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:

• 

  Not Reliable - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Ashley E. - May 7 - 9:16 am

  My 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan has 101k miles and the transmission is bad. I have researched and have seen where older Versa models were covered under an extended CVT warranty due to premature transmission failure. Why is this not the case for the 2012? It is completely unacceptable that a 5 year old car bought brand new, maintenanced regularly has a bad transmission. It made me stall and have no power or ability to accelerate in the middle of a busy intersection! It has done this 3 times! My children were in the car! Completely unacceptable. This is dangerous. The CVT is very poorly designed and very unreliable, not to mention dangerous. The Versa has been one problem after another. We had to replace the fuel pump at 60k mileage! That is absolutely ridiculous! This car is extremely poor designed and Nissan is no help, and does not back up its cars. Nissan is not reliable as they were once were in regards to quality and reliability. Extremely disappointed.

• 

  Pay for Economy - Get First Class - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By LP - May 3 - 3:43 pm

  The Versa is an economy car in first class cladding. The Versa has more than other cars in its class - larger tires (15"), larger interior space (feels bigger than it is) and good gas mileage. Some say the car is breezy, I dont find it breezy at all. I drive 90 miles each way on my once-a- week commute and find the car solid and comfortable on the interstate. The seats are large and solid and nicely upholstered. Interior looks expensive like a Maxima, way better than our Echos plasto box interior. Exterior has that funky European styling that we just dont get over here in North America. Engine is capable - a bit buzzy but with the CVT it settles down once up to speed.

• 

  Husband stole my car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By sherikay26 - May 1 - 11:43 am

  I bought this car for a run around car since it has great gas mileage. My Husband drives a Truck and has said he would never down size to a car I have had this car for a little over a month and I have only driven it three times because my husband had to take it one day while his truck tire was being fixed and now he takes it every day. He is considering trading his truck in for another Versa. We are very pleased with the power it has.

• 

  Awesome!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Tom - April 29 - 11:43 pm

  My first "big/small" car. Just love the CVT, comfort, ride, silence, music system, and room. My first fill up with a new engine and town driving only was 32 mpg - cant wait to try it on the highway!!

• 

  2008 Nissan Versa... what a cool car! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jan Hill - April 27 - 9:56 pm

  Great car. I drove the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris, the Suzuki SX4, and the Nissan Versa won hands down. Its a great car. Has a lot of interior room. The Versa has tons of room and I can straighten my leg all the way out, which is great when you are commuting 2 hours round trip a day. The mileage is great. Im getting 33 MPG and Its not even broken in yet. Very quiet ride (w/windows closed) and does great at highway speeds of 70 MPH. It feels stable and solid. Has a big car feel to it. The others felt like scary go-carts at high speeds.

• 

  Daughter off to college - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Mike - March 26 - 2:50 pm

  Nice little car with great gas mileage. Had minor electrical problem before 3000 Mi. Plenty of room inside. Sufficient engine power. Ride is good for a small car. Seats are comfortable. Not too noisy.

• 

  very reliable - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By rm68818 - March 26 - 12:26 am

  this is a great car for the price. i bought mine at 50k and now have over 100k on it and have only had ONE issue the muffler broke at the pipe it would have cost 150 for a new stock muffler or 30 to repair the original but i went to ebay and got an after market crome muffler for 30 deliverd. ive done regular maintenace and ive changed front brakes. i use synthetic oil and only change it every 10-12 thousand miles.the car even has the original battery. one thing i think could be better is gas mileage i only get about 26-27 avg. and for a 1.8L engine it could be better but it runs great and has no problems. doesnt have cruise control which i find very odd for a 2007 but oh well great car

• 

  So far, so good - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Joseph Stewart - March 22 - 10:06 pm

  My 09 Versa 1.8S HB (6-speed stick) is almost a year old and I am quite happy with it. Ive had oil changes and the whole car checked over every 3750 miles per Nissans advice. MPG isnt what Id hoped (my former car, a Dodge Neon with a larger engine and an automatic got 30 mpg), I am getting mid-twenties in town and low thirties on the highway. Which isnt bad anyway, right? I put new custom rims on (black), other than that the car is stock. I am waiting on a part from Nissan to fix the plastic shroud around the battery which inexplicably tore loose somehow. I have had no mechanical issues such as some of those reported here. Once the tach hits 3000 rpm watch out, the car takes off!

• 

  good car but could use improvement - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Nancy - March 21 - 2:50 pm

  I bought my Versa hatchback in 9/06 after looking at the Matrix, Fit and Mazda 3. I have never had a problem starting the car, and I find it quite peppy and fun to drive. There are, however, the "little things" that have bothered me about this car that even an economy car shouldnt fall short on: 1. the tire pressure warning light has been on since day 2; 2. 4 wheel covers have fallen off due to low quality plastic pins; 3. the interior cabin gets quite hot from (im guessing) engine heat coming thru the ventilation system; and 4. trim pieces have come unglued. Finally, like other reviewers, I have also been disappointed by the gas mileage from this small car: typically 27 city; 30 hwy.

• 

  Great Buy! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Old Grunt - March 15 - 7:03 am

  If you have not driven this car with the CVT trans, you are missing something special. Big car inside, small car outside. Excellent field of view all around. Handles like a sports car. The interior style is just enough.