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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  5 stars - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By senojdr2 - December 25 - 1:53 pm

  This is a dream car,The price is extremely low for a great performing automobile. My only complaint is lack of radio.I think this is a game to increase price.I ordered a Sony CD radio for a total price 151.24. Will pay 40-50 installation. Versa comes prewired except a radio. Ebay tell me of 200.00 saving over Nissans radios.

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  Fun to drive and good stability - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Luis Estupinian - December 19 - 10:53 pm

  I drove for about three hours in variable conditions and I felt this car comfortable and safe in many driving situations, nice turning in curves on the highways and good turns in the city, it has wide windshield that provides good visibility.

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  I expect more from Nissan - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Hatchback - December 8 - 2:36 am

  I expected more from a nissan. It has been in the shop over 5 times in the first year to fix missing interior part, mysterious cluck in the front steering, air conditioning problem and hard to start at first until a part was replaced. All covered by warranty but that runs out soon and I cant wait to find out what breaks next. I would have rated it lower but my wife is too nice.

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  Most practical car Ive ever owned - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By mmckibbin - December 5 - 8:35 am

  Maybe it isnt the prettiest, or the most feature rich, but nissan has made a car that has everything I need, and nothing I dont. Its fun to drive, gets good gas milage, has an auxilery port that is conveniently located so I can have my electronics in the stash box, has tons of room (a bigger back seat than my dads jaguar), and has been essentially maintaince free the last six months. All in all, for the price I paid, I cant complain (even with only 37 k miles)

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  Broken Window - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By skyman0820 - December 4 - 4:16 pm

  Let me start by saying I do really like this car. It handles well and is very quiet. Ingress and egress is phenomenal. Gas mileage is really good for a 1.8 liter engine. My only real complaint is that the rear door window shattered without warning today. I cant say for sure that nothing hit it to make it happen but it was quite explosive (glass flew to the other side of the car). Im fortunate that no one was sitting in the back seat at the time as they surely would have been hurt. First question, what stops the window from rolling up when it finishes closing? If its the glass itself then there could be too much stress on it. Might be worth a look from the design engineers.

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  Small Car Great Fuel - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Joe - December 2 - 7:26 am

  We have 3,000 miles on our Versa, my wife and I both drive it. I drive back and forth to work and she drives it when she does her weekly shopping. We have a new 2008 gas hog truck that stays parked most of the time. Versa is great to drive and fun with great gas mileage (35 to work for me, and about 31 for wife shopping and yard sales). We are in our late 50s, but this car is still great for us.

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  So Far ... So Good! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By KRIS - November 26 - 2:16 pm

  We compared this car with with the toyota - yaris - no comparison scion - xD - too expensive hyundai - accent - poor build quality and underpowered honda - fit - nice but way overpriced The Versa is a very comfortable car, enough power to get onto a highway, and quiet. I get 28 mpg around town. We purchased it with the power package which includes cruise control. This is a tight little car. I will let you know in a couple of years if it was a good value. But so far, we like it.

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  Love the car, disappointing gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Drivingmom - November 16 - 2:36 pm

  Purchased the car new in May 2007, mainly for the comfort and the projected gas mileage. However, we have seen the gas mileage drop from a high of 31 MPG to present low of 25 MPG. The sticker advertised 29-38 MPG. Big disappoinment since I do mostly highway driving during the week, errands on weekends. The horn button is hard to find quickly - I usually end up changing the CD instead of getting the horn.

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  Makes me wish for my 20-YO Ford Escorts - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Mike Falcon - November 13 - 2:11 pm

  Electric, mechanical, and body integrity no better--and far more costly to repair--that the 20-YO Ford Escorts (sedan and wagon) I formerly drove: ELECTRICAL: nobody in service at the dealership where I purchased the car can figure out why I periodically get shrieking warning blasts from somewhere in (?) the center console: they "never heard" of this (although 5 mins of online research show this reaction is not uncommon); brake, fluid, & all else that should be indicated by warning lights (and inspections) revealed nothing wrong. A/C noisy and barely adequate when the outside temp is over 90 degrees (it;s a roomy interior and would benefit, I think, from a bigger compressor. Had to replace the behind-the-dash fan (for both heating and A/C ) at 55K. Heating: the cars "cool" temp setting on the dash really mean just degrees of very hot air unless the A/C is turned on. The car lacks a temp gauge and oil pressure gauge. MECHANICAL: $250 wanted by the dealer to replace rear brake shoes (drum brakes in 2012? I didnt even think to look). Cracked control arm bushings seems reasonable on a car with 60K, but using parts ordered online, I had OEM struts, rear shocks, all of the control arms, bushings, an alignment, and rear brakes replaced and installed for less than than the dealer wanted to replace the cracked bushings and install new rear brake shoes. Mileage is worse than my auto-transmission Ford Escort STATION WAGON: lucky to get 30 mpg in the Versa at 55 MPH (with cruise control) on a 300-mile flattish stretch of open highway (the wagon routinely got 33-34, and the sedan, at that speed, 34-36). City mileage is horrifying: Im a "gentle" driver and am not stuck in stop-and-go traffic, but Nissan in "city" driving gets a remarkably low 17-18 MPG. Interesting: there is a two-mile stretch of road I can coast down, and the Escorts reached 55-60 MPH on that mild decline, but the Versa is apparently not as aerodynamic, as it settles in at about 47-48 MPH. The Versa is tall and noticeably easier to get into and out of, however. BODY INTEGRITY and TRIM: laughable. I bought the car when it was two years old, but did not expect the "rubber" window seals to crack and turn brown nor come away and hang down, nor the trim at the front door to come away, nor the metal panel on the body (which the door slips over) to come off. Had none of these problems with the old Escorts. The Versa is noticeably more peppy than the old Escorts, but its not going to win many races. Factor in the depreciation . . . Ouch! Note that I opt for Mobil 1 synthetic oil, which, I would think, ups MPG a little. Also, I very rarely have a passenger so there is little "extra" weight.

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  for your info - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By jtobey - November 11 - 1:54 pm

  Just got my 2015 versa sadan As A Run Around Town Car It Just What It Is Its No Sportscar Lol I Drove It From Fresno To San Diego No Problem At All Handled The Grapevine Like A Champ And Gas Was Outstanding 40 Round Trip All I Have To Say Its A Great Buy Great Car For The Cheep Price specialy for todays market fresno nissan took good care of me I baught ther cheepest car and it was like I had bought a top of the line it was such a good experience for u people looking at this car its a good reliable one