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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  Uncomfortable for long distances - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick J. - July 12 - 11:08 am

  My existing car finally bit the dust after putting 220,000 miles on her, a 2001 Suzuki Vitara small SUV. I ended up renting the Nissan Versa from Enterprise to get me around until I can buy something to replace my Vitara. My initial impressions of the Versa were positive, it looks nice outside and I have any easy time getting into and out of the car with plenty of headroom. I am not very tall at around 510", but I ran into 2 problems once I sat in the driver seat. First, the center console is very low and wide, it sits forward of the shifter and the width of it hits me in my lower-right leg. This is exacerbated by the front of the driver seat which slopes upwards very steeply. The pedals are so deep in the well that I have to move the seat so far forward that I end up "man-spreading" to fit properly resulting in the leg/console collision. It makes it extremely difficult to drive long distances. My left leg also rubs against another cupholder that Nissan put in the lower part of the left door. The location of it makes no sense, no person in their right mind would ever want to place a cup or bottle there. As far as performance goes, this thing would easily wipe the floor off my old Vitara, I have no idea why people call this thing slow. Without blinking I find myself doing 50MPH and have done 65MPH with ease. Performance is right where it should be considering the price. However, I find that there is no sensation of speed or acceleration when driving this car. It is very weird, I will start accelerating, blink my eyes and find I am doing 50MPH. Whether I floor the accelerator or lightly press it, the car just starts going 50MPH with no sensation of reaching that speed. It actually makes it very difficult to drive speed limits of 30-40MPH and I constantly find myself unintentionally speeding. It must be some drive-by-wire nonsense causing this. There is no road vibration coming through either the accelerator or brake which makes things more difficult. The brakes are too responsive as well, I find it difficult to slow down over a distance, they clearly designed it to brake on a dime for idiots that dont know how to drive safely. Other gripes I have include the dash lighting, it has ridiculously bright white LED lighting that causes glare inside the car. There is a knob that was stupidly placed in the center of the dash forcing you to reach through the steering wheel to get to it and it doesnt work like a normal knob. You have to press in, turn and hold the knob to the left or right to make it adjust. If you adjust all the way left or right it wraps back around and goes back to full brightness which makes it damn near impossible to set to the lowest setting. My Vitara has the dimmer located as a dial on the left side near where the side mirror controls are which is far easier to adjust while driving. Another gripe is the air controls do not let you select outside air vs inside, it only goes to outside air when you use the defroster. Lastly, there is no 3.5MM Line-In on the front of the radio, super lame. One plus is the trunk is huge with plenty of room to fit stuff, maybe not as deep as some people would like, I put my groceries in there last night and they stayed in place all the way home. Overall my feeling is that this is a very modern car that Nissan failed to test with people of various body sizes and lacks the connection to the road that the best drivers look for in a vehicle.

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  Okay drive, but dont get too excited. - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By codfish78 - July 4 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle last summer during the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program. No problem at all so far. With the $4500 discount, $150 additional discount for scrap value, plus the dealers free destination fee, I paid $5340 plus tax for the basic model. Mine is dark metallic blue with a charcoal interior. I think it looks pretty sharp. The car does all the basics well, but I wouldnt want this to be my only vehicle. I am 6 4" tall and weigh over 300lbs. and I fit into this car easily. In fact, I find it quite comfortable. If I had to pay sticker price, I would have gone elsewhere. However, for the price I paid, I think this car is quite decent. See my specific likes/dislikes below.

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  Solid for the $s - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By neekmeister - July 2 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle approximately 10 days ago and so far have been very happy with it. Clearly this is not a race or luxury car by any means. However, if you are like me needing cheap commuter transportation with the occasional requirement to transport a family of four around while getting excellent MPG this is the way to go.

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  Found the Dream CAR!!! :) - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By ylla - June 24 - 7:39 pm

  i love everything about this car!!! :) great mileage, great on gas!,Fun to drive and drive soooo smooth!!! suits for me coz im small,! my first car that ive owned! just got this yesterday and all i can say is im SPEECHLESS!!! my cars name is RAVEN :P you should get one today this car is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

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  I love my versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Lisa - June 6 - 3:33 am

  I just love my versa. What a fun car to drive. Averaging 26mpg - less than advertised 40mpg - but still am satisfied. Very comfortable, even on long trips. Ample room in the trunk area - and Im always loading it up with Costco bulk purchases! Two repair problems so far and Im still under 2000 miles. Driver door lock would not unlock manually, and I needed a new fuel pump after experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle. Ive read on a number of forums that this is a problem for many, however Nissan has not issued a recall, just a service bulletin. Despite this, I just love the car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great car! Great gas mileage! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Oscar - June 5 - 3:13 pm

  I never though the day would come that I would contemplate buying a compact car; but with 4-5 dollar gas its a no brainer. With a negative mindset for compact cars I set out shopping. I wanted fuel economy, but I also wanted comfort and style. As a third car at home I didnt want to pay more than 13-14K for the car. Basic transportation! After looking at Kias. Toyotas, Hyundais and some comparable GM models, I went to see the Nissan Versa. I found all that I was looking for in this little car. At 62" tall I found the car easy to get in and out of. You do not feel like you are driving a "compact" with the Versa. Plenty of power and good looks. Great fit and finish.

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  Better then expected - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By rob c - June 3 - 4:20 am

  I bought the car for a second vehicle. I am impressed with its performance so far. It has unbelievable room for a small car, we are a family of 5 and we fit perfect. I thought that it would have a tough time getting up to seed on the highway with the whole family but it handles the job fine. The car is a great buy overall.

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  Very pleased with the cost-benefit - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By jefffleming61 - June 2 - 3:46 am

  I bought this as a "first car" for my daughter in 2008. Honestly, either my wife or I would like to drive it full time! We took a family of 4 on a weeklong beach trip (10 hours one way drive). It was amazingly comfortable and zippy even with 4 adult passengers. My wife calls it the zip zap. The CVT makes it accelerate like a golf cart (on steroids). Just puss the gas pedal and off it goes as fast or as slow as you want. No herky jerky gear changes. As a teenager, my daughter just puts gas in it and goes. We havent been back to the shop for any reason other than normal maintenance. Im very, very happy with this vehicle.

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  Not bad for $10,990! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By astonvsbugatti - May 29 - 3:15 pm

  I just bought my 1.6L Versa sedan in manual transmission, and I enjoy it. I especially enjoy not having a car payment! Its practical and economical, but its not for everyone. I have a basic model, and had a brief moment of buyers remorse when I realized that the car didnt come with floor mats, rear speakers, or even a trunk lid release! But, it gets great gas mileage, shifts smoothly, has an adjustable height lever on the drivers seat, an AUX jack for iPhone/iPod, a basic trip computer with MPG info, and front, side and curtain airbags. It also has good safety crash ratings. I think that Nissan did a great job of incorporating the important things into the car.

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  Smiles from Everyone - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Scott - May 18 - 3:20 am

  My wife loves the fact that when she drives around in her Versa, everyone looks at her and smiles. Its not a common car around here, but she picked it out because she thought it was the cutest. Inside it feels like a larger car. We got a sunroof (the only car in its class that had one as an option) and like the way it handles. CVT is smooth with lots of power and pep! With only 500 miles on the engine, got 32 MPG on highway, 27 MPG on Vermont back roads.