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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  Not al that its cracked up to be - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By BlueVersa - September 5 - 11:53 am

  This car has several advantages compared to other small hatchbacks: well equipped for the price, comfort, engine performance. But you have to pay dearly for these perks as the fuel economoy is very disappointing and you will struggle to get better than 28 MPG on the highway and 25 in the city. Also this car is not well built: Nissan has cut a few of the wrong corners. The bumpers are held on with plastic rivets and will come off or dent at the slightest touch (this is ridiculous in what is supposed to be a city car) and worse the windshield washer fluid tank is located underneath the flimsy bumper with practically no protection. Drinving out of snowbank resulted in its complete destruction!

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  Compacts have come a long way. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Scott - September 5 - 2:23 am

  I have mostly owned Toyotas and decided to give Nissan a try. Jury is still out on if I made the right decision. The car has been reliable accept for a front end clunk that the dealer cannot replicate. Seems to be a common issue that Nissan should address. The interior space and smooth engine are its greatest assets. Not sure if I like the 6-spd. It should provide a lower RPM in 6th gear for highway driving. Having said that the gearing allows for unmatched power on hills. For an entry level car this is miles ahead of the Tercels and Metro I have owned. It provides a fairly quiet cabin, plenty of rear legroom, adequate power, and many modern amenities at a fair price.

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  Incredible Car! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Fantastic car !!! - August 29 - 5:23 am

  We purchased the Versa with all the available options including premium package, cvt, nav, and sunroof. This car is awesome!I drive a BMW and the Versa is still a blast to drive. You have to go with all the extras for sure to make this car purchase worthwhile.Upgraded stereo is incredible with satellite and unbelievable sound with six speakers. The cvt is a must and the interior upgrades are a outstanding. the center console addition is perfect. We drove the basic model without the extras and there is no comparison to the fully loaded version. The price was crazy cheap given what we got. Gas mileage is great. We love the car!

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  i liked it untill..... - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By 08versa - August 19 - 2:30 am

  bought it in 2008, so its 2 years old. has about 20000 miles on it. Bought it to go back and forth to school and work, so far has done its job. mpg is average-good. Handles pretty good in the snow but dont always trust it. shaky in the wind. love the inside, but ugly outside. Having some issues now where the car hesitates. like its not getting enough fuel or power. taken it to the dealership, they say nothing is wrong. BS!! Great for the price i paid. if i only had $12000 to buy my next car, would buy it again, but hoping not it. Great on long trips and storage space. was wishing for a little better gas millage.My dogs love the back seat. over all, Good-average car.

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  New to Nissan - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Carla - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my new car a week now and so far I love it. I put a lot of miles in every week and find this car very comfortable and am getting the 34 mpg hwy. Woo Hoo! Lots of interior room - I didnt have a lot of money to spend so got the basics - wish I would have got power locks - there is no key for passenger side so lots of reaching across to lock and unlock doors. Otherwise its a 10!

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  I Love My Car! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By ebolhafner - August 5 - 11:16 am

  I test drove a Scion xD and a Honda Fit before this one, and I fell in love immediately with the Versa. Its amazingly roomy, drives very smoothly at highway speeds (compared to other cars in its class) and is cute but not too cute like the Fit and Yaris are. I get good gas mileage, about 34 mpg with 60% highway 40% city driving. The model I bought has neat extras like audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, armrest, etc. My fiancee loves how roomy it is, and I can fit both our bikes in the back easily. I think this is an underrated little car and a GREAT value!

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  MPG!! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Joe - August 3 - 11:46 am

  This Versa hatchback replaced a Honda Prelude that got 32 MPG. We moved 96 miles from work and needed better gas mileage since gas was $4.89 for regular in So. Cal. I am totally amazed by the 37.88 MPG we get on the highway (35 if the A/C is running). I am 6 foot five and weigh 230 lbs. There is plenty of head leg and shoulder room for me and with the driver seat in the furthest position to the rear a normal sized adults legs do not touch the back of my seat. We got the magnetic grey which has a sparkle to the paint and hides dirt well, so washing is only a twice monthly chore. I was able to get 6 bags of topsoil and a 3.3 cubic foot bag of rock in the rear cargo area and still had room.

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  Love My Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Max - July 29 - 10:33 am

  Coming from an 02 Ford Explorer, my concept of spacious is a little warped. But my Versa is BIG inside! The rear storage under the hatch is deceiving - it looks small but is very deep. It handles great, and everything seems really solid. Interior design is a little funky, and the comfy front seats (the dealer tells me that theyre Maxima seats) leave not so much room for good cup holders or useful console. So what? Ill get used to it. Great door buckets/pockets, even in the back seat. Ive driven over 800 miles in a little over a week and have been running the A/C pretty much non-stop. Averaging ~32 MPG on the first 3 fillups.

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  OK, A Little Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Ryan - July 22 - 2:00 am

  After copious research I narrowed it down to Honda Fit or Versa, better dealer financing swung it in favor of the Versa. After a month, though, Im a little hesitant to recommend this little hatchback. Gas mileage has been OK, but not great weve got 21s to 29 depending on how much highway driving we do (this is the CVT model). Driving comfort is the big problem, lumbar support is non-existent, seats are short and no support under thighs. Steering wheel is too far away if youre not ridiculously short. Ride is OK but blows around like a leaf in the wind and doesnt feel well connected to the road (easily drifts). That said, it turned out to be excellent in snow, easy to control and stop.

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  From a Buick to a Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jack Beun - July 13 - 10:46 am

  I traded an 03 Buick Century for the Versa and I dont feel that Ive given up much in the way of comfort. I am a young 64 years old and I enjoy the way the car handles. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet and the build quality is excellent. My only disappointment so far is the gas mileage. I have only used one tank, but my combined city-highway mileage was 25.5 mpg. Hopefully this will improve a bit. All in all though, I am very happy with this car.