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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  Good Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Happy Owner - February 1 - 1:36 am

  I bought this car when gas hit $4.00 a gallon. I only use it going to and from work, and its all highway. I average between 32-36 mpg. Depending if I hit traffic. My best was 40 mpg, I never got over 63 mph, and there was a tailwind. Now that gas is down it takes me $16.00 to fill up. The one flaw I can find is the cup holders, they are in horrible spots.

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  mostly pleased, but... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By tab00 - January 29 - 12:10 am

  Being my first ever new car (Im 34) I did not know what to expect, overall I have been very pleased, with one caveat. The interior is really quite great. The fabric and materials are very good. The audio (standard package for the SL) is nice, it wont blow you away but it sounds very good. The ride is generally very quiet. The Sound Sensitive Audio is a great feature as is the Bluetooth and keyless entry/ignition. The phone mike needs to be more sensitive to pick up my voice. The keyless ignition and entry took some getting used to but it is well worth the bucks. My big complaint is mileage, sticker says 30/34. After 2500 miles and a dealer check up I get 22/26, sub-par for a car of this size

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  Superb little car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rosalind - January 28 - 9:33 pm

  When I first saw this car, I loved the way it looked. After purchasing the car, I love the size of it, how I fit in small spaces, and the way it revs up when you put your foot on the accelerator. It looks smaller outside than it is inside. Also I have a brother in law who is at least 64", and he had plenty of room in the back seat. I am a woman of 59", and I am so comfortable.

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  The cream of the small car crop! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jon - January 20 - 10:46 pm

  This is by far the best of the small cars out there, unless youre an early 20-something boy racer (you need a Fit). Its longish wheelbase and suspension tuning means a GREAT ride around town, including over non-spinal-injuring bumps! Its really remarkable. The Fit gets all the kudos for handling, but the Versa is nimble with an insanely small turning radius. Tossable, but rides like a grown-up car. An interior for grown-ups as well, with fantastic fit-and-finish and a logical, high quality dash.

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  Good buy for the money - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By John - January 16 - 10:26 pm

  Having purchased the Versa three weeks ago, I have to say I am impressed. Having to commute 72 mi a day, I am getting 30 miles to the gallon. My vehicle now has 800 miles on it. Having a manual, and owning three prior autos with manual transmission including Toyota Corolla, I have to say that for the price, the Versa is well worth it. The only drawback which I am getting used to is in regards to shifting. There is very little room for error in shifting from second to third as well as from fifth to fourth gear. There is plenty of headroom in the drivers seat as well as plenty of room in the rear. If youre looking for a reduced priced subcompact. I would recommend the Versa over the Corolla.

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  Still worth the price - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sickegg2000 - January 9 - 1:43 am

  I’ve always like Nissan cars, and this is my 4th Nissan. I have owned 240sx, 2 X 300zx because Nissan to me is safer and better quality for the same bucks…. I have to say for less than 20K, I got a fully loaded Versa Hatchback SL with power roof and somewhat economic, I am satisfied with my purchase. I am just hopping the mileage can be better, but there is always a balance comparing mileage and power. Versa is the fastest in it’s class comparing Toyota Yaris, Scion xD, and Honda FIT, and so it makes sense that it’s not the most economics car within this group. I have test drove all the cars listed above, I personally think Nissan handles the best when it comes to corners and balance.

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  Glad I did it. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Roni - January 2 - 2:00 am

  I recently decided to give up my SUV of 8 years, and try something different. I am glad I did. I drove over 300 mi. to pick up my new Versa and it was worth every minute. Its sporty and classy and just an all around great deal. I am lucky enough to have some nice added features such as the power package, and rear spoiler, and I just tinted the windows yesterday. And it really looks sharp! If youre shopping for an economy car that if veritile, and sporty, this is it!

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  WARNING - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jc2017 - December 30 - 11:25 am

  Get rid of this car when it gets past 100k!!! Check engine light constantly coming on and the dealership doesnt know whats wrong, Problems with the transmission come quick. The tranny first started slipping and I got the fluid changed. Temporarily fixed the problem, until it came back after a couple thousand miles. $3000 fix. I bought this car with the gas mileage in mind, (around 35mpg) which was great, until all the money i saved went into fixing the car once it got past 100k

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  Nice car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Eric - December 24 - 8:10 am

  The car is comfortable, peppy, and quiet. Fun to drive. Very easy to clutch and shift. The back seat is very roomy, more than you would expect. The pros rate it as just a blah, so-so car. But they always compare it to another one that is 2-4 thousand more. It seems they do not have to listen to their bank account telling them a little compromise is OK. About the only thing you have to get used to is that on the highway, doing 65-70 mph, even in 6th gear, the engine RPM are about 3K, so you always think you still have to upshift.

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  Good In small wagons segment - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Chamarthi - November 15 - 6:10 pm

  Have had the Versa SL for almost a month and am loving it. The CVT transmission is super smooth. The just checked MPG was almost 30. The seats are comfortable and the interior is well finished. The interior is midsize roomy with lots of leg and head room. The convenience package makes a nice ...