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:

• 

  Versa - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By m33k0n - November 18 - 11:37 am

  Bought this car used from a dealership with 126,xxx on it, and I have driven at least 900km since. It is a lot of kms for a 4-year old car, but I heard Nissans will last forever it taken care of. I have no real complaints about the car. The engine makes a strange ticking noise whenever its accelerating, but Im assuming its the timing chain..Unless this is a problem. Good on fuel, get around 370km to a tank, I got 310 on my old VW Golf. The only complaints I really have is that there are rust spots on the hood of the car. The look like they are from bugs. I plan on removing the spots in the summer. Also, the check engine has come on and dealership keeps saying its the gas cap.

• 

  I always love Nissans - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By danblackracing - November 14 - 8:06 pm

  This is my first "new" car. I have always bought older custom datsuns and other sports cars so my review may be different. I bought a 09 versa base for the rain and winter, but wound up putting custom rims and a few other goodies on it. Being nissans official rally racing car you can feel the agility. Great performance for 9990. I know, I drive fast cars. I didnt expect this versa to handle this well out of the box. It has the usual chinsey plastic inside for a low cost Nissan but otherwise great car. Amazing room. Fun to drive. Great on gas.

• 

  Where are the parts? - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By harrisd9 - November 7 - 7:34 am

  My Nissan Versa has been sitting in the repair shop for over 6 weeks waiting for a gasket for the radiator!! I would have never bought this car if I had know how hard it is to get parts! We have also had it in the shop because it died and needed a fuse. They keep lots of these in stock--must happen often. What a mistake.

• 

  Best Christmas Present Ever! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By karly - October 18 - 2:50 am

  My husband & I had a 2004 Nissan Sentra, we were just browsing around, didnt care much for the new Sentra. Im so glad we got this car, its the best present ever. I love driving it, gas mileage is awesome, looks sporty, the windows were already tinted, its fully loaded, absolutely love it.

• 

  very happy - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jbull1930 - September 30 - 7:31 am

  bought this car used with around 32000 miles.i did a lot of research before purchasing and decided this was the best choice for me . i am thrilled with its performance. made a long road trip and the comfort level was the same as a full size car. gas mileage wasaround 28 miles per gallon . i love everything about this car.

• 

  Love this car! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By MargeHD - September 14 - 6:53 am

  This is a great car. Classified as a sub-compact but feels much bigger. More front seat room than my friends prius. (I am a big person.) sits high which makes it easy to get in and out of. First tanks mileage=27 mpg in mixed driving, including a Major multi-mile summer beach traffic jam.

• 

  Feedback - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Aubrey - September 9 - 7:40 am

  Have owned my 2008 hatchback for almost 2 months. Drives great and lots of room. I trust Nissan and know they make excellent cars. So far there are 3 undesirable issues. One is that the wheels have very cheap hub caps. One of mine came flying off while I was driving. Its a piece of junk these covers! Also the cup holders are in a horrible location. I had to install a cup tray (from a conversion van) on the dash in the middle. And finally do not buy this car without the power option. A huge mistake. Power locks should be standard but they are not. You will regret it w/o the power package.

• 

  Better for families than Fit or Corolla - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jw - September 9 - 4:10 am

  This is a great little car. We looked at the Honda Fit and the Toyota Corolla. We were impressed with the versatility of the Fit and the reliability of the Corolla, but were very glad we bought this Versa sedan. Were a family of 5: three kids between the ages of 6 and 11. Our Versa has the same rear legroom as our Mercury Sable, no kidding. It just seems so spacious! Much roomier & more comfortable than the Fit or Corolla. Rated safer than those cars too. We regularly get an average of 32 mpg in mixed driving (with 3 kids and their stuff!) -- no complaints there. True, resale value wont be as high as Honda or Toyota, but our Versa was at least $2000 less to buy!

• 

  Great Little Car!! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Dave - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  Ive driven the Fit, Scions, Focus, Corolla, Yaris and Civic and I have to say that I like the Versa the best. The Corolla, Yaris and Civic all are well made cars, but for me the Versa had the smoothest ride/acceleration (CVT) and best interior. The layout of the controls was top notch. Also you sit up higher in the seat so you have a better view of whats up ahead. The keyless feature seemed like no big deal at first, but when your hands are full, you dont need to fumble in your pockets for the key. Its a pretty neat feature. However, what people like is so personal to them that I think you need to drive all the aforementioned cars to decide what is right for you. Good luck!!

• 

  love it! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By julie - September 5 - 11:56 am

  My 2002 Ford Focus s/w literally broke down on a Saturday. After getting it running, I drove 27 miles north to look at the little car at the dealership. Have never owned a new car but this one was worth waiting for! Love: the ride, pickup, gas economy (32 mpg best). Only negative: poor lighting. I will love driving this car for years to come.