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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  2008 Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jim strauss - April 11 - 6:43 pm

  Nice care for the money. Spacious interior, and decent ride. Could use a little more power, but we didnt buy it to be a sports car. We just wanted a reliable family sedan, and the Versa exceeds that need.

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  Could be better - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Could be better - April 10 - 6:16 pm

  My biggest complaint is the gas mileage. After 8000+ miles Im getting 24 city and 30 highway. Nowhere near what its rated at and Ive checked it repeatedly. Knowing that now Im not sure I would by this car if I had it to do over again. We have two teenage sons and need a big back seat and this car has it. How is it that Nissan can put in Blue Tooth and a Smart key but cant put in a compass/temp read out. Havent had any problems with the car so far, if it stays that way Ill forget about the gas mileage.

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  Great Little/Big Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Justin - April 10 - 5:16 pm

  Just got my Versa, liked the options on the SL but got a S with same upgrades for a lot less. Great on gas. Interior is awesome. Best new car I have purchased yet.

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  great Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mike - April 7 - 2:43 pm

  I have had the versa for 45 days. I love the way it drives its so quite and I love the cvt transmission. Traded my Honda Pilot to save money dont miss it much the Versa is a great car I would recommend it to anyone. So far Im getting 28-29 mpg combined city & HWY, not as good as I expected but it only has 500 miles maybe it will get better mileage once its broken in. The keyless entry and bluetooth are worth the extra money. Great Car and very economical.

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  Plagued With Problems - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Kathryn - April 5 - 2:33 pm

  I bought my 2009 Nissan Versa SL about 6 months ago. About a month after purchase, the AC starting making loud rattling noises. Brought it to the dealership to be fixed with no success. Had to argue with the dealer just to get them to even look at the car again, and 2 months later and after 2 more drop-offs that problem appears to be solved by replacing the entire AC system. A few weeks after this incident, the car starts having trouble turning over. The dealer replaces the Fuel Pump Regulator, which solves the problem for about 6 weeks. Today, the car is back in the shop with the same issue again. Already considering getting rid of it, despite the loss I would take. NOT RECOMMENDED.

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  Poor user replaceable items. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Davewave - April 5 - 5:43 am

  It is very well made, economical vehicle. However, if you are used to doing your own basic maintenance, like replacing rear stop lights or topping off brake fluid, it is a nightmare. Nissan does not supply an instruction manual on how to replace a tail light, and they are so deeply recessed into the plastic that it is very difficult to get at. Same for brake fluid. Nissans solution? Bring it in for a very expensive light bulb change. Same for brake fluid. These kind of items should easily be driver replaceable items. They are not, and I am NOT happy about this.

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  Love my Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By survivorqueen - March 30 - 1:30 pm

  In 2006, after much research, I was happy to decide on the Versa. I am tall and plus sized, the Versa is very spacious. The mileage seems to be the same as my previous Sentra. I did have problems with the vehicle. First there was a recall on the wiper arm (or in that area). Nissa didnt informed me. I found out about it online. Secondly, whenever I turned on the air conditioner, and turned off the car, there were problems when I tried to restart the car. The car wouldnt turn over. It took two years to finally repair. The fuel line had to be replaced. I too kept losing the hubcap. I lost two. Ive never had that problem with any other vehicle.

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  Cheap Plastic - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Adnum7 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had one of these as a rental in the summer and it seemed to be a solid, quiet, tightly built little car. Ok so I bought one. Now the weather is cold and the cheap plastic used for the console and dashboard rattles and squeaks like crazy until the interior warms up. Not impressed.

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  Very Nice Little Entry Level Car for Pri - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Simstim - March 28 - 10:43 pm

  I am quite pleased with this car. fun to drive, peppy,,, has acceleration if you need it, Clutch is a little soft or sensitive, Im used to Toyota Tercel 1997, with new clutch, so slightly different drive. the computer throttle cable has a 1 second lag in response to push of pedal or release so feels more like an automatic in that sense. first gear is really a short gear, almost too short, red lines in less than 1.5 seconds,,,, halfway through a turn from stop sign. Handles sporty compared to my old car. Lots of Interior room, especially adults in back. seats fold down flat really helps in cargo department. Stereo is actually acceptable and thats coming from a stereo freak!

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  A Small Car with A Mighty Engine - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jorge - March 26 - 4:30 pm

  Compared to all its other competitors in its class (the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Hyundai Accent) the Nissan Versa has a whopping 122 hp (comparing to the Honda Fit 106 horsepower, Toyota Yaris 106 hp, and Hyundai Accent 110 hp.) Also has good fuel economy. Its a bit small but what can you expect from a great car!