2008 Nissan Versa [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 46 Versa reviews and test drives.
Nissan Versa - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Nissan Versa ranks 12 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Versa, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
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.
The 2008 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, several reviewers are on the fence when comparing the Versa to the similarly sized and styled Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit.
The 2008 Nissan Versa is offered as a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, both of which have two trims each. As a new model last year, changes to the 2008 Versa are minimal. However, more optional features are now available and cruise control is now optional for the Versa's base trim. If you're in the market for a subcompact, consider the frequently compared Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. Also consider the Honda Civic.
- "No one, not one expert in the field, expects any major reduction in oil prices in the future. Hence, the Versa should be near the top of any commuters shopping list." -- MarketWatch
- "Though it's basic transportation, the Versa sedan has an exceptionally roomy interior for this class, good power, and the only six-speed manual gearbox option in its class." -- Car and Driver
- "Of the three entry-level amigos, I would take the Honda Fit instead of the Versa, but the Versa instead of the Yaris. All three should give you dependable, thrifty transportation, but the Honda factors in at least a little fun." -- Orlando Sentinel
- "The Fit, Yaris and Versa all have pros and cons. But many small-car buyers might find the Versa is the best all-round auto of the trio for American driving because of its big-car feel and roominess." -- Chicago Sun-Times
- "The Versa offers spacious legroom and headroom in the front and back. The seats are surprisingly comfortable — luxurious, even — when you consider this little four-banger hatchback has a starting sticker price of less than $14,000." -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- "If the Versa…is the middle child in the family, it is the steady, serious child a strong and able sibling to the Fit's sassy sister and the Yaris's quiet, bookish brother." -- Boston Globe
Versa Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Nissan Versa skimps on performance compared to subcompact competitors like the Honda Fit or Scion tC. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says, "It's no hot rod, but the Versa is sort of fun to drive." Continue with our full Performance Review for more information on the Versa's standard six-speed stick shift compares to the automatic continuously variable transmission. continue
Versa Exterior - 6.5 (Mediocre)
Some call the 2008 Versa another boxy, boring design, in keeping with its competitors, but others describe the car's appearance as goofy. Check out the Nissan Versa Photo Gallery to see one of the sedan trims, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read varying descriptions of the car's angular shape. continue
Versa Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The Versa gets high marks for interior comfort and quality. Mother Proof says, "it's the interior that really impressed me. It felt big -- far bigger than I imagined it would." Check out the Nissan Versa Photo Gallery for images of the car's front and rear seats and generous cargo space, or continue with our full Interior Review for more critics' perspective of the Versa's cabin quality and features. continue
Versa Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)
The 2008 Nissan Versa receives good scores in both government and insurance industry crash tests. Continue with our full Safety Review for a run down of the car's accident avoidance and crash protection features. continue
Versa Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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 or 36,000-mile limited warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Nissan's powertrain warranty. continue