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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  New Versa Yesterday - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By anna - November 14 - 4:06 am

  I bought my Versa yesterday, so cannot speak on its reliability and build yet. I drove both the S and SL versa hatch. The S was a smooth, quiet ride with lots of room, power and comfort. No trouble getting up hills and good acceleration. The SL improved with the CVT and extra options, but the S would have done the job fine.

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  2014 Nissan Versa - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By kidhppy - November 13 - 12:51 pm

  I bought a 2014 Nissan Versa. It is a no frills car, but excellent for the price. I have a manual 5 speed so no cvt transmission. I like this car alot. Very good on gas, i have no issues when driving. Needs a new radio and it only has 2 speakers. Overall I am very happy i bought this car.

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  Big mistake! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Sheila W. - November 13 - 3:03 am

  Loved the car when I first got it. Had problems from the moment I drove it off the lot. Tire pressure light wont turn off, bluetooth is unusable, the car SHOCKS me evertime I get in or out of it, gas mileage is about 25 mpg freeway, not the 35 mpg that was promised. I have had to replace tires within the first 6 months. Dealership refuses to help with the shocking problem- claim my nose ring is causing the shock. Now the transmission slips while I am driving and I am terrified to go anywhere. I am a mom of 2 and do not treat the car harshly. Horrible horrible car. Save yourself a huge headache and choose another vehicle!

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  A good car at a great price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bstern92 - November 10 - 4:03 pm

  I bought the Versa from the original owner and it now has 84,000 miles on it. All in all it was a great buy. You cant beat the price of the Versa. Since I have a bad back it was hard to find a car with a seat that was super comfortable besides my friends Volvo, but obviously I couldnt afford that and the Versa is the only other car that gives me complete pain relief. Has more interior room than my dads Acura TSX. Gas mileage is great, but the gas tank is small so dont let the gas gauge fool you. Some negatives are the acceleration and has lots of body roll. The thing I hate the most is not having a middle armrest. Cup holders are awkward. Cruise control isnt standard. No trunk button

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  Nissan Scores Again - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gen - November 8 - 10:30 pm

  Checked it out at the Motor Trend Intl Auto Show and its everything everyone is raving about. My friend, (near 6ft. and is a researcher by trade) fits comfortably on the rear seat with extra knee/leg room--even with the front seats all the way back. So I picked one up at the local dealer today to use as an economical commuter (for work) next to my Chrysler 300C and Porsche 911. It shifts smoothly and lightly. I like the idea that no matter what my gas mileage is, it wont be as painful at the pump. The drivers view of the road is more than I can say for most cars I have driven. My family has owned several Datsun and Nissan vehicles were all dependable and mechanically sound.

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  07 Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By DNClark - November 4 - 10:06 pm

  Only 2 complaints. Car has no pickup when using the AC, and the shift from 1st to 2nd feels like a manual tranny even though its an automatic. Other than that its a great car.

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  Nifty car with many luxury features one weakness - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Randolph Selig - November 1 - 3:39 pm

  If the fuel pump has not already been replaced, it may have to be. Its an expensive job. This is a known vice in this model yet Nissan has not issued a TSB. Another frequent repair is the muffler or precisely the muffler flange. It will rust, requiring a new muffler be installed. That aside, this is a great small car: well designed with plenty of interior space, comfortable back seat, good brakes (though there is no abs) and steering, smooth shifting 4-speed automatic trans, adequate power and pickup though the smooth idling engine gets noisy under hard acceleration. It runs just fine on regular unleaded fuel. The ride is about average for a shortish wheelbase car. Unfortunately there are only warning lights for engine temperature and amps. The sharply sloping hood is hard to see the end of nor can a driver of average height see where the car ends in the rear, both of which can complicate parking. It always appears you are closer to the car in front than you actually are. The model I purchased has power windows and door locks and a keyless entry though to start the car the coded key is needed.

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  Fuel Injectors - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By suzannaharati - November 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have gotten into 5 different wrecks in the past year and most if not all having to do with my blind spots on the left and right sides of the vehicle. I have noticed that the head rest cushioning has already started to come undone and also the lining to my back right window is coming undone which is letting water seep through. The biggest thing though is that just recently I found myself stranded at 3 in the morning with my car not wanting to crank. After getting it towed, the mechanic informed me that it was my fuel injectors flooding my engine. He said it was a flaw due to the manufacturing and would not be surprised if I would need to do it again in 40,000 miles. That job cost me $325.

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  Very nice - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By kanya - October 22 - 9:40 pm

  I like it very much because it has very good Fuel Economy and Comfort.

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  Windows & lights - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Brenda - October 22 - 11:53 am

  I really like my little car but have more trouble with the electric windows. Have always had elec windows but motor replaced once and still in cold weather refuses to go down. Second never had to scrape my headlights off. The shape of these makes it necessary. Hope it lasts me 5 yrs because other than that really like.