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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  Its great to own a Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By shannon - March 5 - 9:16 am

  Great car, had Hondas previously and like the Versa so much better, and the top of technology put into it and having a look of a European car. In black its really cool looking, drives great and has a great sound system. You never see the hood of the car, you look out your windshield and only see the road, really different then any car Ive ever driven.

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  40 mpg inexpensive commuter - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Friederich - March 1 - 3:33 am

  I bought this car last December. I have a blue 1.6 sedan, manual transmission; AC & ABS. That is all you need!!!...In this consumer oriented society, we have gotten used to wasting money...well I commute every day 37 miles each way...in city traffic. My Versa just turned 3K and my fuel average is 40 mpg!!! so on a cost per mile basis this is as good as it gets...sure I had to spend $200 bucks to install a nice CD & HD radio, but the car already came with 4 speakers and antenna pre-wired. So far the car has been absolutely trouble free...yes I have to exercise my arm just a bit to manually lower the window at drive thrus and garage gates...and I had to manually adjust my side view mirror

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  Breaking in our 2009 Versa SL CVT - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Bombero - February 28 - 3:36 pm

  Got best gas miles on a trip to casino. Oct 30 2008 188 divided by 8.3 = 22.6 @259.9 per gallon 00188 Nov 11 2008 133 divided by 5.7= 23.3 @ 2.35 per gallon 00322 After trip to casino using cruise control first time above 45 mph Nov 11 2008 133.4 divided 3.2 = 41.6 Wow... no hills... 00456 Still driving easy for the first 1000 miles.

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  Commuter Car Supreme - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Hoho - February 19 - 5:13 pm

  I got sick of driving my BMW 325 in the snow, and then got sick of fixing my Volvo, so I sucked it up and bought a commuter car. I have always been a fan of Nissan reliability -- have had several over many years. I now drive 25k a year. I have put 34k on this car, and it runs the same as the day I bought it. There was a minor vibration at 3000 RPM that was easily repaired (air conditioning insulation was vibrating). I have done all the scheduled maintenance. I recommend that. I am of the mind set that if this car is maintained correctly, it will last a long time. Is it fun to drive like a Euro car? NO! But it is reasonably quiet, handles okay, and slow as molasses. Overall I am happy.

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  So far so good - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By racerx - February 18 - 2:20 pm

  Id have to say that over all, its a pretty solid little car. Good interior space for the segment, especially the back seat. I got the 6 speed manual and boy does it require a lot of shifting. Im in 6th by 45 mph. The fuel mileage hasnt been what I had hoped for at about 29 mpg with a mostly highway commute. Maybe it will get better with the engine completely broken in.

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  Pretty good car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By IGGYPOPPER - February 14 - 11:30 pm

  Lease since Sept 2007. Car is good, roomy enough, no arm rest which was terrible, had to buy one online. No power at all though, put foot completely down on pedal with the AC on, has no pickup at all. Must be careful passing people, make sure you have 50 free car lengths before you do. But car is dependable so far, stereo ok, look is cute, rides good.

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  Transmission - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By foreigncars433 - February 13 - 2:13 am

  These cars run great for their first 100k. I bought one brand new and had no problems with it until about 105, when the transmission went. Costed me 2900, and the problems did not stop there. The car was great while it lasted, but did not last very long.

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  Pretty good for the $$ - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By William Dodd - February 12 - 2:00 pm

  This has been a good and reliable car since purchased about a year and a half ago. Gas mileage and passenger space is good. Handling, especially in strong winds, is not the best. Tiring to drive on long trips.

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  Not so great MPG - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By ginger31 - February 4 - 12:12 am

  Although I like the comfort and style, the MPG rating is way over rated. Driving it on the highway and city mixed I get 26 MPG. I reset the average counter, drove 75 miles on the highway with cruise control @ 60 mph and still under 30 MPG.

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  Dealer/MFG BOO BOOs - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By harry - February 1 - 7:53 am

  On date of delivery, left air bag cover on dash was raised. Took 4 weeks to replace-factory did not have part available. TPMS is very sensitive ie 1 lb of air pressure and light goes off. And there is NO manual reset. Left front passenger air bag light goes on and off intermittently-cant seem to find a cure so never know if passenger is protected or not. Front end alignment was off-had to bring back to dealer twice to repair. 1st time car was so new-dealer did not have specs for alilgnment. Seems dealer was more interested in volume as opposed to service after sale. But car is fuel miser and rides good for a small car.