2010 Nissan Versa

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

For such an inexpensive car, the 2010 Nissan Versa is certainly a capable performer. While its acceleration isn't particularly exciting, it handles well for its class and is considered fairly high fun-to-drive.

• "It offers the small-car virtues of nimble handling, easy parking, and lively yet efficient performance." -- New Car Test Drive
• "The 2010 Nissan Versa fuel-economy story is pleasing on paper and, considering the car's virtues, outstanding on the road. This is one of the few compacts to rate more than 30 mpg on the highway, regardless which engine-transmission combo you choose." -- Iguida
• "Adequate but not inspiring handling and power." -- Car and Driver
• "Versa's engine is buzzy in rapid acceleration but is subdued otherwise. The quiet highway ride is disturbed by modest wind noise from the mirrors and some coarse-surface tire thrum." -- Consumer Guide
• "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." -- Left Lane News

Acceleration and Power

No one is going to mistake the Versa for a sports car, but it has still has decent pickup. The base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 107 horsepower. Higher trims offer a 1.8-liter four cylinder that makes 122 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, although a four-speed automatic is available for $1,000 (or but is standard on the 1.8 SL sedan model). A six-speed manual is available on both the sedan and hatchback models of the 1.8 S trim. Most reviewers suggest that you opt for the manual transmission, which they say is livelier than the automatic. A CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is also available for an additional $1,000 on the hatchback SL model.

There aren't really any high performing cars in the base Versa's price range, but if you you're already planning to upgrade to a higher trim or the hatchback model, you may also want to consider the Honda Fit. It has a base MSRP of $14,900 -- which is around what you'll pay if you upgrade the Versa - and offers a generous list of standard features and a higher fuel economy (28/35 city/highway) along with a zippier ride. 

The EPA has not yet had a chance to test the 2010 Versa, but it rates the 2009 base Versa as having a fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg in the city, which is high for the class. Mileage varies slightly according to engine and transmission but all combinations have fuel economy ratings that trump most of the affordable small car class.

• "Manual- and 4-speed-automatic transmission versions feel labored and weak at low speed. Lots of shifting of the manual is required for maximum acceleration; an S model so equipped did 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds. SL hatchback with the CVT feels livelier from a stop and provides acceptable passing response." -- Consumer Guide
• "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
• "Any manual-transmission Versa is livelier than one with automatic. With either the manual or automatic, however, you'll need to be aggressive with the gas pedal to gain speed with any immediacy. And filtering into fast-moving freeway traffic or passing on two-lane roads requires patience and forethought." -- Iguida
• "Good throttle response makes for fairly quick getaways from the stoplights. But surprisingly, you get decent mileage numbers too." -- Left Lane News
• "For the money, you get a roomy car that has its moments in the fun-to-drive category. The five-speed manual in my test car was easy to operate thanks to a light clutch and if you keep the revs up the Versa will handle interstate entrances with aplomb." -- MarketWatch

Handling and Braking

Reviewers applaud Nissan for the Versa's top-notch maneuvering and handling capabilities. In particular, its tight turning radius is especially helpful.

• "On winding roads in Tennessee, near where Nissan is building its new U.S. headquarters, 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
• "No excuses required when it comes to handling. These are laudably balanced little cars. They respond eagerly to steering inputs and turn quickly with minimal noseplow, tire squealing, or body lean. Driving enthusiasts use "tossable" to praise this sort of behavior." -- Iguida
• "The steering is precise, with little tire squeal and moderate-at-worst body lean in fast turns. Tidy dimensions aid close-quarters maneuverability. Braking control is good." -- Consumer Guide
• "The steering is 1970's Lincoln Continental light, and the turning circle about as big a 1960's hit single. Forget the dime, the Versa can turn on the date stamped on a dime." -- FOX News
• "As we've come to expect from Nissans, the Versa is certainly above average in the handling department. Accomplishing quick lane changes and maneuvers, the light steering worked fairly well, showing just a minor amount of side-to-side wallowing. While not in the league of the Nissan GT-R, it still provides reliable transportation with good return on mileage." -- Left Lane News