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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  Good Purchase - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Charlene - January 3 - 4:26 am

  I bought the SL with the CVT. It is so much fun to drive this car. I am already getting 32 MPG. I love the interior room too. I have only had the car for 3 days but I can already tell this was a smart decision to buy this car. If youre looking for good mileage and reliability, this little gem is worth a look.

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  Shocked! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Michael - January 1 - 7:10 pm

  Having owned Toyotas for years, I decided to check out the Versa, based on its specs alone. I was shocked! The car rides and handles like a dream, and has more than adequate power. Interior room is great. It wont win any awards for looks, but thats not why I buy a particular car. This car even has side curtain air bags and ABS. For the price, I think this car is unbeatable. I have owned a Nissan before, a pickup, and it was very satisfactory. Overall, I think the Versa is a heck of a deal.

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  Love my Versa!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Versa SL - December 28 - 11:26 am

  I love my new Versa SL. For a city car, it is perfect. Fuel efficient, small and comfortable x 100. I appreciate that the cloth seats actually look really nice. I am really pleased with my purchase and feel that compared to other cars in its class/price range, I did really well!! I also test drove Fit and Rabbit. The Versa totally felt better than those. btw, had to rate reliablity for the site but i have no idea, will take time. Expect a lot as my previous Nissan experiences were very positive.

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  The Versa is verstile! - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Judith Casey - December 21 - 2:33 am

  We have only had the car a very short while so the repair frequency does not apply. Hudson Nissan was a friendly dealership that was so easy to deal with. Our sales person (Conner Stickley) was awesome. Conner helped set up the Bluetooth connection and made sure it was working properly. He explained everything quite clearly and was very knowledgeable about the Nissan products. Everything about this car is comfortable and stylish. I was amazed at the amount of interior space (including the trunk) and technology packed into this car that was so valued priced. The fuel economy of the Versa is very nice and will help keep our costs down.

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  Versa is better than fit - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cj4ualways - December 18 - 3:13 am

  I have driven both versa and fit. since i am a woman i was having hard time with front view in fit. it has no height adjustment. Its suspension is stiff (may be sporty) and the seats are weak. The only positive i have seen is it is a Honda and the magic seats. I was disappointed with what honda gave. Whereas in Nissan you can never beat the interior space in any nissan they are spacious. But one important thing i found that it has height adjustment and also the interior was 1000% superior than fit as the material used was used in luxury versions of Nissan. if getting for the same price i would go with nissan as most women have the problem of viewing th road clearly and it is a lot roomier thx

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  Wow - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By rentalnurse - December 14 - 1:56 pm

  Have looked for months for a new car,and as gas went up size went down, was waiting for this model to come out, test drove a scion and said well this isnt too sm so lets go see if the Nissan is out,, Stock was very limited but they had one that had most of what I wanted. Was impressed that with 4 in the car had no prob going 75 up hill, very roomy and take some getting used to not hearing shifting gears, fun on curvy roads and easy to park. drive over 300mi a week so shall see what milage will get. its very easy to speed as one person said.

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  Nice At First But Two Years Later....... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rebecca - December 10 - 8:30 pm

  This was the first car I ever bought brand new. I wanted something roomy that got good gas mileage. The car was great at first but after 15,000 miles the breaks create massive amounts of dust that make the car squeal loud everytime I break. The hubcaps are cheap and fall off and the dealership took advantage of the fact that I did not know how much hubcaps cost and charged me $65.... for one. Every now and then the car wont start. I try again and then it will start. The MPG is okay but has decreased severly at 37,000 miles. My biggest issue is the tire pressure. My tires loose about 8 pounds every week. I refill them and within a week they have lost pressure again. Very Aggravating.

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  The Little Car That Could - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By trewlove - November 30 - 3:56 pm

  This car is amazing for several reasons. The gas mileage is great, I average 30 in-town (as advertised). The CVT continues to get smoother with each mile. Compared to other cars in its class it has more horsepower so although this is no power machine, it will get up and go more than others like it. It handles well on the road, has excellent turn radius for curvy roads and city parking. You will notice immediately getting in this car that the head room is amazing which means it feels spacious and you have a great perspective on the road. This car does not look or feel like an economy car, inside or out, but could not be more economic for the price, emissions, gas mileage, and reliability!

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  lightly driven. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Joe P - November 11 - 12:43 am

  I got this car as a spare in the 2009 cash for clunkers. drove it just now and then. I started driving it every day, 2 month ago, 20k miles on it. My thoughts are that my base model came with no arm rests, luckily after market ones are easy to get. Also, the electronic steering wheel causes constant interference on the aftermarket AM radio. The worst thing about this car is the front wheels are so far out in front, that there is no weight on them, trying to accelerate into traffic causes tire spin even on dry roads, almost impossible to pull out into traffic on wet roads. I am still on factory tires so this might get better if better tires are eventually installed. 10/2017, car now has 33,000 miles and got the first new set of tires. Good, name brand tires made a great difference. Comparing the two tires side by side, the original tires have very hard rubber, almost like soft plastic, new tires have soft rubber, easy to deform with fingers. Handling is better, ride is softer and traction is better. Just got notice that the Air Bag is included in the recall, will have to wait several months for the dealer to get parts in stock to fix.

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  big disappointment - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ifhorseswerewishes - November 8 - 8:30 am

  I expected much better gas mileage, the best gas mileage I have ever gotten is 28 and that is on highway. Its noisy and bouncy, not a very good ride. I had an Aveo that I enjoyed a lot more and paid $10000 less for. Did I ever goof! This car doesnt have much storage space in the back/trunk and the seat does not fold flat