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Nissan Versa - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Versa ranks 12 out of 36 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 60 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Versa, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Versa is a roomy subcompact with pleasing performance and a large amount of standard safety equipment -- a rarity for a small car. But the Versa skimps on other standard features, especially in the economical 1.6 Base trim. You could also get better gas mileage from other subcompacts or affordable hatchbacks.

Although test drivers like the 2009 Nissan Versa's interior comfort and upscale design, they report the compact's driving performance and fuel economy isn't on par with competitors like the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. The subcompact market experienced a renaissance when last summer's gas prices escalated to more than $4 a gallon, and expert sites like Consumer Guide decided cars like the Versa were best buys for effectively mixing value and practicality. The 2009 Nissan Versa is also a top pick among subcompacts for the 2009 U.S. News Best Cars for the Money. Award winners were chosen based on their high overall ranking and IntelliChoice data on the cars' expected total cost of ownership. As we enter another summer road trip season, the practicality, affordability and individuality of the Versa could once again appeal to test drivers and car shoppers. 

But there are other great alternatives with a perceived strong value like the Versa. Many say the Fit's combination of flexible cargo room and fun performance is hard to beat in this category. Meanwhile, the Toyota Yaris isn't as upscale as the Versa or Fit, but it does have one of the best EPA ratings of the class.

Among hatchbacks, the Nissan Versa is neither at the top or the bottom of the list. But the 2009 models' 1.6 base trim sells for less than $10,000, making it one of the least expensive cars in the United States.

Sold as a five-door hatchback or a four-door sedan, the Versa also has three other trims; the 1.6, the 1.8 S and the 1.8SL.

Be sure to check out this month's Nissan Deals, where we've done the research so you can get the best discounts and incentives on a new Nissan.

• "The Versa has long been one of my favorite small cars, and now with a very basic model, the Versa's appeal will be extended still further." -- MarketWatch
• "Billed as a 'no compromise' value-priced offering that reaches beyond basic amenities, the Versa offers class-leading horsepower and torque, along with a host of unique features and generous interior space." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "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
• "For $9,900, the second-lowest base price of any car sold in the United States (a few dollars behind the smaller and less polished 3-door Hyundai Accent), you get a level of room, comfort, safety, and refinement that's absent from some cars costing twice as much." -- Washington Examiner
• "It's a snooze to drive and isn't as handy as some competitors, but the 2009 Nissan Versa offers comfortable transportation and some high-tech features that should appeal to those simply looking for a cheap commuting appliance." -- Edmunds

Versa Performance - 7.2 (Good)

It doesn't offer many thrills, but still the 2009 Nissan Versa is described as a sufficient performer. Reviews like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution explain, "It's no hot rod, but the Versa is sort of fun to drive." According to Left Lane News, "The Versa does have a bit of go-go under its belt, albeit in a way that shows this is not a high output ride." Read More

Versa Exterior - 7.1 (Good)

Some call the 2009 Versa another boxy, boring design. As Edmunds writes, "For all the exciting, uniquely styled vehicles Nissan sells, the 2009 Versa isn't one of them. This is a car that looks plain, drives plain and just generally emotes plain. It makes vanilla seem spicy and an Amish girl look like Amy Winehouse."  Read More

Versa Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The Versa gets high marks for interior comfort and quality. According to Kelley Blue Book, "The 2009 Nissan Versa leads the small-car pack in spaciousness, which is worth considering if you carry passengers in the back seat." Automobile Magazine says, "take a look around, and it's evident the Nissan's dance with the devil's own bad plastics has finally ended." Read More

Versa Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)

The Nissan Versa is a high scorer in both government and insurance industry crash tests, but be warned that its models do not come with standard anti-lock brakes. Read More

Versa Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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). The 2009 Nissan Versa comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty. Read More