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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  Liked the 2007 so much I bought a 2008! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Big Jim - November 7 - 4:40 am

  What I missed on the 07, I added on the 08---ABS, Bluetooth, Steering wheel audio controls, and other goodies. At 33,000, I have had absolutely no problem of any kind with the vehicle. Im 6 foot 6 inches tall, and fit fine in the car even with a 36 inch inseam. Most of my combined city/highway driving averages 32 mpg, and running 60 on the highways a consistent 36. At 70 mileage drops to 30. A wonderful surprise was the extension to 10 year/12000 miles on the CVT tranny. Bluetooth is perfect for handsfree, and handling is responsive w/electric assist. Great off the line acceleration. Biggest beef is fairly poor stopping ability on ice/snow. The Continentals will be replaced.

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  Great Car for Money - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bazence - November 5 - 6:56 am

  The Versa is the first car I have owned and I must say its really good. The car is surprisingly spacious for a small car, and looks like a much bigger car, even from the outside. The trunk space is HUGE. I dont see any problems with handling, as the car is REALLY GOOD at turns and has a very nice turning radius, so its very easy to park as well. The acceleration on it is not amazing, but as soon as you reach speed, the car has no problem. For the money I paid its a great car. Absolutely worth it.

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  Tiida good pick - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By zaahir - October 31 - 12:36 am

  The Nissan Tiida offers alot for a small car. It gives good horsepower with an excellent fuel economy. It is extremely roomy and fill with alot of storage spaces. It certainly has redefined the small family sedan/car. Ill recmommend it to anyone.

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  My 2009 has been great - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By rock2014 - October 14 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car new - actually right off the truck - in 2009. I drive 100 miles round trip to work each day, and now have about 155,000 miles. The car has needed nothing but routine maintenance - because I baby it, were still on the original brakes. My wife and two daughters preferred traveling in this instead of our Ford Taurus - more roomy, especially in the back. Bottom line - especially if youre looking for what Edmunds calls a reliable "appliance" car, Ive never had anything better than this.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By sapulpabaptist - September 24 - 3:30 am

  I have put nearly 27K miles on my Versa since July 06. I average 27 mpg in town and 33 on the highway. This is a great little car for the money.

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  Mixed feelings...love it but worried... - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By CarmenGhe - September 15 - 7:46 pm

  I love this car inside and out! Except that Ive only had it for less than 24 hours, (w/25 miles on it when I drove off the dealership) and the same thing happens to me as one of the reviewers...a weird knocking sound coming from the right front tire. It happens when I accelerate right after driving and/or backing out of a spot. The steering wheel also makes a squeaking sound when backing up into a spot. Im not sure if I should be concerned because its a brand new car or maybe it just needs to be driven more and the noises will go away through time. Other than that, I am super happy with the build quality and fine interior.

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  Basic Transportation - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By David Williams - September 12 - 8:54 pm

  The Versa S gives you the basics with the essentials like A/C and a bluetooth radio with 4 speakers at a very low price. The car comes standard with everything manual: manual 5 spd.transmission, windows, door locks, seats, and key. I was able to make a copy of my key for $2.00 when it would cost me over $200+ to replace my chip key for my Honda and VW. But the conviences you give up in power features you gain in less weight, better fuel economy, quicker acceleration, shorter stopping distance, better reliability, and a lower cost to own and operate. The Versa a good car for basic transportation needs.

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  Lets be fair - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Rezavi, G - September 10 - 12:20 pm

  You get what you pay for. I am satisfied with the car considering what I paid for it. There are some recurring themes of problems (lets face it we want to know the bad before we buy): 1. There is occasional weird noise when I make a hard right turn at > 30 mph from the rear right wheel. 2. Transmission down shifting is non- existing, it is another weirdness to it overall not very smooth. 3. Experience the fan on with only 10 secs interval when the air conditioning is on. That does not sound right. Thats about it, the good news is that if your car is exhibiting one or all of these symptoms, well thats the point of 36,000 3 year warranty, get the bugs worked out while its covered.

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By C. Townshend - September 6 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car because I was persuaded by the dealer that the CVT sedan would get far better fuel economy than my Honda Civic. Having driven this car for almost a year and averaged little more than 21 miles per gallon, I feel cheated by both the dealership, and by Nissan who make the original claim in conjunction with the EPA. With gas prices as they are I cannot afford a vehicle that does not even come close to the advertized MPG, and I would warn anybody against buying a Nissan Versa if its fuel economy youre after. I am not an aggressive driver and yet this car seems to drink gas like an SUV. I have a complaint in with Nissan and it has still not been resolved after 7 months!

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  No gas mileage - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Curious - August 29 - 1:06 pm

  We just bought this vehicle new off the dealers lot. It had 57 miles. We now have 620 miles and have filled up 3 times already. It is rated at 32 highway and 24 city. Most of the mileage is highway so I would expect better than 19 mpg. The dealership says it has to break in to get better gas mileage. I have several trips planned in this car that will cost a fortune buying all this gas.