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:

• 

  A Great Car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - September 21 - 8:33 pm

  I wanted a safe, economical, practical car for my daughter to drive and the Versa is all that and more. The ride is quiet and smooth, the interior is comfortable and the controls are well thought out. We got 33 MPG on the highway driving to Texas...not too shabby. Plus, the car looks WAY better than the Fit or Yaris - especially if you get the red version and put on some window tint! 50 cu.ft. cargo capacity with the seats down, plus, the engine has a timing chain - not a belt! In my opinion, this car is hands down one of the best cars in its class today.

• 

  Engine Knock, High Winding transmission - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Christine Bowyer - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new, after 637 miles car engine started knocking. High winding transmission noises. Been in the shop for 28 days, serviced 4 times. Changed 6 different parts, then they had to install a new engine. New engine still knocks, Nissan will no longer honor warranty with only 13,000 miles. So am in Arbitration w/ BBB AUTOLINE. Hopefully this will get resolved. Other than all that car is cute, economic about 27-33mph.

• 

  Pleasant Surprise - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By MrIcemaker - September 15 - 3:06 am

  I originally purchased this vehicle as a means to lower my fuel costs – my main vehicle was an F-350 diesel, and I commute 70 miles each day. In 18 months I would then turn it over to my daughter to drive. Since February, I have put just short of 9000 miles on the car (will put about 20,000 per year I am guessing), including a 16 hour (each way) trip to Reno NV (from Denver) without overnighting. That is a long time in a car, and I was surprised how comfortable it was. Plenty of power, excellent handling, and I averaged over 35 mpg on the trip at 75 mph set on the cruise control. I would not only recommend this car, I may buy another one in 18 months and keep this one for myself!

• 

  Awesome little car with a few minor flaws. - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Samantha H. - September 14 - 9:27 am

  My husband and I bought this car new in 2012, for around $14,000. We have put 97,319 miles on it, and commute out of state monthly. We change the oil religiously, every 4,000, and it averages about $60 for that service. We replaced the battery about a year ago (at roughly 60,000miles), and other than that have NEVER had to do any other maintanence on this vehicle apart from regular tire replacement (every 6-8mos at the rate we drive it). The car is light weight, so even at this mileage we are only halfway through our break pads...and it stops on a dime! The windows are large and virtually panoramic, so there is little-to-no blind spots, and as a hatchback, the seats lay down and can fit and hold an alarming amount of things. (When we got married, we were able to lay the seats down and move my things into his house in only two trips, minus furniture....note-I had lived on my own for several years so it was a Small apartment that we managed to fit into this car with only two trips...not simply a bedroom). We average about 35mpg, sometimes more, sometimes less depending on how conservatively you drive it. My only major gripes about this vehicle, are its lack of a key fob to unlock and lock the car from a distance, there is no cruise control, and...oddly....the front seat cupholders sit BENEATH the stereo column and many "large" size drink containers simply do not fit under it without bemding and sometimes breaking the straw...and you have to tip most cups sideways a bit to get it in...which results in a spill, or having to hold the drink and sip it down far enough to tip it before you can put it in. Overall, its an incredible car for a young person, or young couple, we hope to keep it long enough for our son to use as his first car due to its easy maneuverability and lack of blind spots. But with two car seats now we have to shop for something else. It DOES fit two carseats...surprisingly...but the front seats have to be scooted up pretty far in order to accomodate, which means the driver has to be either as tall as me or shorter (55") to fit their legs under the steering wheel to drive in that position...its tight. My husband (60") is cramped in the passenger seat with his knees against the dash if the carseats are in it. Overall, it is a terrific little car, harder than hell to break into when youve locked the keys in the car, so that could be a plus or a negative depending on how you look at it (haha!) And having been in three minor collisions in it, you would never know, it brushes off small accidents like nothing...no scratches, dents or anything.

• 

  Nice Little Commuter - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Peripatetic Nomad - September 13 - 7:13 am

  Because my son had an accident with our 98 Honda Accord (233,000 miles), I had to give him my 07 Honda Fit manual shift (108,000 miles) so that he can get to school. I had to buy a commuter car and the Versa was my choice. It is an SL fully loaded. I will be putting in excess of 45,000 miles a year on this car just like I did with the Honda Fit. So far for commuting, the Versa is miles ahead of the Fit. The 07 Fit is a very fun car, but not a commuter car for the city. The ride is just too stiff on NY City streets. If I really need fun, thankfully I still have a supercharged BMW 540 on the side.

• 

  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By HevyDevyHead - September 13 - 6:20 am

  I absolutely love this car. Had one on order for longer than a month and now that I finally have it, I know I made a great decision. It feels more like a car that should cost $27k and is the smoothest riding vehicle I have even ridden in. Seats are nice and plush. Stereo sounds great and I love the aux input jack. The drivers seat offers a great view of the road and the backseat is huge.

• 

  A car thats worth more than the price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By arumi84 - September 10 - 2:03 am

  This is my very first car. For the price, this car has got everything. I had the car for about 10 month now and no problem so far. Smooth and quick corners, the car is very roomy both front, back, and trunk. Fuel economy is very good. Overall, it is worth more than the price :)

• 

  Try it - youll like it - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By mrpelick - September 5 - 1:51 am

  I bought this car for my daughter to drive. Its comfortable and spacious inside, looks great outside (red hatchback with tinted windows and spoiler....zoom), rides and handles very well, gets great gas mileage, not to mention lots of cargo space and all this at an affordable price. I like it so much Im considering getting one for myself.

• 

  Lizs Versa in Tulsa, OK. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Liz Torres - August 27 - 3:36 am

  After three months of research, I purchased a Versa S Model in March, 2008. Its been the best car purchase Ive ever made. Ive getting 28-36 miles per gallon (75% hwy, 25% city). I took it to Kansas City recently and upon arrival, I still had 1/3 tank of gas left. Its comfortable, roomy, drives great, has many safety features & cruise; all the basics I wanted for $14K. This was my budget and anything extra I considered a luxury I didnt really need. After reading negative reviews regarding the Blue Tooth incompatibility problems, I am glad I didnt purchase the SL Model. On the other hand, it would be nice to have the ABS brakes just for extra protection. Id recommend the Versa S

• 

  Love it!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By DianeanWalt - August 14 - 1:30 pm

  We love our new Nissan. Were getting 38 miles to the gallon. On our 07 we got 40 mpg and we havent even broken this one in yet. What a differance color really does make. The 07 was black, didnt have all the amenities that my husband wanted, so we traded it in for an 08. This one is white, just what he wanted with the sunroof, xm radio, and all the additional pkgs. you can get. Life is too short, might as well get what he really wants. For a big-little car, for running around, it the greatest we found it so comfortable, we use it for road trips too.