesome! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jdrv291 - October 12 - 7:16 pm

  This is by far the most fun I have had driving a car.. I dont understand people saying it gets bad gas mileage.. i am averaging 26ish around the city I dont know about the highway but I bet its better. The only issue I dont think is great is the gas pedal is a little shaky at 2800+ rpms but its a 4cyl so what do you expect? Ill take the gas mileage all day over a little vibration! and its got cruise so its great!

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  Bad Quality & Problematic Transmission - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sam - October 11 - 4:13 am

  1. Passenger side door lock broken since purchase, dealer changed. 2. After 2000 miles, hear clicking noises from many places. 3. Suspension broken, dealer changed. 4. Still hear the noises from the base. Dealer said the problem is the heat shield falling down. 5. After 2800 miles hear noise from the transmission. When transmission is cold, I hear a clicking sound once between first and second gear. Only when low speed and cold transmission. 6. Right now the car drives at an average of 21 miles per gallon,half city half highway. 7. Sometimes the driver seat makes a squeaking sound.

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  It depends what youre used to... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jvisalli - October 5 - 8:06 am

  I traded in my 97 Hyundai Elantra which was a very dependable car but not exactly luxury! By comparison the Versa is a Cadillac. Point is: your satisfaction depends on what youre used to and how much you expect for $13,000 or so. For the money I think the Versa is a steal compared to whats out there. Its roomy, comfortable, peppy, good gas mileage (average 33mpg), quiet ride, good suspension, cute and its NEW! I never realized how bad my headlights and windshield wipers were on the old car! I also never had a CD player, so you see Im not hard to please! I would never spend what most new cars cost, so Im very happy with my Versa.

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  Good economical transportation - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By voncarlton - October 5 - 6:59 am

  This car is not sexy, but it does the job it was intended to do. I have the S model with the CVT transmission and I am pleased with the interior room which easily fits me 6 240, my wife, daughter, mother in law and luggage for the weekend. I like having the roll up windows but the pass door does not have a keyed entry & without power door locks this can be a pain. One feature that came in handy a few weeks ago is the tire pressure sensor. I picked up a nail and the dash warned me that a tire was low in air pressure. I do not like the seat material on the S version but I bought some seat covers that are better. Overall the car is an excellent value & there is not much to complain about.

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  Retiree and a Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jim Frederick - September 23 - 9:46 am

  I bought this car primarily for my 125 mile round-trip commute to my part-time retirement job. It also serves as our second vehicle so interior space is a real plus. A lot of quality car for a reasonable price. Now have 6,000 miles on it, mostly highway and getting anywhere from 31 to 37 mpg (depending upon speed and a/c use). The only issue so far with the car is a slight pull to the left at highway speeds but dealer is working with me on that. I would really like that fixed. Four speed auto does well overall. I wonder if I would have liked the CVT?