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:

• 

  Excellent Car In the Land of $4 Gas - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - November 3 - 2:53 pm

  I looked at all of the new small cars including the Yaris, Fit, Corolla, etc. For me, the Versa had the best mix of interior space, mileage, and price. The CVT is the best transmission Ive ever driven; it is smooth. If you drive the Versa with a light foot, it keeps the engine RPMs down below 2000 and makes for a quiet car and gas mileage of 30+. The back seat of this car is the real highlight. Being 6 2", I can drive the car and still have 2 happy adults in the back seat. Nissan clearly traded off some luggage room for a larger back seat. The Bluetooth phone feature works perfectly with my Blackberry. It pairs automatically. The Intelligent Key is also a great feature!

• 

  85000 and never changed anything but oil - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Anna - October 1 - 2:16 pm

  Great car! ZERO PROBLEMS! Purchased most basic version and never had ANY problems with it. The only complain is picking up the speed -it is poor from the beginning but this car has small engine so no surprise here. I think I would drive it until the end of its life.

• 

  Review after 69,000 miles - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By me124 - September 21 - 8:47 pm

  I have wrote a review 2 years ago on this Versa and was please then and must say I am still.I bought my Versa in March of 2008 and brand in and the only problem I had in 67,000 miles was the tires worn out at 28,000 miles.I changed the oil every 4000 miles and the car ran like a champ all the time.I live in Denver Colorado and go to the mountains all the time and the Versa had no problems going up the Mountains at 7000 to 10,000 ft.I was very pleased with every thing about this car but the gas mileage it got 23 or 25 in the city and did better on the hwy around 30mpg.Today is 11/24/2011 and I went and sold the Versa and got $8000 for it with 67,000 miles and payed new $13,900.

• 

  Nice ride, quiet, comfy interior - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By knh - September 16 - 1:40 pm

  Ride quality is better than the old G35, very solid, bump absorbing, never got unsettled by any bumps. Steering is reasonably responsive. Cabin is very quiet. Convenience package is very practical. MP3 player standard is great.

• 

  I love my new Versa! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Melissa - September 16 - 2:06 am

  I took my 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 in for warranty service (rear brake drums needed replaced at 8563 miles! =( ) and walked over to the showroom while waiting for my car to be worked on. I took a test drive of the new Versa, and fell in love! I brought my new Versa home last night, and cant wait to get in it and drive some more! The shifter takes some getting used to as I have only ever driven a standard-H pattern manual before, but its so much fun! My children have more room in the backseat now, and the seats are very cushy and comfy! I had to go with a lower model - no cruise control like I had in the Sentra - but since I hardly used it anyway, no major loss! Great job Nissan!

• 

  Nissan Versa SV Sedan - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By cwesterman - September 10 - 5:56 am

  If you are looking for a great, safe and affordable car then the Nissan Versa SV 2012 Sedan is a wonderful option, I bought mine in early 12/2011, The car has great gas economy, is sporty looking for a sedan and handles very well, it is a small car but yet it is very roomy! I am very pleased with this car and would highly recommend it if you are looking for a great,safe and affordable car.

• 

  Good car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Flex - August 27 - 12:40 am

  I like almost everything about this car. I own Versa for 9 months and I didnt have any problem. I get 34 mpg highway and 30 city.

• 

  Versas ROCK!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jennifer Webb - August 26 - 12:10 am

  I have driven many, many vehicles. The Versa is a perfectly balanced car. You get a lot of bang for your buck, plus my family of four fits comfortably. The styling is cute, particularly with the rear spoiler (hatchback). Gas mileage is great. I was driving a Jeep Cherokee and that thing was killing my wallet. The Versa also sits so that I dont feel too low to the pavement. There is great visibility. Even though from the outside it looks small, it doesnt feel small on the inside. The body lines are like the Quest minivan, but Im too cool to drive one of those. :) There are two other people in my family that have Versas and I think that everyone should. You should test drive today!

• 

  I love this car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By astrosjunkie - August 16 - 7:13 pm

  This is my first car w/ any automatic/keyless feature and I love it! Just crossed the 2000 mile mark and getting 32-34mpg mixed ciy/hwy driving. The crash test results came out right before I bought this car and I feel safer. Visibility seeing out while driving is awesome. The standard audio package sounds great and Ive had so many people tell me that they cant believe how much room is inside for a "small" car. Love the exterior-- sleek-almost european/mini-cooper like. Love the fabric/interior-plush. Handling is great and the ride is smooth, but could use a higher quality/performance or slightly larger tire.

• 

  Love it! A few problems, but its great for the money! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By andresama3 - August 4 - 2:50 am

  Ive got over 105,000 miles and Ive never had the alignment problems people keep mentioning. I did however have the muffler problem at about 95000 miles which is longer than most people got hah. The manual recommends a spark plug change at 105k but I started to notice it needed changing around 90k. Ive never had it stop or lockup in traffic and I actually get BETTER gas mileage than whats posted. 24 city/30 hwy 27 hybrid was what the dealership sold it as; I usually get about 30-35 hybrid driving. But I do my best to drive it right though, make sure my tires are inflated and do maintenance on time. I got it new in 2008 and drive it A LOT!