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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  Everything I wanted - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By versaslowner - March 13 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car to replace my two door Honda Civic. So far it is spacious, fun to drive, and everything I was hoping for. Im not sure yet on the bas mileage, but it seems to be what I expected. Front seat has plenty of room. The keyless ignition and other features on the premium package are awesome!

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  Horrible Navigation - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By cmeyers - February 17 - 8:16 am

  I bought this car just for the navigation and it was a horrible idea. The navigation system gets me lost all the time. I spoke to Nissan corporate about the issue they said that they cut back on the navigation on this car. They use a completely different company for all their cars except on the Versa. Please do not buy this car with the navigation save your money and buy an external GPS navigation.

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  CVT is defective, should be recalled.. - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Andrew - February 10 - 5:10 pm

  Bought the car from a used car dealership and initially had 63k on it in Sept. 2015. Drove great for about 10k miles and then started doing weird things on me which almost felt like the car was choking out from a stop or a rolling acceleration at lower speeds. Got it looked at by goodyear down the road from me and the recommended that i get a fuel injection cleaning, which did seem to help for a little while until it started doing it again a couple thousand miles later. A few thousand miles later my engine light comes on and come to find out it was my cvt transmission all along. Worst purchase of my life hands down, had the car 8 months and put about 15k on it and now it needs a $3500+ dollar repair (as well as many others) to keep it on the road. Nissan to this point has not been helpful in any way even though they know that this is a very common problem on a very poorly manufactured design, would tell anyone and everyone to steer clear of this vehicle with the cvt transmission.

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  WARNING!!! Do NOT Buy - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Me and my 2 Dollies - February 6 - 7:50 pm

  Purchased this car and drove it off the lot w/ under 50 miles on it. Was told would get 41 MPG even going 80 MPH. Most Ive gotten is 32 and that was 1 time. Hub caps broke off w/in 6 months. TOO expensive to replace. Most miles are freeway miles. Tires had to be replaced after 20000 miles. Serviced engine as required and engine went out on me at around 40000. Wasnt covered under warranty because I couldnt find 2 receipts. Paid $4800+ for new engine. 20000 miles later replacing it again. This time warranty is covering it. Car is not reliable. Very noisy inside even w/ the windows up. Would not recommend purchasing if wanting something reliable. Engine not reliable.

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  Great little car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Kelly - February 5 - 11:50 am

  I looked at the Versa, the Fit and the Yaris, and for me this was the best of the three for several reasons including available features, safety rating, performance and roominess. CVT was a plus, as well as the larger gas tank size. Its fun to drive and cute to look at. It looks and feels a lot more expensive than the sticker price. It gets loud when accelerating to higher speeds, but once speed is achieved, the ride is smooth and quite. Wish ABS was available without adding additional equipment. For mixed highway/city driving I get about 32 mpg, and thats improving each time I fill up. Its a great commuter car thats easy on the budget, well designed and one of the best in its class.

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  Not sure........ - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Driving School Guy - February 3 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car to teach driving. Its a sharp car! Looks great inside and out. ROOMY car! The students love the car. My concern is I have had it in more times than any other car I ever had. I had wind noise coming from the front side windows. This was fixed by resealing them. A fuel sensor went. I went in for a oil change and had a signal light change. They did not have the light bulb in stock. They had to go to the Dodge dealer...3 hours to do an oil change and change a light bulb. For the average consumer, I think these are minor details. I already have 18,000 kms and when my car is down, I am losing money.

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  Never Again - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Judi - January 30 - 6:06 pm

  This car is junk. In less than four months my brakes failed. I took to the dealership over and over. Was told nothing was wrong. Last time they kept my car 4 days and did nothing to it. Next day the brakes failed. Very noisy with lots of rattles and squeaks. Windows squeak constantly and never have gotten more than 33 mpg on the hwy. Tire pressure light goes on and off for no reason. Poor handling in tight turns and a popping when turning tightly to the left. I will never buy a Nissan again in my life. I even talked to the Corporate office and was told to take my car to a different dealership to have the brakes looked at and was charged. Had to take car to personal mechanic.

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  Loving it!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By john2216 - January 29 - 9:30 pm

  Ive had it for about 6 months now and approaching 5100 miles. Lots of room when compared to the honda fit or the scion xa....mileage isnt bad, Im getting about 31 mpg.lots of engine noise though especially when ac is on. every now and then I do feel something strange with the suspension especially when making hard turns. Best sub compact on the market today for the value.

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  Picked after trying all the others! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Liz H - January 26 - 6:46 am

  My husband and I tried every other hatchback and station wagon under $20,000 (including some used) before deciding on the Versa. We tried both the S and SL hatchback and chose the SL because it has much smoother acceleration, iPod hookup, and VDC and stability control (great in the snow!). So far, the car has been a joy. Handling is responsive but not too stiff. Some of the other hatchbacks felt like "kid cars" to us, but the Versa is roomy, with the most backseat space for a carseat to fit if needed. If you get the hatchback, make sure to purchase the $130 cargo organizer for a level load floor with bins below.

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  Excellence in function and design - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By dchrisj - January 9 - 6:36 am

  With 195 total miles on car when purchased, took a 139 mile trip, with mostly freeway speeds of 75 mph. Totally surprised with first tank of gas at 37.3 mpg! Interior design is spacious and well thought out. Instrumentation is well designed and readable, however, like every Nissan Ive owned (Pathfinder, XTerra, and Titan) light and visibility in bright daylight is not on a par with the rest of the interior design. Although readable, it is only just. Fabric on seats with SL option is great - very comfortable and appears to be durable. Bluetooth was a total surprise. I never thought I would use it. But after a very few minutes of setting up, found it to be intuitive and fun.