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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  Fantastic - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By JOSEPH - April 3 - 11:30 am

  More comfortable than yaris and honda fit. Another great car from nissan

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  No storage room, no pick up - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By DWS - April 2 - 9:11 am

  Ive been renting this car for three weeks. Horrible design. No storage, no pick up, engine sluggish. Nice controls, seats are comfortable. I would not buy this car. Cant wait to get my Camry back.

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  Wonderful for what it is - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick - April 2 - 7:56 am

  This is a great car. Stylish enough so you wont be embarrassed to admit you drive one, but also practical, good on gas (Ive noticed a few complaints about the MPG here but I can attest its really good if your own driving habits are efficient) and reasonably priced! The cargo area is deceptively large and therefore perfect for roadtripping, and its fuel efficient enough for both roadtrips and commuting (and its comfortable too, which is good in those instances where youre sitting in dead-stopped traffic in it!). A 62" friend of mine called the backseat "roomy."

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  Reliable, Fuel Efficient Car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Yumi - March 25 - 12:04 am

  Got the hatchback S model used. Doesnt have the most premium features (the SL model is more high end) which kept the original MSRP as the lowest out of any vehicle in the United States. My Versa came with hubcaps, power windows (some dont come with this standard), automatic transmission, no aux, no fog lamps, and a glitch in the TPMS sensor. Looking forward to getting different rims, stereo, and buying aftermarket fog lamps. It may be a boring car for some, if you dont upgrade the features, but it is great for hauling (fit a dresser with 6 drawers once, 90% of my home goods and clothing for moving out of the city, a mini fridge without folding the seats down) and is quite fuel efficient. It also comfortably fits passengers of most sizes. Also drove a Versa sedan while on my learning permit and was fun to drive, comfortable, and easy. It is a great budget vehicle for beginners and/or college students! Handling wise, it accelerates well like a jackrabbit, but steering and braking is a bit stiff and jolty compared to a Civic, although I have experienced this kind of steering in a Sentra of the same era as well. It takes a bit getting used to. As typical for most compact cars, it bounces around a bit over cracked and rough roads, which makes it a bit uncomfortable for me since I drive frequently through old and rural roads. Havent had any major problems so far, except the oil pan gasket is leaking, which is typical for a car of that age.

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  First Year - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jean - March 20 - 1:53 pm

  We were a little disappointed with the fuel mileage in the beginning. We did not get the 30/36 mpg. It was closer to 22 mpg. Our Altima gets 26 mpg. The dealer said Nissan has a breaking in period. We now are getting 30 mpg average after driving it almost 12 months. It is mostly city or short trips. We really like the way it handles and it has not been a problem in the snow. It handles the snow like a bigger car. People who ride in the back are always amazed at how much room there is. Even with a childs safety seat, there is still room for two adults.

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  Niisan Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By versaS09 - March 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this versa sedan Sport for about 7 months now, and its one of the best cars in every comparison from its class. I have test drove the other ones in its class and this is really the best. When I drive this car, I am 6.2ft and 260 pounds. This car dosent feel "cramped" when driving. The performace for this size car is excellent!! interior room is excellent!!! Overall this car is probally not gonna be traded in anytime soon! For any one who loves modifying, your gonna love it even more!! its even prewired for fog lights (SL and some S), and a rear spoiler!! come on, thats nice!! I was hesitent to buy a nissan, not knowing anything about them, but Im glad I did, and you would be too!!!

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  2007 Nissan Versa CVT Hatchback - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bill Holz - March 9 - 9:06 am

  I drive this car to work 3 days a week using my 96 Honda Civic coupe the other 2 days. Ive had no problems with my Versa and I am very satisfied with it. Its much more comfortable and roomey than my Honda but the acceleration is not quick as the Honda which is manual shift. The Nissan Versa CVT Hatchback is a solid, quality, comfortable car. A sensible purchase well worth the price.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By sis levesque - March 1 - 8:13 am

  Love the gas mileage. Plenty of room interior. Fun car.

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  My Versa is nice, but... - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Ray - February 21 - 11:20 pm

  My Versa is nice but, the horsepower is really low. I think I notice it more at take off. The gas mileage is great. When gas is 2.069 per gallon it only cost twenty dollars to fill up. I do wish they would add two more gallons to the tank. The radio is nice but if you want loud its not gonna happen. The design is what sold me, the overall look is great.

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  BEWARE OF THE 2012 NISSAN VERSA CVT !!! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Jess B - February 18 - 10:10 am

  I have never made an automobile review before but I am so disappointed with this car that I encourage anyone who experienced this to file a class action lawsuit against Nissan. At 64,000 miles the CVT transmission failed. You will be driving on a freeway and the tachometer will start getting wacky. The rpm will jump from 1,000 to 3000 rpm and back. After sometime your transmission will seem to disengage and your rpm will drop to below 1,000 rpm. At that time you are dead! The car will slow down to a halt and even if you press your gas pedal, the engine will not increase rpm. It seems like the cvt transmission is telling the computer to prevent the car from running. I brought this to the dealer and they said they have several problems with Nissan cvt transmission and encouraged us to file our complaints to the Consumer Protection Bureau. I called Nissan and they passed me from one person to another and told me they cant help. They have no solution to the problem other than replace the CVT transmission for $3,000. I told them I never had any car before where I have to replace a transmission at 64,000 miles, 4,000 miles after their warranty expired. It is totally unfair. I reported this to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA). If our government consumer protection agencies are doing half of their job, no one especially a big manufacturing company should be allowed to get away with this.[non-permissible content removed]