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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  I really want to like it. - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By wally21 - August 15 - 11:20 pm

  I have reserved judgment for the 30 thousand miles we put on this car but wanted to mention a few items about our Versa SL hatchback with CVTransmission. I don’t think the CVT trans was worth it in this car. It was bundled along with a ground effects body package and rear spoiler, a few other interior items and alloy wheels. I would get the regular auto trans in retrospect as this is just a basic economy car. I would not buy this car again because it feels like it is ageing prematurely. My wife is satisfied because she can plug the iPod into the radio. I don’t like the Versa on New Jersey roads- the suspension is too weak to handle the coarse conditions.Buy one only at a great price!

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  New Nissan Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Mike - August 15 - 12:30 pm

  My Wife and I bought a Nissan as our first car in 1983. It was a Stanza and was a horrible car. We never considered Nissan again until I found this Nissan Versa. I wanted a fun car for errands and commuting and the Fit and Yaris were too small. We looked at used cars but found that a new 2009 Versa was actually a better deal than a used car. I love the way it rides, it holds my carpoolers well, the standard radio/CD player is great, it is peppy and holds plenty of groceries in the hatch. While in this car I am 57 years young, taking me back to my college days. My Wife wanted black and frankly speaking it looks as expensive as an Audi or similar small expensive car.

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  I love my car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By marm - August 10 - 11:36 pm

  It has been the first new car I have owned and I love it! I have had it about a year and a half and I still love driving it. I havent had a problem with it yet.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ike - July 31 - 5:20 am

  I purchased mine slightly used. This is my first car. I enjoy it and like it a lot. The only problem Ive had so far is the hubcaps. They come off too easy. The fuel economy could be better but I get about 25-26. Which is nowhere near the posted. I have noticed the blind spot in the rear caused by the back window. It may just be mine but there is nearly no tint on my windows which causes a big problem with headlights blinding me at night, esp with bigger trucks.

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  review - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By dakota - July 30 - 6:40 pm

  Overall i love my car.

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  2007 Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Versa4me - July 28 - 1:10 am

  I purchased my Nissan Versa new. It has a lot of great options such as the hands free phone system, control buttons on the steering wheel and small sub woofer built into the vehicle. The car is a lot of fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and has some get up and go. This car is also great for transporting things because the hatchback has a wide opening and the seats fold down. I have not had any repair issues with this car. However, recently I have noticed there seems to be a delay in the shifting from the lowest gear. My car is out of warranty so I have not taken it in to be looked at. But it did not seem coincidental that Nissan also recently extended their warranty on vehicles wi

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  good car poor gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mike Richmond - July 13 - 6:13 pm

  The car is comfortable with ok performance in braking, acceleration, and noise levels. But with a window estimate of 36 mpg and I am getting 28/29 on the highway it is not what I had hoped for.

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  My second review - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bstern92 - July 11 - 7:34 pm

  Okay, so its been a little less than a year since my first review and I felt like giving an update. I get 27 mpg with mixed driving and some hard accelerating and I get 35 mpg with a light foot. The steering wheels lowest setting is too high for my liking and the material is really slippery; it makes it hard to turn with one hand. There isnt a lot of leg room in the drivers seat for me. I have 90k on it and not one problem. Am I still happy with my Versa? Yes, even with these drawbacks, I still like my Versa a lot. I get great MPG and despite the leg room, it is very comfy. I get great use out of the hatch and the folding rear seats. Also, you cant beat the price of it.

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  Quiet time - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Dan - July 7 - 12:16 am

  Recently bought my Versa SL preowned with 5000 miles on it. Prior to buying the car I drove similar cars from Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, VW, Ford. The thing that sets the Versa apart from these other cars is the super low interior noise level and seamless transmission shifting provided by the CVT. I also noticed a lower level of engine vibration or "buzziness" thats sometimes transmitted through the accelerator pedal or steering wheel of 4 cylinder cars. The car has a much more solid feel to it than the Ford Focus. The doors sound solid when they are closed, you can tell the car is put together well. As back seats go, this car has a very roomy rear seating area for a small car. Nice little car!

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  Major and Minor issues - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By EJM - June 27 - 8:00 pm

  OK for the first year. Issues with quality include a broken gas latch and hood release, which the dealership said wasnt under warranty. No big problem until the CVT started acting up with less than 40K miles. Seems to get stuck in a high gear and has NO acceleration/power when starting out and sometimes after Ive stopped at a light. Makes left turns very dangerous as there is literally no acceleration despite my foot being on the floor, RPMs up near red line. My wife couldnt even back out of our drive as it didnt have enough power to make it up the hill despite trying for almost 10 minutes. Dealer wont fix the problem b/c they cant get it to register a problem on the computer.