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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  Great first new car to own - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Larry L. - July 9 - 11:20 am

  First time new car buyer, very comfortable interior, lots of space, cubby holes for everything (Im bound to lose something!). Its a peppy little thing, fun to drive, smooth ride, but the electronic power steering is something to get used to. Engine gets whiny at higher RPMs and highway speeds, but it is not built for power. Havent had any problems yet (knock on wood) after two months.

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  Much Better than I thought it would be - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mudd - June 14 - 9:30 pm

  As an elderly peson I needed something to get around in and travel once in a while. I live a rural area and go into the city once or twice a day, traveling about 25 to 30 miles each day. I am totally surprised at this car, small but roomy inside, quiet inside, easy to handle. I drove it from the larger city to my home which was 57miles and it was difficult to keep it under 80 miles per hour it was so easy running. It has the CVT tranny and I really like that. Although it has been driven only about 100 miles, the fuel gauge remains more than 3/4 so it appears economy is going to be good. At this point would sell it back for my money plus profit. If it holds up mechanically, will be OK.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By conigogo - June 10 - 6:13 am

  I traded in a minivan for the Versa when gas prices neared $4 a gallon in 2008. I researched hatchbacks and visited countless dealerships & was impressed with the Versas features for the price. My husband was impressed with the get-up-and-go acceleration. We have a 13-year-old son and he finds the back seat roomy even with all his school gear and gaming supplies. I think the exterior is appealing & have even had 3 different people ask me for information about the car in parking lots. We told our boy that when he turns 16 he can choose between my Versa or my husbands Frontier truck & he cant make up his mind!

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  Good Car at Good Price - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By valceanu - June 3 - 10:19 am

  Ive had this car and driven it daily for for two years now. Ive put 34,000 miles on it in that time. Ive had no problems with it. Its solid and reliable. This is a no-frills economy car. It does not handle like a sports car, and it is not as comfortable as a luxury car. But it gets the job done without giving you headaches, and it gets excellent gas mileage. It has a very roomy interior for its size, and it has a huge trunk. Ive been averaging between 35 to 39 mpg in all kinds of driving conditions.

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  Fun car... gas mileage stinks!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ELIZABETH - May 16 - 11:00 pm

  The car is just outright a fun car. I love the bluetooth capabilities considering the phone is my life. I especially love the CVT. It makes the car less noisy and its a smooth ride for the most part. I have not had the car for long but I am beginning to think the car doesnt really get 36 MPG. I am averaging about 28-31 MPG on the highway. The car tends to be a smooth ride with an occasional drifting. Not sure what that is about. I feel my 1999 Grand Am with over 200,000 still gets better gas mileage.

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  I love my versa! makes me happy! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By berkeleygal - May 13 - 11:13 pm

  I test drove the honda fit and the scion xd, and I chose the versa mainly because of the roomy interior and the price. Definitely worth the upgrade to the SL, the S and base versions dont have as nice interior (armrest,upholstery, ipod). This car is perfect for my commute and its fun to zip around the city in. Its comfortable to drive and isnt goofy looking like the scion or the fit. It gets good gas mileage, handles well, and drives fine on the freeway and in the city. Ive read reviews where they say its a snooze to drive, but I disagree. Its got the ipod jack and cruise control, and it feels like you are in a much larger car. My family and friends can all ride comfortably in it!

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  A very good car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Didier - May 5 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car last year. After one year, I can say that Im very very satisfying. Handling is good, even on snow, comfort excellent and gas mileage good too. I just replaced the air filter 3 days ago and the fuel economy is much better. The Versa is the best car I had in my life.

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  Nissan....not again! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By grublet22 - April 22 - 12:09 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle from brand new from September 2007 and I very disappointed that at 68,000 miles, I have been nickled and dimed to death with vehicle. Tires replaced twice due to the super poor alignment! I have had it realigned twice now, working on a 3 rd time. Muffler rusted through and had to have that repaired. Now I am dealing with the fuel injectors.....just had to put out $350 to have them cleaned and coolant flush. Rear door seal falling off. Break lights needed replaced by mechanic because the average person cant do it by themselves.This will be my 1st and last Nissan.

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  Great First Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By sublex - April 16 - 7:51 am

  Bought this car for my high school-aged daughter in July 2007. It is approaching four years old and she has put only 25K miles on it. It has held up well to her abuse. The first year, she blew two tires running into curbs, bent one rim, and backed into another car at the grocery store. We did have problems losing hubcaps. After replacing two and losing two more, I decided to invest in a set of alloy wheels. Well worth the $350 investment not having to worry about those hubcaps anymore. Considering all this, the car has been to the dealer only for normal maintenance (except for the visit to the body shop). Although, the last few months, Ive noticed the white paint is starting to yellow.

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  Very Happy - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By New to Nissan - April 15 - 4:46 am

  Purchased new 6500 miles ago. Used mainly as a commuter and around town car. Not a single problem so far.