2007 Nissan Versa Review

What reviews like:
The roomy interior is the most complimented aspect of the Nissan Versa compared to the similar Honda Fit. Reviews say the rear seat is far more comfortable and roomy than most subcompacts. Interior fit and finish are also highlights, and because of its larger size and heavier body weight, the Nissan Versa gets better crash-test scores than the competing Fit or Toyota Yaris. Reviews also say the Versa is fun to drive, with good handling overall.

What reviews don't like:

The main complaint about the Nissan Versa is that it just isn't a sporty car -- in that aspect, the Honda Fit gets better reviews. Critics say the Versa's engine is coarser and less refined. Because of the Nissan Versa's larger size and weight, fuel economy isn't quite up there with the best in this class, including the Fit and the Honda Civic.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 28 to 30 mpg/city, 34 to 36 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Nissan Versa review highlights

According to reviews, the 2007 Nissan Versa subcompact car falls in between its two main competitors, outclassing the less expensive Toyota Yaris ( *est. $11,050 to $14,150), but falling just short in performance to the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170). The Nissan Versa has the roomiest interior of the three, and experts say it's easily the most comfortable of the three for rear-seat passengers. Most testers say the Honda Fit is more fun to drive, with sportier handling, but if a commodious interior is a larger priority, the Versa wins. Because of its larger size and heavier weight, gas mileage isn't as impressive for the Nissan Versa as it is for the Fit. The Versa gets the best crash-test scores of the three competitors.

Along with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, the Nissan Versa is one of the most talked-about new 2007 subcompact cars, and in reviews, the Versa is often compared head-to-head with these two vehicles. Car and Driver compares all three cars, along with four more small cars, in its roundup, "$15,000 Cheap Skates." An article at Kiplinger Personal Finance also compares all three cars. Editors at Edmunds.com and Automotive.com make casual comparisons to the Fit and Yaris, as well, and they offer a bit more detail on the Nissan Versa than the review at Car and Driver.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
$15,000 Cheap Skates
John Phillips and Aaron Kiley
May 2006

In this excellent comparison of seven super-cheap cars, the Nissan Versa placed second behind the Honda Fit. The Nissan Versa gets the highest scores out of the seven for rear-seat comfort, and the car overall is roomier due to its larger size. Editors say it "can’t match the Honda’s overt sportiness," but handling and ride quality are excellent.

2. Kiplinger Personal Finance
Subcompacts Come Back
Mark Solheim
Nov. 2006

This article detailing the resurgence of subcompact vehicles focuses on three cars: the Honda Fit, the Toyota Yaris and the Nissan Versa. Out of the three, the reviewer prefers the Fit. The Nissan Versa, however, is roomier due to its longer wheelbase, and it has the most comfortable back seat. Its center console isn't quite as intuitive as that of the Fit. Though fuel economy is lowest of the three, the Nissan Versa has an excellent, smooth ride.

3. Edmunds.com
A Commuter's Delight
Greg Brown
June 2006

While not directly a comparative review, Greg Brown does make some comparison to the Nissan Versa's direct competition, including the Honda Fit. Brown says the 2007 Nissan Versa is a great, comfortable commuter car, with a roomy interior and good cargo flexibility. Where it falls short of the Honda Fit is in performance. Though the Nissan Versa on paper has a more powerful engine, it isn't any faster than the Fit due to its heavier weight, and the Versa's engine just isn't as smooth or refined than the Honda Fit's smaller engine.

4. Automotive.com
All-new, big inside, small outside, with premium trim
Staff of Automotive.com

This detailed review of the 2007 Nissan Versa makes some casual comparisons to the competition, but in the end, doesn't make an ultimate judgment. Editors say the Nissan Versa is comfortable and spacious, with good performance and fuel economy all around.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Nissan Versa review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic is an interesting website. Rather than lengthy reviews covering every feature, editors concentrate on short, to-the-point evaluations. Reviewer Don Vorderman calls the Nissan Versa a "mighty nice little car," noting that you now get far more for your money in the subcompact class.

6. Consumer Reports
2007 Nissan Versa review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports test nearly all new cars, including the 2007 Nissan Versa. Each car gets a road-test report, and Consumer Reports is unique in that it offers a lot of measurement and specification data on its pages. Editors also include reliability predictions for most cars, but since the Versa is a brand new model, there's no prediction yet available. However, you must be a subscriber to read this report.

7. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Nissan Versa
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide doesn’t do narrative reviews of cars. Rather, tested cars receive numerical ratings in a dozen performance aspects, which you can then use to compare the car to others. Editors also choose some cars as either "Best Buy" or "Recommended" picks, but the 2007 Nissan Versa doesn't receive either designation.

8. Road and Travel.com
2007 Nissan Versa Road Test
Bob Plunkett

This two-page review of the Nissan Versa offers a lot of information about the vehicle, but it has little to offer in terms of criticism. Although the article is called a "road test," there are few if any performance notes. Rather, this article is mostly a detailed feature article.

Also see full report: Economy Cars