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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  Best spacious small car in its class - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Quality Nut - October 17 - 1:03 am

  An excellent car, I love it. For the features, drive, comfort and quality, I felt the Versa is worth more than its price. Before buying the Versa, I test drove both Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. Actually, I enjoyed driving both cars. But I found the interior and dash board of Versa very convenient than any other car of comparable size and price. Definitely, I recommend the 2007 Versa based on my personal experience.

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  Safe - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By DNC - October 8 - 10:16 am

  I was in a fairly bad crash with this car when another driver turned into me. The car was totaled but no one in my car was hurt, and judging from the damage someone in my car should have been. I am truly thankful that I drove a Versa.

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  Fun Car With Uncertainty - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By arcadianwings - October 7 - 2:26 pm

  Although it is not living up to the advertised gas mileage, Versa is fun and comfortable to drive in daily commute as well as long trips. The S trim is no-frill and down-to-earth. For the price I paid, Id almost think its a steal if I have not come across some of the build quality issues. After a month of ownership, I have found a rattling plastic panel and a clicking hubcap. I have also had some reservation over the performance. The drivetrain is not responsive enough in certain situations and feels sluggish at times when the A/C is on. Overall, I still believe it is a good buy and only hope that the long term reliability will not be an issue.

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  This is a car that you can only "Make do" - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Karin - September 28 - 8:48 pm

  Where do I start? The car definitely runs well, but slowly, has problems with even a mildly steep hill. Traveling in the rain and snow is a complete hassle. Aside from lack of power, I havent had problems with trans, engine or drive train. However the exhaust heat shield rattles after one month of ownership. The electronics are lackluster, being just windows and a radio, but the drive side is automatic so thats a bonus. The fuel economy is good but not great, considering the size, I dont have an exact estimate but I top it off every week and a half with a relatively short commute. Storage is okay, nothing spectacular, I moved with this car but I only had a bedrooms worth of furniture, on a side note the hatchbacks lift broke within a week of owning it. In summary, this car will do but there are tons of better car in the used market, definitely look elsewhere especially with Honda civic/accord, Toyota corolla/camry, ford focus, and other nissans like the sentra.

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  Good starter car but never again! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By werolln_dyhatn - September 18 - 9:46 pm

  Been driving the 07 hatchback for 7 years now- this was my first new car that I paid for myself. Its fun to drive (as are all manual transmission cars) but it lacks hp & zip. Mpg is good if you stay under 60 mph but if you have a lead foot like me, good luck. Hubcaps flew off after year 1. Someone stole the antenna tip on year 2. Tires seem to have the insane will to stay flat- I dont know how often Ive had to patch them up and they have the propensity to find all sharp objects and impale themselves on it. Tires have been routinely changed every year because of that. Rotors changed after 4 years. Battery after 3 years. Immaculate maintenance on my part cant help this vehicle.

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  121K and going strong! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By DL34119 - September 16 - 3:30 am

  Company fleet car that was handed down to me. It chose me, not the other way around. This car is near perfect for its mission and price point. Comfortable, fun for an econobox, great visibility, and unbelievably roomy all around! Complaints about wheel covers flying off are true. Other than that,if you want maximum interior space and comfort,small footprint and bang for buck- this is it!

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  40,000 miles in 1.5yrs - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jrw1621 - September 12 - 1:10 am

  We purchased the Versa for my wife about 1.5 years ago and it already has 40,000 miles on it. The plan was for a reliable economical car that we could load the miles onto. We are very happy with the Versa. We shopped everything in the "Scion Class" of vehicles but found the Versa to offer the nicest interior, quietest ride and best highway manners of anything in the class. In 40k miles it has needed nothing more than regular oil changes and is showing no signs of wear. I think i will even get 60k miles out of the original tires with proper tire rotation.

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  Where did the oil go - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jan - September 11 - 8:43 pm

  I too had the mysterious cluck in the front steering, air conditioning problem. After 5 times in the shop, The factory reps came in and looked at the car,gave me extended war. They said the noise was normal. When I picked up the car, the next day the engine blew at 30,000 miles. They said the car had no oil, but the oil light never came on. Took several weeks with Nissan to get the dealer to fix the car. We only have 5,000 miles left on warr. Dont want the car anymore. No one can tell me where the oil went and why the light never came on.

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  Has anyone else had this problem? - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By missmyversa - September 8 - 1:08 am

  My 2007 Versa ran like a champ until 4-6 months ago when suddenly while driving would feel as if the car was not responding or had changed gears by itself. I would shift the automatic setting from D to N and back again and that would seem to correct it for awhile. Brakes replaced 2 months ago. Never did feel right, at times had to stomp on brake and still feel occasional loss of control. 12/24/2013 was slowing to a stop as traffic piled up, some ice on road. Car did not respond. With pedal all the way down, no response. Did not spin or fishtail, did not slow, just silently slid under bumper of SUV in front and was destroyed. Never happened for husband or mechanic. Me or car?

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  Bad Engines - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By lyotchik@gmail.com - September 6 - 9:54 am

  These cars have engine problems. Just google piston slap nissan versa. My versa developed it, and dealership says the noise is normal. Save yourself the trouble dont buy a versa.