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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  $12570 with 1.49 apr for 4yrs!! - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By na02 - August 12 - 9:25 pm

  32.5 mpg with mixed driving of hwy & street. I got 5spd and loving it. took the them 2months to order it but it was worth the wait. No power windows, locks, or mirrors but everything else is standard. Great car for work since I drive 52miles to work one way....also, its a timing chain so this car will last forever with less maintenance.

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  Good for money but a couple of glitches - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By B- Rad - August 8 - 7:00 am

  Overall, the Nissan Versa CVT Hatchback is a good little car. It looks little but actually has a whole lot of room inside. My friend is 610 and has no problem riding shotgun because of the immense headroom provided in the design. The car does not get the posted gas mileage driving in the New York City area - which is mostly traffic congested highways and stop and go streets. I clocked every time I had to fill up for 12 months to find that the car on my average gets 25 miles to the gallon. I was surprised that my ex-car, a Nissan Sentra 1997 stick shift, got at least 35 miles to a gallon - way better. I also had glitches with the interior panel that always seemed to pop up and stay up.

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  You get what you pay for - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By mrsacausey - July 31 - 7:41 am

  Had this car a year and has stranded me twice. Up to date on all maintenance and still has problems. Engine turned off while I was driving down the interstate and almost got into an accident because of it. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. You get what you pay for. The air compressor is bad and the electrical system is on the fritz. Local dealership is currently trying to work something out since I am 4k upside down on it.

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  My 2012 Versa Sedan - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By volusia58 - July 30 - 6:05 am

  I love this little cute car. Very roomy and fun to drive. We bought the Versa SV and it is nicely equiped, I only wish that the SV had the 60/40 split folding back seat. Very practical to own and operate.

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  Excellent purchase - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By VersaDude - July 27 - 7:36 pm

  This car is fantastic! I used to have a 2002 Sentra and I cant believe how much better this vehicle is over it. This has to be my best car purchase ever for a vehicle in this class. Im not sure how theyre making money from this vehicle cause a lot of thought and money went into it.

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  Better than I expected! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Twogrim - July 18 - 3:03 am

  I mean come on now, what do people expect for a cheap car. I thought when I bought it that it would make a great commute car! Then my wife decided to drive it to Florida to visit her sister instead of her Quest. It is an awsome little car! It drives great, gets good mileage and has plenty of room. But the best part is I could buy 2 for what I was expecting to pay for my "new" car! She has averaged 32+ going down at a steady 80, I would have to believe it might hit 34-35 when it is broken in good (still has less than 1500 miles on it)

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  Versa/Kenny Ross - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Heflynn - July 16 - 12:33 pm

  Bought new with 17 miles on it. I drive it back and forth to work, no off road, nor do I have a passenger the majority of the time. Here is what has been replaced. Strut bearings, struts, intermediate steering column (noise came back so it is going back again) rotors, rotors turned, fuel pressure regulator, oxygen sensor, rear defrost (twice), muffler has rusted off. This part is not covered under my extended warranty and it will cost around 2000.00 to fix. I have had no issue with the dealership that I bought it from, they are great just a bad product to be selling. The servicing dealership Kenny Ross, horrible service. There is not enough space to explain how terrible my experience was.

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  Nothing special, just a good little car - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Micha B - July 14 - 3:46 pm

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  Vics Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Vics Versa - July 6 - 3:10 pm

  This is my 1st brand "NEW" car. I did my research and found this to be the car for me! One thing that I love about this car is the comfort; from the front seats to the back! With the high price of gas, it doesnt hurt my pocket as much!

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  Biggest little car out there! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ChrisJ - July 4 - 12:46 pm

  With 1000 miles under my new Nissan Versa SL I have to say I am very happy with the car. Rides like a big car. SL includes 6 CD changer and aux input for iPod or MP3, a must have. Plenty of room for my wife and 3 of the kids, along with a trunk full of groceries. Rides smooth and quiet, can hardly hear the engine run. So far I am averaging 30 mpg with 70/30 highway/city driving. Seems to be improving with each tank full, but I am a little disappointed its not better. New 08 mpg estimates list the Versa at 26/33 for the CVT. Lower then the sticker 30/36. Guess I will have to slow down to 55 on the highway.