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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  Very Unreliable - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By dannybrown92 - April 13 - 7:28 am

  I purchased a 2012 Nissan Versa SV certified preowned in September of 2013 with 25k miles. For the first seven months, the car was fine, but after that is when all issues started to occur. My brakes were making noises when I would hit them. It was a whistling noise. I paid to my rotors resurfaced, but that wasnt the issue. I needed the rear shoes replaced. About four months later, my transmission failed at 34k miles. Right after that, my starter went bad and right after that I needed new brake calipers. Everything accept rotors were under warranty. The car would make weird noises that went undiagnosed. All of these issues occurred before hitting 36k miles. Traded car in after 1 year.

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  Its a pretty good car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Lex - April 6 - 5:36 pm

  Im a college student and I bought this car because it was cheap, cute, and great on gas. It really hasnt let me down. Ive had it for about a year now and have put over 9000 miles on it (Im a commuter). My friends dont mind driving with me because of all the space and leg room. Its tiny and easy to park - it only takes up about half the parking space! Overall, besides a few things, Im content with the Versa.

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  Love my Versa so far# - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By adrianne phillips - April 6 - 12:29 pm

  I recently purchased my 2008 Nissan Versa SL. So far I love it. The acceleration is adequate and cvt shifts smoothly. Just had to fix a broken low tire pressurs sensor, but my mechanic checked it over and it was in great shape.

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  Improve the CVT - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - March 26 - 12:56 am

  We loved the car at first. Have had numerous mechanical issues, sluggish cvt (still a problem, dealer indicated that we should change our 35 years of driving approach) hard starting, rpm to low at 40 mpg, all 4 tires were defective and needed to be replaced. Service to fix was slow at best. Very disappointing. No follow up from Nissan after purchase, regarding purchase experience and performance of the Versa.

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  Excellent car, fair price - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Claire - March 23 - 8:40 pm

  I gave up my Suzuki Grand Vitara for this Versa SL Hatchback and it is impossible to be more happy. I cut my gas expenses a lot (you save more using cruise control), it has plenty of room, actually the back space is bigger than the SUV, my kids are more comfortable now, there are plenty room for legs. I feel pretty safe driving it, very stable on highways, very comfortable to ride (65 miles commute daily) with the back sit folded I have plenty of space to load almost everything, so I dont miss my SUV, without folding them you can fit 2 medium suitcases perfectly. Excellent car and very fair price

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  love at first sight - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce G. Pope - March 23 - 11:20 am

  I went in to just shop for a price of the sentra. I had been looking and pricing the Kias, Hondas, Toyotas. When I saw the Versa I was amazed how roomy it was inside. I test drove it for about 1/2 hour; High speed hwy and city. It was responsive, quick and fun to drive. It has a high headroom even from the outside. Its very European looking. Its unusually long too. It was cheaper than the Sentra and I bought the only one on the lot with no second thoughts. I am sure Im going to love this car for a long time. So far there doesnt seem to be much written on it yet. But Nissan has a sure fire hit on their hands. Its fun and sporty. Well done Nissan!!!!

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  Decent Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Decent Car - March 22 - 6:40 am

  I generally look at a number of things prior to buying a new car. The Versa was the best combination of price and features that I found. The Versa transmission (6 speed) is smooth and easy to use. The final drive ratio should be about 300 rpm lower at 70 mph. I am not sure what possessed Nissan when they designed this. I agree, the center armrest is needed. I ordered one in and added it myself. I am getting mileage from 31 -38. I am a conserative steady drive. Nice car in general, doesnt attract attention.

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  Nice car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By J M - March 20 - 6:03 am

  I have it for 1 week. I The back seat fits three adults comfortably. The turning radius is unbelievable. Although the seats are extra wide, they are too cushy. The driver seat is already indented and I have it for 1 week. Im looking for a rebuilder that will redo the seat for a few hundred dollars.

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  Excellent Value for Money - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Todd - March 16 - 9:53 pm

  Value for money, I dont think this car can be beat. I own the SL version (with optional CVT) and have been very impressed with every aspect of this car. It has just about every safety feature as standard equipment. The seats are large and comfortable. And theres actually a lot of space in the trunk area - even without the rear seats down. We were considering the Honda Fit but found it uncomfortable. The Fits shorter wheelbase, smaller tires and thinner seats made for a jarring ride at times.

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  Bummer - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By murrayv - March 14 - 12:45 am

  See "Car and Driver" review here - http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/nissan/versa for a succinct and accurate description. However dont believe the fuel economy claims. The first time I used this car for a trip, it ran out of gas in only 320 miles at highway speeds. The drivers manual says it has an 11.7 gallon tank. Thats only 27 mpg. Also the gas guage cannot be seen in bright sunlight wearing sun glasses, and even without sun-glasses cannot be seen safely while driving. Also the low fuel indication started flashing only 20 miles before the fuel ran out, and I got off the freeway once in a failed attempt to find a gas station in that 20 miles.