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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  1st month Versa S 5 speed - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By sbcar - March 2 - 7:09 pm

  We have had the car for a month, no problems. So far a great value. My wife is getting 41mpg driving to work each day at 2 lane highway speeds. 60+ mph. The car is quite large for a sub compact. Bought a center arm rest on EBAY and 2 vanity mirrors at Auto Zone, now we are set.

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  This Car is OKAY.... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By adensmommie - March 2 - 1:53 am

  I was searching for a car for two weeks and came up on this 07 Versa...I test drove it(not having driven manual in awhile) and I liked the feel of the car. I also got a good deal on it too. After the first week, the car felt like it was gonna die on me when I would turned on the AC and it shook a lot. Also the engine is REALLY LOUD!!! I was in 6th gear at 3500 RPMS doing 70 MPH and the engine sounded even more loud. My 92 eclipse had better gas mileage than this car, I would need to fill my tank every week and I only work 10 minutes away from my house. I like the look of this car but not for gas mileage and for a manual vehicle. I am currently looking to trade this car in...

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  Regretting not getting the SL - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By sewdiverse - February 28 - 8:10 am

  Have just had the S Hatchback for a week and just filled up yesterday. 250 city miles on initial tank. Now, I am OCDing about not getting the SL because I am regretting not having the CVT for the many hills on my daily commute. I drove Hondas for 22 years, lastly a 1995 Odyssey until 180,000 miles. I guess I miss the heaviness of that van and the fact that it seemed to downshift on hills requiring less braking. This Versa S if fine except when going down winding hills until I get used to the difference. Any suggestions? I am trying to shift into 2nd gear upon descent and that helps decrease the need to brake as much. Will I get over not having the CVT? Everyone loves the roominess.

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  Great MPG, Comfort and Performance - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Hooboggled - February 23 - 11:43 pm

  Everyone complains about the MPG but driving 70 miles RT in Los Angeles traffic I have never averaged less than 30 MPG and that is with traffic. Without traffic Ive been getting 35 MPG. I couldnt be happier with its performance. In 16 months I have driven 28000 miles. I have a boat in Long Beach at sea level and a cabin in Big Bear Lake at 7500 feet above sea level. The Versa climbs the multiple 8000 plus foot peaks with ease and the manual transmission is great for going down the mountains. Ive had chains on it and almost slid through an intersection on some black ice. That was scary. Ive also taken it off road on dirt mountain roads and have had no problems.

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  Better than advertised - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Edwin - February 19 - 3:16 pm

  On the highway on 2 occasions in a row I got over 500 miles on one tank of gas - better even than advertised. This is a great car. I have a friend who has a Fit and he drools over my car - its got more space, same mileage, more power (the fit is like driving a wind-up toy), and the CVT is incredible - what a smooth ride. I have 3 cars - 1 Honda, 1 Toyota, and 1 Nissan. I got the Versa for $1200 less than the Fit for a top of the line model and got the one I wanted right away. Impossible with a Fit.

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  Basic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Heather Dankovich - February 17 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had this car for about six months and Im already tired of it. I previously owned an 06 Hyundai Sonata that I adored until I totaled it. The Versa gets great gas mileage, and I trust the Nissan name. However, it has depreciated $6000 already! I expected a small, foreign-made car to retain its value today but I was sadly mistaken! I have cruise control and ABS options. Im mostly disappointed at the high price Ill be paying off for several years for a tiny, basic car. It is absolutely frightening to drive this car in the snow/ice or even high-wind (I was actually blown off the road once). There is poor get-up (when compared to my Sonata) and poor storage up front (lacks a console).

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  Noisy Engine - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By rangerblackbat - February 16 - 6:49 pm

  Biggest drawback in this car is the engine. Noisy, buzzy, underpowered. At times hesitated on takeoff. Good MPG at 34 average though. The CVT transmission which took some time to get use to would seemed like it wasn’t sure what (gear) it should be in. The car seems to ride and drive ok. Lots of back seat leg room and big trunk for a small car. Over all the car was okay but not as nice driving of a car as my sisters new Ford Focus with close to the same MPG.

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  Cant beet the price for a new car. - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Roy - February 13 - 9:50 am

  Bought this car for my daughter and could not beet the price compared to other cars in its class and cheap on gas and fill-ups.

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  I love my Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By pantherhawk27263 - January 22 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my Versa at the end of September, 2008. I love everything about it. Ive had only one problem (a faulty gas cap causing the check engine light to come on) and I have only two things I could complain about. 1) I would like a lock that can be opened with the key on the hatch door, and 2) the heater/defroster seems to take longer to warm up than any other car Ive owned. Item 1 could probably be solved by having power locks, but I didnt want them so I have to unlock the drivers door to unlock the hatch. I also disagree with reviews complaining of a lack of performance. I cant keep this car at the speed limit! I have a manual transmission, so that may the difference. Buy one these!

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  i love this car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By peter f. - January 22 - 7:05 am

  i keep reading how people have issues with power.have any of you ever driven a car with overdrive before?overdrive is like the fifth gear in a manual,it is only for highway driving.city driving and back roads you turn off overdrive.when i drive mine and am getting on the highway my overdrive is off until i get up to speed and think it has great pickup.i havent had any other problems like the muffler issue or bad allignment.did have to change fuel injectors but not in an amount of time that would make me think it is substandard.had a bad o2 sensor,same story.i would buy this car again