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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  Versa has many problems! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By birdgirl999 - July 19 - 4:22 am

  I purchased a new, 2007 Nissan Versa in July 2007. One month later, I experienced trouble starting the car. It took at least 5 cranks at a few seconds each to get the engine to turn over. They replaced the fuel pump assembly six times between Aug 2007 and May 2011. I sent Nissan a letter and only received a voicemail response. I noticed the problem would occur on cold starts, after the car sat for at least a couple hours. And was more common during cold weather months. Nonetheless, a new car should not have problems like this! Ive also had other problems - all the hubcaps have been replaced, as they fell off! Dont buy a Versa. Do some research and save your time and money.

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  Fun family car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Jrl69 - July 18 - 11:13 am

  I test drove the Fit and Yaris before trying the Versa. Im glad I choose this car I traded my gas guzzling truck in for this one for work and wed have a family car to run around town with on the weekends. Now our other SUV stays parked and we only use the Versa. Great car nice and roomy fits all four of us and the dog with no problem. The trunk is roomy but not big enough when grocery shopping. Love the keyless features and the sunroof and bluetooth. good Stereo with XM. You get a lot of bang for the buck with this car.

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  Great car after 1 year - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jason438 - July 5 - 7:13 am

  I wrote a review a while ago, and thought I would follow-up one year later. I love this car more and more with each day! I live in Montreal, and the car handled very well on slippery roads in the winter. Thanks to the high ground clearance, it is also very good at getting through snow. Fuel economy is not as good as a Fit or a Yaris, but it has definitely improved since the car was broken it. Air conditioning is very cold, and this car is always comfortable to drive. Absolutely no problems to report after 1 year and 38,000 km (23,750 miles)

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  Gus Guzzler - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By ciara - June 29 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car because Nissan stated that it got 36 mph and 30 miles per gallon in the city. I only get 16 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the freeway. The auto fuel sensor has broken twice and it has been replaced under warranty. I was told the repair would improve mileage but it did not. Its a comfortable car to drive if you can afford the gas.

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  Incredible Car for the Price - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By FlightNurse - June 28 - 3:40 pm

  My Versa was the second one sold at the dealership I got it from. Mine is SL w/CVT, the only package I have is the Convience Package, which for $700 is a bargain... Ive had for 3 days and have 195 miles, but I love this car. The Blue Tooth and Intelli-Key are features that should be made standard on ALL CARS. I looked at the FIT, Yaris and Rabbit. None in my book comes close to the Versa in space and Options. I paid $16,500, leased it w/1834 out of pocket (was my trade in) payments of $268/m for 24 months and 15K yr. Nissan has a VERY good lease on this car...

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  2009 Nissan Versa 1.5L Sedan w/AC - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By BShaffer - June 26 - 4:06 am

  I went out to get a fuel efficient entry level car, and this one is what I landed on. I used to like Toyotas, but in comparison to the 1.5L Yaris, this thing takes the cake. This motor, for what it is, really screams. I drove it through 14 inches of snow without a problem last week, and am getting over 40MPG highway on long trips. My average MPG is around 34. It costs around 7.5 cents per mile for gas, which is better than everything else I own, other than my Harley. I did notice a drop in mileage after the synthetic oil was put in at the dealership at 8000 miles. Youre not going to beat too many people at the drag strip in this thing, but its a nice little car.

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  Best affordable car ever. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By knot2b4got10 - June 24 - 6:24 pm

  I picked the Nissan Versa because of how comfortable it was, because it was several thousand cheaper than any comparable car (say the honda fit) and because of the insane amount of room on the inside. Even though it feels like a compact car, I feel like I have the space of a small SUV. Im not sure what people are talking about it being not fun to drive. Anyone that has driven my car has mentioned how great my car handles and it has great pick up. I feel like I zip and zoom in it. I would recommend this car to anyone who does not want to fork over a bunch of money for bells and whistles but wants the most practical and comfortable car for the price.

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  Big inside - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  Nice smooth big car feel, Im a 62 guy and there is more than enough room inside for 4 big people without moving your seat up for the person in the back. More room and power than Yaris and Honda Fit. Excelent.

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  There is nothing better for the price - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By John - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This car does everything you need! Lots of space, great gas mileage and very sharp looking in the magnetic gray with rear spoiler. I did a lot of looking before I purchased this car and Im convinced you cannot find a better car for the money.

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  My first Nissan ever - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dkiel - June 7 - 2:26 am

  After having owned a Toyota Echo and a Toyota Matrix I decided to give the Nissan Versa a try. So far I must say that initially I am impressed by the smoothness of the CVT and the get up and go of the 4 cyl eng. Overall the interior is nice but the front seat armrest is a total useless joke. It is not high enough or long enough to lay your arm on. Hope they fix that in upcoming models. Havent it it long enough to evaluate the gas mileage but hopefully it will fulfill the commuter car requirements around town and the occasional out of town trip. Good little car for the money.