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:
Showing 511 through 520 of 727.00-
Love it! - 2007 Nissan Versa
By LINDA - June 10 - 11:13 pmI fell in love with this vechile as soon as I test drove it. Its just fun to drive. Its roomy and handles well. Very responsive steering, good braking. Bluetooth seems to work well. Too soon to know for sure what the gas mileage will be.
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It is what it is... - 2009 Nissan Versa
By 3xNissanOwner - June 6 - 3:53 pmDriving a 2000 Sable last summer when gasoline hit $4/gallon made me swear to replace it with a fuel-efficient car when it died. Now I am two weeks into owning this car and can report that the MPG is wondrous, I drove nearly 400 miles on the first tank of gas. The 5- speed stick makes for a ton of fun although the car gets noticeably buzzy above 70 mph and 5th doesnt feel like it should be the last upshift. This is not a problem around town where the car zips around like Yorkshire terrier hunting for mice, but I cant say Im looking forward to interstate driving at high speed with this car. But what most owners say is true: This car feels a lot larger than it is.
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Fun Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
By Justin - June 5 - 7:56 pmI have only owned this car for 2 months but I am extremely happy with it. I am 6 4" and fit in it just fine. This site really helped in my decision to purchase it. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a good fun car at a fair price.
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Great! - 2007 Nissan Versa
By michacha - May 28 - 11:16 pmi have loved it form the moment I bought it. I was worried about it being so small and the harsh weather conditions here (snow) but it is doing wonderful!
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Poor Quality - 2009 Nissan Versa
By Zane - May 28 - 4:03 pmWe have had our Versa for 2 oil changes and if Nissan had the same program as GM we would give it back. We have had Nissan since there name was Datsun, and this is absolutely the worst Nissan we have had for quality. The basic problem is that most everything that has broken cannot be fixed; as most of them are interment. Two examples; one the serpentine belt squeals – not all the time - not every day; two the CVT belt has a low level gone (low frequency noise), you can sometimes hear when stopped and the radio is off. Both of these problem will only get worse, I just hope they “break” while the car is still under warranty.
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Nice Car Poor Mileage - 2008 Nissan Versa
By Mike Mikesell - May 18 - 5:16 amI have 13,000 miles on this car. The average MPG is 29.71 for all miles driven. The average for level freeway with cruise control and observing the posted limit is 27.22 MPG. The only reason I get 29.71 MPG is because I drive some hills on my normal commute and I coast whenever possible. I also coast to stops in neutral to maximize fuel economy. My other car a 2000 Saturn SW2 which has a 1.9L DOHC engine gets 34 MPG average since it was new 314000 miles ago. The Versa has been to the dealer 3 times; twice for minor issues and today for a CV boot replacement (clamp missing from original boot). The cruise control has an annoying habit of speeding up and slowing down when going down hill.
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Engine literally FELL out of car driving 35 mph - 2009 Nissan Versa
By Leslie W - April 21 - 11:31 pmThe CVT transmission went out around 96k. No problems until then. Warranty was extended and transmission fixed. However, approximately 10k miles after transmission was fixed, the engine literally fell out of the car while I was driving down a side road, hanging 2 inches off the ground. Neither corporate nor the dealership who originally repaired the car wouls take responsibility. Either a mechanic made an error putting the engine back in, or Nissan is making such cheap cars, your engine may fall out when you hit a pot hole. Very dangerous! What a horrible thing to do to a customer. Ill never buy Nissan again.
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versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
By versucks - April 17 - 3:53 amI bought my versa new and actually liked my versa for the first 20,000 miles. Then my CD player stopped working, and was replaced, but now at 2 yrs the a/c compressor is fried, but no longer under warranty. I bought this car to save $ on repairs. I had a great car for 16 years until it became costly, so this is shocking to have to shell out nearly 2 grand for a car thats practically new.
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A Fool is born everyday - 2008 Nissan Versa
By kpcole - April 16 - 8:01 pmYes, Im the fool. I wish I could go back and get the Honda Fit I originally wanted but didnt get b/c Honda wouldnt come off $1,000 from the price. I purchased the 2008 Nissan Versa and have hated it from the 1st week of ownership. 64,000 miles and the windows wont go up and down smoothly, When accelerating going up an entry ramp to the hwy, I lose MPH and the RPMs redline. I have to pull over on the shoulder of the highway at 5:00pm traffic, put it in park, then back to drive to reset it. Only to have it happen again going up a hill slowly. Sometime I have to push the petal to the metal (floorboard) just to get it to move! And the steering wheel gets loosey goosey when I lose the MPHs.
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Great car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
By Ryan - April 16 - 7:40 pmI was looking at a Pontiac Vibe base model for a long time but after driving the Versa the decision was an easy one. The interior is beautifully laid out and doesnt look cheap. My dealer only had one Versa and luckily is was the base (6 spd manual) with the power pkg and floormats. Personally the 6 speed is great for this car. It keeps the revs in the powerband so you have plenty of power to merge on to the highway with a full load. Also the backseats have more room than the Vibe or Matrix. Only real drawback is the seats dont fold down flush, however it keeps stuff from sliding around in the back. This is a great car. I paid $13,352 for mine.
