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:

• 

  love my versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By barb2783 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my versa 3.5 years ago & have put 100,000 miles on it. Get 30 to 32 miles per gallon on inner state. Things I like about the versa are its smooth ride, easy handling, & space. Feel like you are in a midsize car. Back seats fold down so theres alot of room for hauling things. Only expenses we have experienced are regular maintenance costs. Problems we have experienced are losing the wheel covers & low tire pressure stays on all the time. Remedied wheel cover problem by removing wheel covers ourselves. The plastic clips are cheap & break easily when not removed carefully. Havent lost a wheel cover since. Low tire pressure stays on even though tire pressure is correct. Love my versa

• 

  Economic Car Great for a College student - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By seunghyeon00 - June 3 - 7:23 am

  First of all if your looking for a reliable car with great room interior AND small yet not feeling crushed in this is the car for you. I got this car from my parents in high school and I have been driving it ever since. I had it since 09 and no problems I take it to the dealer to get it serviced and my baby has not let me down.

• 

  Good Commuter Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Aryan Ashtiani - May 24 - 3:03 am

  I am seventeen years old and this car was given to me as a gift from my father. I use it to drive to school and to my friends houses everyday. I find its comfortable and all my friends like that the interior is quite spacious. I drive this car allot, and have found that while it is great to drive alone, as soon as the car fills up with over four people, the performance begins to decrease extensively with the added weight to the point where driving becomes a big challenge. This car has two main flaws. One is the clunky gearbox which makes shifting into gear an uncomfortable chore, and the other is the pathetic braking ability. Stopping distances are dangerously long without ABS.

• 

  07 Nissan Versa SL - A MUST SEE!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By medemas - May 20 - 5:03 am

  You will not be disappointed with this vehicle. For its size, it has great acceleration and handling, steering is nice and tight, brakes are excellent, the stereo system is outstanding on a car this size and price range, and the overall feel is that you are in a vehicle that is much bigger and pricier than the Versa is @ about 16,500 for a well-equipped model. As for the exterior, it looks somewhat like a mini-murano, which is not a bad thing whatsoever. No, the seats do not pull down completely flush with the floor as in the Honda Fit, but you will be amazed at how little you will miss that extra space as the seats still fold down allowing for a handsome amount of storage space. 10+

• 

  Pretty much what we wanted. - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By NiallMac - May 17 - 4:13 am

  We went looking for a small, reliable car with a/c with a strong preference for a hatchback. We focused on the usual suspects - Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Scion whatever, Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Then we saw the Versa at a Hertz sales lot, liked it, researched it and could buy it for $3,000 under KBB. Negatives are rear visibility and stability in cross winds. A big positive is roominess whether carrying four people or two people and two bicycles - they fit in all the way without having to take off a wheel. When we bought we would have preferred a Matrix if the money was close to the same. That would have been a mistake.

• 

  Upholstery a nightmare - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Rose - May 15 - 7:26 am

  Only complaint about this car is its interior upholstery. Everything sticks to it, therefore it is constantly covered with fibers from clothing and whatever else is flying in the air. Vacuuming helps, but have to work really hard to remove particles from upholstery. Even the upholstery itself seems to fluff up when its vacuumed. The seats are very soft and comfortable but impossible to keep clean. Other than this complaint, this car is very nice.

• 

  A small car with large space like magic - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Lynn Chen - May 14 - 4:43 am

  I have owned Nissan Versa for 2 years. Although it has some small disadvantages, its advantages are more than disadvantages. In my experience, my tire pressure light has come on several times even though my car is well maintained, and there is loud engine noise when I gas it to go uphill. However, those incidents have never cut down my pleasure on driving this car. Versa is totally fit for me because it looks young, and it has a lot of advantages. I would say Versa is cheaper, larger and more comfortable than other entry-level hatchbacks and sedans.

• 

  A Lot Of Bang For Your Buck - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Matt - May 9 - 7:43 am

  Bought the car to get some relief from Tahoe gas mileage while running children to and from school and sporting events. I looked around Edmunds info and went to several dealerships looking at the Honda Fit, several Toyotas, and the Nissan Versa hatchback and sedan. After considering the reviews, the price, the safety ratings, and getting inside some of these tiny contraptions, I decided the Versa sedan fit my needs best and the needs of my family, including one new learners permit driver. So the Tahoe spends most of its life in the garage, while we buzz around on the Versa. I couldnt be happier with the overall quality, ride, ROOM, and fuel economy. Great little car, for not many bucks.

• 

  What a roomy car, and economical. - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By slinky58 - May 9 - 6:20 am

  Extremely roomy, the Nissan Versa is what I was looking for. High sitting seats, so I dont have to "duck" into the car. I can slide in/out like an SUV w/o the gas guzzling. Economical. Cons: has a "ping" when you run the AC. I found this to be true of the previous Altima I had. Also, I could use more leg room. But I love this car. The seats are extremely comfortable, blue tooth is outstanding, and the car drives very well, solid for an economical car. I love it.

• 

  Pleasantly surprised to say the least - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By arg76 - May 9 - 12:42 am

  I have a long comute around 110 miles a day and i was getting a little tired of my SUV and it 17mpg, i wanted two things, great fuel economy and no car payment. I looked at the Honda, i looked at the Toyota Yaris and corolla they just felt cheap, then i noticed Nissan were offering the Versa for under 11k. It turned out the 11k version was a manual trans, wind up windows basic stereo and seat cloth that felt like twine, its a new car for 11k i get its not going to be mega luxury, so the dealer showed me the SV version, a little more 16.5k but much nicer interior and CVT box and ipod plug and nicer seats. I drove and bought it that day, amazing mpg more than they claim, and really a great car