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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  A need finally met - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ymink - March 13 - 6:53 pm

  I went 400 miles before filling the gas tank. It is an affordable car that looks like a small car but drives like a sedan. The room inside is great people think its small they get in and almost always say "No Way" because they are comfortable

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  Fun car to drive. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By dcsounders - March 12 - 8:23 pm

  I just purchased my new Nissan Versa in June of 2007 and I love it. It is fun to drive, it is very comfortable and gets great gas mileage. This is my first new car and I know I made a great choice. I did a lot of comparison shopping with other manufacturers and I feel like, with the options I got, I got more for my money than I would have if I would have purchased a different make.

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  Budget friendly to the Max - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By sdaigle - March 5 - 3:52 am

  The Versa is definitely geared towards people who shop for a car with their head rather than their heart. Its extremely practical and efficient, what economy cars generally aim to be. Its the cheapest car to buy in its class. Its near tops in fuel efficiency. Running costs are low. It offers a lot of room for its size. Overall, its a fantastic value. If you want something stylish, fun-to-drive, with loads of personality, the Versa will disappoint. Think economy car for middle-age folks. Its like driving a well-engineered appliance. It does its job well, but isnt inspiring and wont win over your heart. I recommend the Kia Rio or Chevy Sonic if thats where your priorities reside.

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  Versa rides bigger than it looks - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Marty - February 11 - 7:06 am

  I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the seats are and the roominess of my Versa, as well as how well it rides and responds to my foot. The car rides and responds like a much bigger car. They could have placed the side mirror controls in a better location so that you do not have to bend and reach to make adjustments. Other than that, my wife and I really enjoy driving this car.

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  2008 Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jgonzales - February 10 - 9:16 am

  Ive had the car less than a month. I really like the interior room. The power of this car is satisfactory. There is plenty of room for the kids in the back. I wish it would get at least 35 mpg on the highway.

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  Fun, Peppy, Economical, Just What I Need - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By stormee - February 4 - 9:40 pm

  Ive only had my Versa for a week. 774 miles on it so far. I needed economy and comfort for my commute to work and traded in my NIssan Quest minivan that I bought new in 1996. It had 193,000 miles on it. I hope I can get as many miles on the Versa. I drove in the hills and hollows of Indiana last week and the power for getting up the steep hills was phenomenal. I have had other 4 cylinder vehicles that didnt perform on those same hills nearly as well. I was hoping to get better mileage than 25 but perhaps on my next tank I will do better. I need to slow down to 65 mph instead of driving 80 which is very easy to do in this car without even realizing it. I think Im driving a racecar.

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  "A lot for a little" - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Mr.Mag - January 27 - 6:43 am

  Considered a Toyota Yaris first, then a Honda Fit, but both were thousands of dollars more than the Versa. A fantastic buy for the price with AC and CD, radio player. Just like Nissans TV add says, "A lot for a little".

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  Great Commuter - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick Geiger - January 18 - 2:36 am

  I was looking for a commuter car that would be comfortable for my 100 mi R/T commute. I was driving a Nissan Titan. I kept the truck, but I bought the Versa. Really roomy and loaded with convenience items (intellegent key, bluetooth, and even the same Rockford Fosgate audio system that came on my Titan LE. I love the sunroof. This car rides like a much bigger car. I have owned it for exactly one week and so far I love it.

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  New Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By vicesa - January 16 - 11:13 am

  Really happy with vehicle. S with power options. Steering is tight, performance there when you need it. Roomy interior.

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  Nissan Cant Determine Cause of Problem - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cathy8 - January 10 - 1:53 am

  Ive owned my Versa for almost 1 1/2 years and my problems began almost immediately. During cold weather the car will occasionally start in safe mode where no gas goes to the engine. The car will only drive 20 KM/hr. Another problem is that the engine will begin to race and rev higher than normal and the car will speed up on its own. I love so much about the car but could really do without the problems no one seems able to fix.