Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Nissan Versa

(*est. $12,880 to $15,980)

Pros

Good cabin space and headroom
Comfortable and spacious rear seat
Good handling overall
Very good crash test ratings
Standard side air bags

Cons

Lacks the sporty character of the Honda Fit
Unremarkable fuel economy
Predicted reliability lower than competitors'

Our Analysis

The 2008 Nissan Versa is the subject of numerous reviews. With comprehensive performance testing and well-documented analysis, Consumer Reports and ConsumerGuide.com show how the Versa measures up against the rest of the subcompact class. Two smaller-scale formal comparison tests are featured at Car and Driver and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Both include, at minimum, the Fit, Yaris and Versa, but they also include 2007 models. Because so few changes to the lineup have been made, both articles are still applicable for 2008. The Nissan Versa also receives special recognition from the editors at Cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, and Motorists.org (a division of the National Motorists Association). About.com's car guide names the Versa one of his ""Top 10 Deals on Wheels"" in a value-oriented review.

According to most sources, the subcompact 2008 Nissan Versa ranks somewhere in between its two main competitors, outclassing the less-expensive Toyota Yaris (*est. $11,350 to $14,450) but falling just short of the Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070). The Nissan Versa has the roomiest interior of the three, and experts say it's easily the most comfortable for rear-seat passengers. Most testers say the Fit's sportier handling makes it more fun to drive. Because of its larger size and heavier weight, gas mileage isn't as impressive for the Nissan Versa as it is for the Honda Fit. But the Versa receives the best crash-test scores of the three competitors, and it offers the same choice of body styles as the Toyota Yaris.

Where To Buy

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2008 Nissan Versa

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors at Consumer Reports evaluate nearly all cars on the 2008 market, including the Nissan Versa. Consumer Reports performs comprehensive road testing. Measurements and specification data are also provided.

Review: 2008 Nissan Versa, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

Editors who tested the 2008 Nissan Versa say its strongest attribute is its value within the class. Although the Versa is priced like a typical compact, it competes well with some more-expensive sedans and hatchbacks.

Review: 2008 Nissan Versa, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 16, 2008

3. Cars.com

The 2008 Nissan Versa appears on a long list of Best Bets, which is accompanied by brief reviews. Shoppers can follow links to more-comprehensive reviews from other sources, or they can use the side-by-side comparison tool.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

4. Kelley Blue Book

The editors of KBB.com select five recommended compact cars priced at less than $15,000. The linked reviews of the 2008 Nissan Versa summarize features and offer driving impressions, which they call spacious for a small car.

Review: Recommended Shopping Lists: Compact Cars, Editors of KBB.com

5. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this excellent comparison of seven value-priced small cars, the 2007 Nissan Versa places second, just behind the class-leading Honda Fit. The Nissan Versa receives the highest scores for rear-seat comfort.

Review: $15,000 Cheap Skates, John Phillips

6. About.com

About.com car guide Aaron Gold calls the Nissan Versa the best bargain on today's market. He says it has midsize room while competing in price with subcompact cars. A more detailed review is also accessible. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Top 10 Deals on Wheels, Aaron Gold

7. Kiplinger.com Details/Subscribe

This article focuses on three 2007 cars: the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa. Although Solheim prefers the Fit, he says the Nissan Versa is roomier and has the most comfortable back seat.

Review: Subcompacts Come Back, Mark Solheim, Nov. 2006

8. Motorists.org

In this comparative review, the editors call the Nissan Versa "an easy winner" in terms of functionality and affordability, and they warn shoppers not to judge the Versa on appearance alone.

Review: The Best Cars Under $15,000, Editors of Motorists.org, May 2007

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