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 S 5 speed manual Good point a to b car - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Christopher - February 28 - 8:16 am

  Wish the base S model had more comfortable seats, folding rear seats, soft to the touch interior & SIRUS/XM radio but it does offer lots of cabin and trunk room. New it can be purchased for just under $10,000. Almost 20K miles and Im getting a calulates 36.5 on the highway and low 30s in the city. Its been a good car so far.

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  Consider instead of paying for the H - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By DenverDailyDriver - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Im not sure where car magazines got it into their head that the premiere concern of most drivers is fun. Fun driving in a stop-and-go city you probably mean gunning it to the next light and cutting people off. Whee! You want fun, Mazda 3 makes more sense. For those of us who have commute on a city grid and not pick of a stable of autos, the Versa does great and is probably a better fit than the Fit. Edmunds admits in their Fit review: "However, more comfort-minded consumers may better appreciate the Nissans quieter cabin, cushier seats and higher available feature content." I saved myself $3000 over Fit prices, have more horsepower and more torque, and a 7 yr ext. warranty.

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  Versa Info - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce - February 12 - 4:43 am

  At 64" & 240 lbs, I actually fit in the Versa. The seat is a bit short for my long legs & not quite wide enough to accomodate my wide hips. My wife is 6 & the seats fit her fine. You can haul 2 six footers in the back without them feeling cramped. The Versa handles fine but the suspension is a bit choppy on rough roads. The Versa feels underbraked but Ive been driving 1 ton & 3/4 ton trucks for 25 years so I am used to strong brakes. My first tank of fuel in all city driving yielded 27 mpg. At 2,000+ miles I am up to 29 mpg in the city. On a recent trip with a 700 lb payload & running 75 mph, I averaged 31.5 mpg. Versas my first compact car & I would buy another. Lots of room for a compact!!

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  Good Basic Car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Joanna - February 2 - 11:30 am

  I bought the base model for the automatic. No power anything, and no radio even (Went to best buy to buy a better one anyway). I only needed to replace my 2 door Civic I had sold in preparation of my first child. Its perfect for what I need. You wont find a cheaper new car that is decently built. You sit up higher than most sedans too. I like that! Although its taking me some getting used to pulling into a parking space as you cant see where your front bumper ends. Think the bubble shape is cute too. My tall husband can drive this car waayy most comfortable driving this car too, more leg and head room than most cars, doesnt feel small at all! A good purchase!

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  This car saves lives! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Jen - January 30 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my 2007 Versa in April and on Memorial Day my kids and I were in a serious car accident with this car. The impact was so serious that it caused this brand new car to be deemed a total loss by the insurance company. Essentially, my kids and I walked away from the accident with nothing more than scrapes, bruises, an airbag burn here and there and a rotator cuff injury. As soon as I settle with the insurance company I am going out to buy yet another 2007 Versa because this car has proven its safety-worthiness to me and my family. Kudos to the engineers at Nissan for designing such a "green", affordable and SAFE automobile!

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  Most reviews are BS... - 2014 Nissan Versa
  By jebediah - January 22 - 5:17 pm

  I havent found a single realistic review. Im going to try to give you one with this horribly short space. The cost, for what it is is good. Its one of the cheapest new cars you can own, great gas mileage and Nissan makes good quality cars. When actually driving. You have large blind spots. Looking out the windows including rear is very difficult due to the design of the seats specifically, along with the shape and size of the windows themselves. This is a safety hazard. Merging into traffic especially the highway, or anywhere will need you to be defensive and deliberate. Very touchy turning. If you are distracted for a few seconds you could easily go into another lane by accident.

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  Decent Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Decent Car - January 12 - 11:26 pm

  This is my second review. I have almost 5K miles on my Versa. A couple of things that Ive noticed in comparing the Versa to the 2001 Honda Civic that it replaced are that the dash rattles over even the slightest bump and it appears that Nissan does not have the same attention to detail or quality of materials that Honda appears to have. I have gotten as high as 39 miles/gallon; the Civic got 43-45 on the highway in the summer. The Versa rear windows go all the way down, the Civics dont. The Versa seats are more comfortable and the ride is not as brutal as the Civic. The tire pressure sensor is useless and comes on for no apparent reason. Reliability is still a question.