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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  Squeaky Brakes - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By sjtdkt - May 8 - 4:16 pm

  We purchased our 2010 Versa. In April 2010. Over all it is a great car. Great gas mileage. But the only problem we are having with ours is it doesnt even have 10,000 mile on it but the brakes squeak. We took it in to the dealers several times. For repair but they still squeak.

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  NOISE IN THE FRONT END AT LOW SPEEDS - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By ginanurse - April 20 - 6:33 am

  I love this car, but it has been in the shop 6 times for this nosie in the left front end. They have replaced something different every time, but still no luck fixing it. The floor mat area where you are to put your left foot, the little plastic thing keeps falling off. Noise inside is the sunglass holder and the glove box. I have 62000 miles on mine.

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  Comfortable car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Mark Schofield - April 20 - 4:46 am

  I was looking to replace the wifes Scion xA. The car is a bit larger and MUCH more comfortable. Quieter, more legroom. Sound system is good. Visibility is very good. I tried the Yaris, xD, and Fit and got this one for the quieter more comfortable ride. The others were more like sports cars (to me). After 3000 miles, so far so good. Gas mileage is a bit lower (averaging 30 mpg mixed driving) than the Scion.Got the drop-in rear storage compartment for $120 and a $50 armrest/console from eBay. A nice little car. Im 66" and fit quite well.

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  Excellent mileage - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By super9 - April 18 - 4:49 pm

  The versa manual 5 speed sedan is excellent on mileage. AT speeds of 55-to 60 miles per hour I am getting about 53-56 miles per gallon as indicated by the on board mileage computer. I did not know this is possible, but I guess, it is as the manufacture does not advertise this mileage on its window sticker. The ride is smooth at faster speeds. Mileage increases at 45 miles per hour, to 60 miles per gallon.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By scott2007 - April 17 - 10:53 am

  I purchased the Versa 2 days ago and Im very impressed. Build quality is top notch for this price range. The interior room is exceptional for a subcompact. (I traded an Element for this vehicle). The CVT auto transmission is very smooth. The interior is exceptional for a car at this pricepoint.

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  07 Nissan Versa - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Darien - April 11 - 4:30 pm

  Great car, but loses a lot of acceleration when using A/C

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  Just Purchased - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jbredbug - April 8 - 6:30 pm

  I traded in a PT Cruiser due to poor gas mileage. The Versa has similar interior comfort and size, and hopefully great gas mileage as advertised (too early to tell). I find the ride to be smoother and quieter than expected. Its fun to drive, and turns on a dime. I bought the base model for price, so I have lower expectations and dont wish for much more other than an armrest. I drove it on the interstate and felt 6th gear ratio couldve been higher for less RPMs (its obviously geared for around town driving though). So far, Im very pleased with it. No car achieves the EPA mileage ratings (30- city for the Versa), but Im hopeful for 28 mpg. That would be 10+ mpg better than the PT.

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  first time buyer - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By NP - March 30 - 5:33 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my Versa. Previously drove another Nissan and so was interested in buying another one. As a first time buyer did a lot of research on cars and found this to be the best. Initially I wasnt interested in a hatchback but this has more of a sporty look and that old timey station wagon feel. Comfortable car, features great, and good for road trips. As a recent graduate, the price was extremely affordable. I would pick this car again and again if I had to do it over.

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  Well rounded useful car - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By natureboy3 - March 25 - 8:49 pm

  I will keep this simple - The Versa is a good all-around car that gets the job done. I cant say more about any car.

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  My 1st Car=Amazing 2nd review(3 years) - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By andymb - March 23 - 11:12 am

  I wrote a review that I previously posted. Having had my car for about 3 years, with about 52,500 miles driven in the pot-hole, brake-fast city of NY to long distance road-trips to the suburbs and countryness of FL back & forth I can say this car is a trooper! Average gas mileage as advertised. Low maintenance, cause I take good care of my car. The only thing I would complain about is the aerodynamics, but other than that, all is still well! :)