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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  Inspiring - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By T.C. - July 2 - 9:33 pm

  GREAT CAR! I absolutely love my new Nissan. I get great gas mileage, its sporty to drive, and the interior space is very efficient and user friendly. I would reccomend this car to anyone who has a limited budget.

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  Hatchback of the Decade - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Josh Cromwell - July 2 - 9:26 am

  I needed a car to commute to and from work. I decided on the Versa after carefully considering Sentra and Frontier. I drove each vehicle for a couple days and the choice was obvious after driving Versa. All the options and room of the more expensive Sentra, and nearly twice the gas mileage of Frontier. Im getting 33 mpg and Ill be the first to admit I have a very heavy foot. Interior room is unbelievable. Im 61" 300 lbs and theres plenty of room to spare in the front and rear.

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  Wow great gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Dennis - July 1 - 8:40 am

  Just purchased this Versa S hatchback with Auto and second tank I got a little over 40 mpg with less than 600 miles. Thats higher than the epa. The last tank was rural driving mostly betweeen 40 and 60 mph.

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  A GREAT CAR!!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By FRILL LESS - June 28 - 2:43 am

  Went to the Nissan dealership and asked for their lowest priced car. What I got was a no-frills 6-speed manual Versa. I had to drive it back from the dealerships other site about 30 miles away. A great test drive and I didnt expect to love it as much as I did. Ive only had it for a few days now and have to concur with all the other reviews. Its a great car.

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  Excelllent value reliable transportation. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By stephen felts - June 25 - 1:23 pm

  The manufacturer (Nissan) guarentees the Recently sold my Versa after 9 years of happy ownership because I got my wifes Infinity when I bought here a new Alfa Romeo Julia. I never had any trouble with the Versa and loved it.

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  Cool Quirky Looking Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Tom Spada - June 23 - 10:30 pm

  Except for its somewhat unattractive front end styling, it disappears when you get yourself behind the drivers seat. Yup, its no pocket rocket, but the CVT gets it up to speed sooner than you can tell "Bluetooth" which number you wish to dial. The ride is smooth with good road feedback. Quieter than other more expensive vehicles. Ive had my share of Porsches, Corvettes, and everything in between. Nissan has put some serious thought into the making of this vehicle, and what it has to offer. The Versa proves that an inexpensive car doesnt have to be made cheaply. With ridiculous gas prices these days, Id buy it again.

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  Dissapointing new car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Alan Magnes - June 20 - 4:13 pm

  I bought 1.6 versa without air conditioning or radio. After purchase I find out that there is no kit to add air conditioning. I dont know about the 1.8 versa but this 5 speed has the engine turning at 3000 rpm at 60mph,sounds like it is ready to blow up at highway speed. I am very dissapointed overall and will get rid of this thing before the warm weather.

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  Good value, but needs improvement - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Courtney Kurtenbach - June 8 - 9:54 pm

  Good new car for a low price, but definitely nothing very fun. The car is quite slow, acceleration is terrible (but then again, Im used to driving a car with a turbo engine, so if youre not used to a faster car it might be fine). You can hear the car struggling when trying to speed up. I also found the steering to be pretty bad. Maybe its just different from what Im used to, but the steering seemed to be not very responsive and stiff. I could feel quite a bit of resistance when I tried to turn the wheel. It made it difficult to make small adjustments. Braking was very nice and responsive, though. Interior is very comfortable and roomy. A bit disappointed with the kind I had though, as it had no backup camera or touch screen display. The audio system was actually pretty nice, though. Overall a good car for the price, but personally I would need something a bit nicer in performance if I were going to get a 2016.

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  Great Value - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By havingfun - June 6 - 12:53 am

  Very happy with this purchase. A 2009 Hatchback S with CD player, AC and automatic for $11,500. The engine is so quiet, enough rev for rush hour traffic. Decent sound system and so much space inside. Its the perfect commuter car plus the space to throw the kids, recyclables, and the pets inside when needed. You wont be disappointed. The mpg quoted around 33 seems exact to me. Remembering my 1995 Altima as the best car ever, hoping Versa picks up the torch.

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  Nissan with a lot of electrical problems! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By rizeabove - June 1 - 5:40 am

  TPMS replaced new computer for sensors. Hit door locks and occasionally the stereo cuts off. Alarm system when locking used to beep horn and flash lights now just locks (checked all fuses and replaced, no fix). Gas door jammed and bent from wind rushing behind it now I have to use a credit card to open sometimes! I have 25000 miles on car. It is a 6 speed and occasionally on steep grades inclines or descending the car will make rattling noises and Ill feel slight vibration in clutch. Dealer cant reproduce the problem!