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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  The good, the bad, and the indifferent - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Catherine Graham - January 19 - 4:25 pm

  The CVT tranny takes its time getting up to speed, so if you need to get on the freeway take a sedative to retain your composure. The dealership tacked on stuff from outer space that the sales guy has still not explained to me after the sale (Nissan of Vacaville). They were supposed to make some additions, but after almost a month, Ive had to contact them a few times and they tell me every time that they will get back to me. RIGHT!!! The versa gets great gas mileage and handles the turns really well. While there is plenty of cargo space in the trunk, the glove box is a giant black hole, and there is no console. There are cup holders crammed in the center and the doors, but if you get anything larger than a small beverage youll have trouble getting at them.

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  Steering Wheel problem, rattling noise - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By nick - January 14 - 3:50 pm

  Steering wheel rattles everytime I enter exit driveways, bumpy parking lots, when turning left and right. I have this being checked since the first two months of my maintenance and no one could fix it. I think this is a factory defect parts. Services in 2 dealerships have failed my satisfaction already. I have email Nissan Canada, nobody seems to care. So I from now on, after that I could dispose this vehicle, no more Nissan for me. Thats it. Id rather buy a bit higher priced car than with this brand.

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  Versa - Best Car I Never Heard Of - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By patrick - January 14 - 8:43 am

  Ive owned this car for four days now. I find that I cant wait to get in and drive to work. It has changed my whole experience of driving, its fun again! I happen to love the stick shift and the interior is so comfortable. I used to get groggy when I drove my old car but the design of the seats in the Versa seems to make me more alert. The car is also incredibly responsive, I cant believe how quickly I get up to higher speeds on the highway. When I shopped for a new car last Saturday morning, I never heard of a Nissan Versa. Im glad I found it. I think people are really going to take to it. Oops, almost forgot, the gas mileage is AMAZING!

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  Second Versa and love it... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By donotoe - January 13 - 5:33 pm

  Had a 2007 Versa and loved it, so got a 2009... great commuter car. Just want a reliable comfortable car with good MPG and got it. So much room inside, it is really unbelievable - 350 lb. passenger in back seat was very comfortable. Two-hour drive on hills, no problem... performance was great. Plenty cargo room since interior so spacious.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By wsnyderco - January 9 - 5:23 pm

  Havent had my Versa for very long, but I have not complaints so far. It handles well, fuel economy is great, and its a very good looking car. My car is a 2008 Nissan Versa S hatchback 6 speed manual. The price and look brought me to this car and I am happy I found it.

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  36 MPG!? HA! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By CKS - December 30 - 2:30 am

  I have had this car for 8 months now and am averaging 24 MPG! Most of my travel is highway so I would expect much better mileage than that. Ive already had to have the fuel pump and O2 sensor replaced at the dealership after the check engine light came on. And the interior starting making rattling noises 2 months after owning the vehicle. The ride is pretty comfortable, but the seats can get pretty uncomfortable after a few hours driving. The biggest problem I have with this car is the horrible fuel mileage Im getting. I bought this car to save gas mileage, not get the same as my 96 Nissan Maxima or my 05 Toyota Sienna.

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  Nice car but little bit TOO basic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ShortnSassy - December 17 - 1:36 am

  We already have a car payment, so we decided to get just the basic Versa with only air condition and auto transmission add-ons. When it comes to Nissans basic, be careful because there are a few things we didnt notice until after buying the car. No way to adjust the side mirrors from inside, no clock and the thing that we were most disappointed about is, there is no key hole on the passenger side. You cant unlock the door from the passenger side! What if someone parked so close to your drivers door that you couldnt get in? Well, then your out of luck because theres no other way to get in the car.

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  Awesome Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Computergeek - December 12 - 1:46 am

  What is there not to say. I love this Car. It feels like a large car, but with a sub-compact price. I got mine loaded minus the sport package. I am 60" tall and have plenty of room. It keeps up well on the interstate. Car is small, but safe.

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  Roomy small car - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By Al - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed a economical car after totaling my G-6. The Versa exceeded my expectations. Its roominess and comfort is more like cars that cost a lot more. I play in a band and needed a car to carry my instruments and equipment the hatchback gives me plenty of room. The driver’s position is higher so you have a great view of the road and traffic. Performance is good with the 6 speed manual and it is fun to drive. I have been averaging over 30 mpg in combination driving. One of the things that impressed me was the fit and finish of the interior, everything looks well made.

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  Totally Awesome Car - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Dave the Rave - November 20 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this for my daughter, whose used car was on its last legs. I am very happy with our Versa S 5 speed manual. Attention Tall drivers: I am 6 6" and I fit comfortably with plenty of head and leg room in the front seats. Rear seating has less headroom, but plenty of leg room. The seats are comfortable with lumbar support even on my base model. I do not feel like I am in a subcompact when in this car. It feels roomy. The AC is nice and cold and instrumentation is easy to see and use. What makes this car special, though, is how much fun it is to drive. We have the zippy 5 speed manual. I really had forgotten how much fun it is to drive a stick, and the versa puts a smile on my face. The gearing seems well spaced with just enough growl to enjoy. Braking is good and solid, and the handbrake is easily used to prevent rollback. The only drawback for me is that there is only one keyhole, on the drivers door, which I will hope stays functional. Having replaced power window mechanisms and keys with chips in other cars, I am happy with the crank windows and standard keys ( get a copy at Home Depot) that will keep my money in my pocket. Overall, for the price, an excellent value and a fun car to drive. Update: The above review was for my daughters car, but 3 months later my own car died. Because I continue to be impressed by this car, I went and got a Versa S 5-Speed Manual for myself. I love zipping around in this car. It is fun, roomy and comfortable. BTW the Bluetooth Phone system is excellent. Callers cant tell Im talking hands-free and I can devote my attention to shifting. I am very happy with my decision to buy two of these - for what I had previously paid for one car.