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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Nissan Versa SL - 2007 Nissan Versa
By ciara hanley - January 7 - 3:13 amThe main reason I bought this car was because of the advertised gas mileage on the sticker. Im lucky if I get 20 miles per gallon in the city and Im only getting 30 miles on the highway. The sales people emphasized how great the fuel economy was but I guess none of them own one. I think Nissan should give a more accurate fuel economy rating especially with the high cost of gas. Theyre misleading people. The car is comfortable to sit in and to drive.
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Zippity Dooooo! - 2010 Nissan Versa
By WilmaFlinstone - January 7 - 2:43 amLove this car and being able to put the money on the table and drive it off the lot (to quote Boz Scaggs)! Paid cash-and after a minimum amount of discussion got the vehicle for under $10,000.The car is quite basic-made the dealer put in a radio/cd as it had nothing(got a nice Pioneer) manual windows, locks,etc. but we dont care - awesome trunk-huge and the car hits 60 mph quickly! Also, saving a bundle on gas(commute 70 miles/day). Yeehaw- gotta love this Flintstones mobile!
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Nissans Best - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Car Enthusiast - January 5 - 8:10 pmTheres only one thing that I can say that can sum this car up. - It is the best car you will ever buy for the money. Period. Ive driven the Honda Fit, Scion xA and xB, Corolla, vibe, Matrix, and Yaris. None compared. Its comfortable, fun to drive, useful, and sporty. Drive it yourself and take nobody elses opinion. ENJOY!
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bad experience - 2012 Nissan Versa
By Mary Tim - January 3 - 11:43 amnissan versa is the worst car that i never had, junk, transmission broke after 60.000 miles, of course the warranty is over after 60, so i have to pay for a new one because this stupid car need a special transmission...... it cost me almost 3.000 thousand dollars, after one year the radiator broke and the starter doesnt work, i am sick and tired of this car, i hate it
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Love the car - 2007 Nissan Versa
By bobjeeps - December 26 - 5:07 amLove the car after 60,000 miles 5 & 1/2 years. Im still amazed how smooth it runs with the CVT transmission. Ive had to replaced the a/c heater blower motor, OAD alternator wheel pulley. I had a condensation leak inside the car. It cost me $560 to fix it. They needed to extend the condensation pipe to draw out the condensation. This is the only item, I feel was no fault of mine, that Nissan should have fixed it for free.
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Love this roomy little car, but... - 2008 Nissan Versa
By Jim Beeman - December 21 - 9:37 amGreat interior room. Amazing leg room. Incredible trunk capacity. But, had to replace CD player twice and the second replacement has gone out. Really annoying that the tire pressure sensing valves have a battery that dies and then the entire $200 sensor must be replaced times four!! As a result we just ignore the bright yellow tire pressure warning light on the dash. Have loved this car for over 8 years. Bought another one!
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Great car - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Freddie - December 15 - 1:56 pmI love my new Versa, its my first brand new car I have even purchased and Im very happy with it. Im over 6ft tall and I fit in the back seat without a problem. My wife and baby boy love it as well!!!
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Excellent commuter car with space - 2011 Nissan Versa
By Chris - December 11 - 10:00 amI love my versa. Its a great car for the price and has a lot of space. Its great for commuting to work. I am 65" and fit easily in the car. Its very quiet and get great gas mileage.
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As I experienced it - 2007 Nissan Versa
By maithem - December 5 - 4:13 pmI had a friend who bought Nissan Versa (Tiida) 6 months before me. He recommended it. Also, i searched the market here in UAE and found 3 options suit my budget and my taste : 1- Tiida , 2- Honda Fit (Jazz) and 3- Honda Civic (the basic)... I didnt like Toyota Yaris because the engine is only 1.3 - 1.5. and in general I dont trust Toyota. The Versas engine performance is good, I dont know but sometimes it is very smooth and give the impression that Im driving a sporty car, however, othertimes it doesnt give that power. From 0 km/h speed upwords, the engine doesnt look very impressive, but above sixty or 70, it gives the feel that it is unbeatable. In general, it has wide space, and Im happy with it.
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Versa is best in class - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Bill - November 28 - 4:33 amTested Fit, Yaris, Scion. none had the power or room that the Versa has. Took it on a 600 mile trip right after getting it and it was as comfortable as cars much bigger. 6 speed is tight and quick. So far so good.
