New 2009 Nissan Versa Performance Review [ 2008 , 2007 ]

MSRP: $12,990 - $16,210
Invoice: $12,539 - $15,634
MPG: 26 City / 31 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.5
Performance:6.6
Exterior:6.5
Interior:8.0
Safety:9.5
Reliability:NA
Research we analyzed for this review

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Versa is an adequate performer, even if it's not an exciting one. However, a number of reviewers are pleased with the car's responsive steering.

  • "It makes 122 horsepower, which is enough to distance it from the 1.5 and 1.6-liter norms of the subcompact arena. Still, even with the extra ten or fifteen horsepower the Versa is no fireball." -- Automobile.com
  • "A little bit dull to drive; performance is midpack." -- Car and Driver
  • "It feels quite confident in the corners and exhibits good stability on expressways." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • + "Handling is crisp and parking is a breeze." -- Auto Mall USA
  • "Steering is responsive, although coarse road surfaces can be felt through the wheel. … The brake pedal has a nice feel, but stopping distances are average." -- MSN

Acceleration and Power

Reviewers are pleased with the Versa's level of oomph, as long as they keep the car's engine, dimensions and class in mind. All versions of the 2009 Nissan Versa have a 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, and a standard six-speed manual transmission. SL drivers can opt for a continuously variable transmission for better acceleration and fuel economy. However, the Toyota Yaris' has more impressive fuel numbers, achieving 29/35 mpg city/highway with its four-speed automatic.

  • EPA numbers have not been released for the 2009 Versa, but last year's model was rated at 26/31 mpg city/highway with the standard manual transmission, 24/32 city/highway with a four-speed automatic, or 27/33 city/highway with the CVT.
  • "We've been pleased with the Versa. It has plenty of zip and there's no problem merging into traffic on a fast free-flowing freeway." -- New Car Test Drive 
  • "Almost no engine noise is noticeable in ordinary driving and you hear only a tolerable light snarl during hard acceleration." -- Kelley Blue Book
  • "Manual and 4-speed-automatic transmission versions feel labored and weak at low speed. … SL with the CVT feels livelier from a stop and provides acceptable passing response." -- Consumer Guide
  • In contrast, BusinessWeek says, "The driving experience in the Versa can be summed up in a word: Boring." -- BusinessWeek

Handling and Braking

Test drivers describe the Versa's ride quality as satisfactory, and have sound impressions of the steering, but mixed ones of the braking.

  • "Handling is capable. … But it's a mild, safe kind of capable, with moderate levels of front plow and plenty of wheel travel to soak up urban potholes." -- Motor Week
  • "We found the car's handling to be perfectly adequate. It's not sporty like a Mini Cooper, nor is it sloppy like budget cars of a few years ago. Sporty drivers might wish for more feedback from the steering and more power, but there's no reason for others to complain." -- New Car Test Drive 
  • "The Versa was great around town and okay on back roads, keeping in mind the rather skinny tires and the need to keep the little four on the boil." -- MarketWatch
  • "The front discs provided excellent stopping power." -- About.com
  • In contrast, Edmunds recommends the optional anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake force Distribution. "Our non-ABS Versa stopped from 60 mph in 152 feet and made us pretty nervous in the process." Edmunds
Review Last Updated: 11/19/08