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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  Exceeds My Expectations! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Meshella - June 1 - 10:40 pm

  I have to admit, I cried when my husband traded in our 02 VW Beetle for this car. This is my first Nissan and I am VERY impressed by the quality of this car. The ride is smooth and quiet, plenty of head and leg room for everyone to fit comfortably, and amenities galore you would not expect to find on such a well priced car ($18,400)! We have close to 8K miles on our SL Versa. The gas mileage went from OK (27 mpg) to GREAT (32) as it becomes more broken in. We have every option imaginable, sunroof, bluetooth, remote keyless entry/ignition, cruise, CVT, stero upgrade with AUX port, steering controls, power everything, sporty body kit upgrade and no problem with any of it.

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  Love my Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Love my Versa - May 29 - 10:00 am

  First time ever buying a car and a new driver. I love the way my versa rides. It is comfortable. I can see everything around me and I only have to fill my tank I also look good in it. Good Job Nissan!

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  Vice versa - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By Versa lover - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I recently wrote a review on my purple disaster of a chevy equinox and not long after It gave out completely at 40,759 miles. So I finally got it started and drove it to clay cooley nissan in duncanville Texas and I absolutely fell in love with this versa! Its huge inside! It absolutely blew my mind how large it was and the gas mileage is unbelievable! I love everything right down to the little meep horn! Its practical, affordable, the insurance is cheap and its easy on the pump as well as the eyes, legs, and back. However this is not the car for speed, the sentra has way more power but it can hold its own, bottom line, perfect car for me

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  Love the car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cj - May 27 - 6:23 pm

  I got the car to replace a minivan. I found that the room inside the car makes this easy. The car is small but the passenger space inside made moving from a minivan to a car very very easy, everything fits. I dive several hundred miles a day, and the car is a joy climate controls work great and the smart key is a wonder. I had a problem with the bluetooth but nissan helped. But I find the people in the phone too polite and thick Brithish/Indian accents.

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By asnb3ar - May 17 - 11:23 am

  Pros: cheap car, roomy interior, pretty cute exterior. Cons: too many cupholders but nowhere to put change. My tire pressure light came on TWICE and Ive only owned the car for 1 year and half even though my car is well maintained (regularly serviced & 15k done). Really loud engine noise when you gas it to go uphill. Its not as gas efficient as I thought, since Im only getting about 27-28 mpg even when I first purchased the car. Also, something smells weird when I turn on the fan, and its been like that since I first bought the car.

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  New car review - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By asdaigle - May 16 - 2:53 pm

  Ive had the car a week now and have put 1200 miles on it. Its getting between 30 to 32 mpg with a regular auto trans. I think it will get more when I do my first oil change and switch to Mobil 1 synthetic. The car is quite roomy on the inside and more comfortable than a 2007 Corolla, which I had looked at and rented thru a car rental agency.

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  Nifty car with large interior - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ken - May 15 - 8:30 am

  This car really has delivered so far in the few months we have had it. Smooth and quiet on the road with good pickup acceleration. The six cd player is great and the ride is smooth and quite quiet on the highway. ABS and side airbags are great safety features. I am constantly comparing this vehicle with a 2001 Toyota Corolla which I have owned since purchased new. Pros over the Corolla so far: 1. Higher seat (its adjustable) 2. More room, particularly foot room in the back seat. Negatives: 1. Ride seems a bit harsher on rough roads (but fine on the highway) 2. Doesnt seem to hold the road quite as well on exit ramps (profile of car is higher, probably reason why).

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  hoping for better the second time - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By prairielilly - May 11 - 3:33 pm

  I did my research, and discounted the Fit, Yaris etc in favour of the Versa bc of horsepower, room and the Nissan reputation. It exceeded all my expectations at first - fun to drive, reliable, good fuel economy, easy to handle. Then winter hit. In cold, wet weather, I would come out to the car and find ice all over the dash, controls and inside of the windows and windshields. The controls wouldnt work and the doors wouldnt shut. Warming it up - no change. Getting it fixed at the dealer proved extremely problematic ie. didnt happen - cost to me to fix was quoted at $5-10K. I just traded it in for a 2009 model - hoping for better this time around. Itll likely be my last Nissan too.

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  Great value economy car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By gregoron - May 11 - 3:16 am

  I have the 2009 1.8S hatchback model with a 4sp auto trans, and no pwr door locks and pwr windows. Overall, its a good daily commuter car with a roomy and elegant interior for its class. I think this car delivers more value than its competitors the Honda Fit, Suzuki SX4, Hyundai Accent, and Scion xD. I get around 20 mpg in town so far. But at 500 miles, I did have a faulty evap valve on the catalytic converter replaced by the dealer under warranty. Its a world car - aka Tiida in Europe/Japan. The US Versa is put together in Mexico with the engine and transmission assembled in Japan. Im pleased with the car. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish and frugal daily commuter.

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  Great for sending your kids off to college. - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By jttom1994 - May 7 - 4:31 pm

  My parents got this car for me to drive to school and I love it. Sure its not the fastest of the best looking but its more comfortable than the mustang we traded in, gets way better mpgs and me and all my friebds can fit in it.