2007 Nissan Versa [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Nissan Versa
Overall Score - 7.4 (Good)
The Versa is a very roomy, well equipped subcompact that comes standard with six air bags, a rarity in its class. But the Versa is no sports car.
Making its 2007 debut with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa is praised for interior comfort and upscale design, but falls short of competitors in driving performance and fuel economy. With so many compact and subcompact cars with similar capabilities and features, the Boston Globe speaks for many, saying it's "on the fence" about the Versa's ability to compete between the "sassy" Fit and the "bookish" Yaris.
BusinessWeek warns, "If you're a driving enthusiast, this is not the car for you." However, if you're more concerned with comfort and safety features, Motor Trend finds the Versa " the biggest bargain of them all in more ways than one."
A variety of optional features could push your price tag up, but nevertheless, experts generally agree that the Versa is a good deal. IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Nissan Versa a rating of "better than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class. Edmunds equates the purchase of a new Nissan Versa to "getting a can of Wolfgang Puck's minestrone for the cost of packaged noodles."
The 2007 Nissan Versa is offered as a hatchback or a 4-door sedan.
Versa Performance - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Unlike subcompact competitors Honda Fit and Scion tC, the Versa skimps on performance. Edmunds points out that it "isn't being touted as a sport hatch" by Nissan, and Automobile.com calls the Versa "no fireball." continue
Versa Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
Many praise the Versa's original design. The Chicago Sun-Times calls it "distinctive" and the Sacramento Bee agrees, saying "the thing is so darn attractive." However, a few auto writers share Edmunds' view that the Versa looks "goofy." continue
Versa Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Versa gets high marks for interior comfort and quality. The Los Angeles Times finds that the Versa is just as "quiet, stout and reassuring" as its more expensive siblings, the Sentra and Altima. continue
Versa Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2007 Nissan Versa receives good scores in both government and insurance industry crash tests. Equipped with front side impact air bags, front and rear head curtain air bags and a tire pressure monitoring system, Motor Week declares "safety features abound" for the 2007 Nissan Versa." continue
Versa Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Nissan Versa reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All models of the Versa come with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty. continue
