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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  I love my decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By WF - October 2 - 8:43 am

  I downgraded from an Altima to a Versa for better fuel economy. The Versa turns out to be a nimble car thats very fun to drive. It has more rear leg room than the Altima! And I cant complain about its 30 city/36 hwy mileage (I have the CVT version). Its convenience package (intelligent key, bluetooth phone, audio controls on wheel) offers some features typically found on more luxurious models.

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  Excellent Value - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Phil/Carmen - September 29 - 3:23 am

  For the money, best value on the street. I am ex football player for the size of the car this vehicle is very comfortable. When we first purchased our Versa the brake lights kept blowing out every week, our interior cabin seems to be hot all of time. However fun car to drive, gas mileage gets better as it breaks in. Love the sound system, but they need to correct rear seat belt issue mine is so tight you cant slip your fingers between the belt and the rear back support portion of the seat. Remember this is a economy car, we are very Happy. Make it easier for us to work on the car Nissan, at least to change oil/filters and make a better key and hub caps the holders are plastic (Weak).

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  Nice - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Menzies - September 15 - 10:36 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Stylish, fuel efficient, roomy, drives like a much bigger car. Highly recommended for anyone.

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  Still Happy - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dvkiel - September 6 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased the Versa 14 months ago and am just now approaching 9000 miles on it and so far I have not had any issues with the vehicle. I am getting a very consistent 29-31 mpg commuting around town. Havent taken it on any long trips as yet but would expect the mpg to be very good.

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  Solid car 4 the $$$ - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By mrfrugal2 - September 4 - 8:34 am

  "Bought an SV model and have close to 200 miles in. Its terrific!! Just what I was looking for. It gets me from point A to point B without spending lots of hard earned cash. If you are looking for luxury then recommend the Acura line, or possibly Honda, but for normal commute, its perfect. Getting about 36 mpg average and loving it. The CVT doesnt bother me so far (based on reviews) - actually it is smoother than most normal tranny cars Ive driven. I did own a Datsun B-210 (manual) and an Altima so I do like Nissan. LOTS of room. My opinion - this cars ingenuity sticks out at me and Im definitely loving it. Take one out for a test drive and youll see. I did, and now I own one!!"

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  Our new 2008 Versa is a wonderful car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By bluegrass08 - August 31 - 5:23 pm

  The CVT is fun to drive and the car itself handles very well.

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  Versa versus others - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jon DeWaal - August 27 - 2:53 pm

  We spent quite a bit of time looking over the Toyota Corolla, and the Honda Civic. What impressed us most about the Versa was the smooth ride, quality, price, and the roominess. It had the others beat hands down. Having had the Versa for about a year, we are very happy owners of this delightful car. It is a fun car to drive.

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  Just needed a car at the time! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By bcrichman - August 25 - 10:37 am

  My last 2 cars were BMWs and the last 2 years were rough for me financially. I had spent over 7k i car repairs on my BMW Z3. Overheating problems caused me to blow 2 headgaskets within a 6 month span. I was no longer making 6 figures and needed a recent model car with reliability for around 10k. The 2008 Versa was my best option. More room than Sentra even though its a subcompact. Very comfortable, 1.8 engine has alot of pep and the car does not feel cheap. it feels well built. I bought it with 55k miles and it rides and handles like a new car. Very reliable, had it for over a year and it drives very well. Tons of cargo room in the trunk. The back seats have room like a full size car!

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  Quality like made in china - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By harut_1973 - August 23 - 9:25 pm

  No reliability!!!! This car is piece of junk. The paint peels off all around the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even in cracks of lights where you can not reach. Not from physical damage. I went to Nissan dealer for windshield pillar paint peeled off, they said it might by from physical damage. Second time the paint peeled off in crack of back light of Quarter panel, they accept that this is warranty issue but they need 2-3 day for fixing it... and no providing car.... I have problem with door window, but I do not want even call them, they will need 5 days for repair it and I will need to rent a car. Cheaper will be to pay for fix. Even contacting global Nissan do not helped. Do not but this c

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  I Recommend This Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By R.. Santiago - August 17 - 4:13 am

  When the lease was up on our Volvo XC90, we started to search for a replacement vehicle with at least similar interior comfort, including wide seats and leg room, plus a smooth and quiet ride. Surprisingly, we found it in our 2008 Nissan Versa S. Sometimes I forget that I am not driving the Volvo XC90 anymore. Mileage wise I get from 25 to 29 mpg.