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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  Does what I bought it to do. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By mattman - November 23 - 9:56 pm

  While I havent reached sticker highest is 35 lowest is 29 in 20K miles with routine service (in NJ with crappy winter gas, traffic & horrible roads). Ive had a few trim piece issues but thats it (havent lost a hub). Bought it to carry lots of stuff (does), get good hwy mpg for my commute (does), comfortable seats (yep), cheap payment (you bet), not breakdown (doesnt). One errant pass airbag rattle that only comes out in winter would be my only nagging complaint, but even that is seasonal. Keep tires @ correct pressure and light wont come on; duh. Easy oil changes for the DIY types like myself. A- from me.

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  Pretty nice car, but... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By faction - November 17 - 2:03 pm

  Had been looking for a year for a 4 door hatchback to replace a lemon I had been doomed with for 4 years. It was an easy one! Love the spacious interior, CVT, cute body and how it zips around. It is an entry level car, so doesnt have all the luxury that some people might be used to, but Im a simple gal with simple needs. Bad news: MPG isnt what they claim(yet?) and that was THE major reason I bought the car. Also after 2 weeks, my ignition started acting up and it has been in the shop for over a week now and they cant figure out what is wrong with it. New car, I figure there will be some bugs to work out, so I can be understanding--for a while.

• 

  It will do - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Kansan - November 11 - 4:43 am

  Just turned over 5,000 miles on my Versa equiped with 6spd and power package. Interior room is great. Kids like the back seat. Layout is functional for a car of this price. No defects so far. Gas mileage is a real disappointment. Rarely get 30 mpg in mixed driving i.e 50% hwy 50% city. No way will this care get 30 mpg with the AC on no matter how you drive it. Performance isnt great, but as expected for a car this size. But, for $14K with front and side airbags, it will do.

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  Good car, great price! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By versatileauto - November 8 - 8:03 pm

  Car handles and rides nicely. Actually very nicely. Its surprising how smooth the ride is. I have the base model with manual transmission. The car shifts like butter, and the engine has good power delivery. Excellent cabin and trunk space. Ergonomics are good regarding controls in the cabin. Steering wheel feels good in the hand. Price point of base model car cannot be challenged by any car on the market. Seats are very comfortable and supportive and I love the height adjustable drivers seat. Very easy to get in and out of the car. You dont fall down into the car seat. nor do you have to pull yourself up and out of the car. This car is going to do well in my opinion.

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  Lovin It! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Lovin It! - November 3 - 5:10 pm

  Love this car. Havent broken in the engine yet (they say 1500 miles) and my gas mileage is a pretty good, 31 mpg with mixed driving. With gas prices today, this is a bargain. The features you get on this "entry level" car are unmatched. It kills the Fit by comparison. Only wish ABS was standard and I could get a sunroof without upgrading my audio system and adding 1800 to the price.

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  Good car, very poor dealer & Mfr. backup - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By ABC - November 2 - 4:26 pm

  Car purchased strictly for economical driving to ranches on good highways. Cruise control very important accessory. Cruise control is the worst I have ever experienced. Resume mode is a joke. Driving on normal highways in flat South Texas is nightmare. Any little bump or slight incline causes cruise control to downshift from 2800 RPMs to 4200 RPMs. Nissan will not fix. Mileage poor because of cruise control (28-30 average).

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  Love it so far. - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By jeffrn - October 27 - 1:15 am

  I bought this car used. It has 40k miles on it but feels and looks new (kudos to previous owner). This car is a huge step up from my former SUV which as we all know was clumsy and a gas hog. This car is like a toy for me. It zips when I need it to and stops when I need it to. Corners like a champ and is full of features. Excellent car for the price.

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  Love my Versa! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By sheloulit - October 25 - 12:56 am

  My little SL has all I wanted and more. Doesnt get what the original sticker stated for gas mileage, but the govt cracked down on "truth in mileage" and she fits that to a T. Worst mileage was 27 and that was my fault, driving like a madwoman on a mission. Usually gets around 30mpg, depending on what my load is and how heavy my foot is. Has some annoying squeaks sometimes, like the center console or sunroof, but not always. Type of road? We live in a rural area. Had to re-learn how to handle a small car again, w/o turning into ditches. Great handling! Great CD and changer! Probably great Bluetooth, dont use it. Comfortable! Put my rear in multiple other small cars. She had the best seats!

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  I love my Versa, and my daughter does too - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Red - October 20 - 6:00 am

  I was hoping for 36 mpg, but I consistently get 33-34. I cant complain. The defroster leaves something to be desired and the air conditioning doesnt cool the back seats well. Otherwise; it is fun to drive, peppy, easy on the eyes both inside and out,and good in the snow. When this car wears out I will get another.

• 

  Suspension - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ken - October 8 - 8:43 am

  The second week took it back for alignment and tail light assembly. Third month replaced l/f strut. Now tires are cracking. Bumpy ride, dealer says it is normal. The car is too high, hard to control on a highway in wind. Try to pass on a highway,you hear the engine too loud and take a will to get to the next gear. I was ok buying used nissan. Now I spend more time in the shop than on the road. Bought it for my wife,I wish I hadnt. Have a car problem and a wife problem. Gas mileage is decent but not worth the hassle.I should have bought something else. Hard to imagine keeping his for few more years. Hope this is helpful.