2008 Nissan Versa Sedan Review
Test drove: 10/1/2007 to 10/15/2007
It’s the Little Things That Count
I just took my son to the pediatrician for his 1-year-old checkup. While he is totally advanced in most areas — he’s already doing algebra, speaking Arabic and proving himself to be a young Tiger Woods on the golf course — he doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to stature. It seems my genius, talented child is barely pushing the lowly 5th percentile in size. Some of the more competitive moms I know overlook all his other obvious talents and make snide remarks about my boy’s size, but it doesn’t get to me. I’m not fooled by appearances; I understand that good things come in small packages. My boy is cute, capable and moves around like a champ.
And so it goes with the 2008 Nissan Versa sedan. It’s small, and from the outside it looks like a car that a cartoonist might sketch, but ultimately it’s a capable little thing that moves around pretty well.
The Versa’s exterior is cute in a quirky way, but it’s the interior that really surprised me. It felt big — far bigger than I imagined it would. The folks at Nissan boast that the Versa has the roomiest interior of any car in its class, and I believe them. Of course, they also boast that this little car can fit five adults, and methinks that’s probably pushing it, unless they’re really small adults and you don’t have far to go. Four would probably be a more comfortable way to roll in this car, especially if you have a car seat in the back. If you have two car seats, forget about getting any adults back there. I should also mention that the seats weren’t that comfortable, so longer drives could start to wear on your back.
I was lucky enough to have a souped-up SL sedan. The SL comes standard with cruise control and power windows and door locks, but my version also had the optional remote keyless entry, sunroof and antilock brakes. I was a little surprised to learn that ABS was extra; it seems like it should be standard on any car these days. I shouldn’t complain too much about a car that starts at $15,630, as the SL sedan does, but for folks like me who live in places that get icy and snowy, ABS is necessary. Furthermore, for the $250 it costs to add it, couldn’t Nissan have just made it standard? I doubt $250 makes or brakes it (pun intended).
Speaking of safety, I must admit I wasn’t sure how safe this car would be when I first laid eyes on it. Before I got in, I accepted the fact that I’d be driving a tin can on wheels for the next week or so. But I was wrong. This is one safe-feeling and safe-acting little car. While pickup is not its forte, once it got going the Versa felt steady on the highway. All versions come standard with six airbags, along with sensors to detect passenger weight and crash severity.
A few other pleasing things of note included a pretty pimped-out stereo for such an economical car, which you know I like. A six-CD changer is standard on the SL, as is an auxiliary audio jack. There were six cupholders, which you also know I like since I tend to have at least a caffeinated beverage and a water with me, as well as a bottle or sippy cup nowadays. Fuel economy is another thing I’m keen on, and the 27/33 mpg city/highway my test car got with its continuously variable automatic transmission is good in my book.
Finally, perhaps my favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect. They help visibility a lot.
There were a few things that bugged me, including the fact that cargo space was limited. The hatchback has better cargo space (obviously), so if it matters to you and you’re in the market, I would suggest taking a look at that. Speaking of cargo space, I could not find a button in the car to pop the darn trunk. Call me spoiled, but I like to be able to pop the trunk with relative ease. And though I’m aware that this is not meant to be a performance vehicle, the Versa’s acceleration left a lot to be desired.
Overall, the Versa is a spunky little car that offers a lot at an affordable price. You may have figured out by now that my son does not in fact speak Arabic, or do algebra, or golf. He pretty much just cruises around making undecipherable noises, throwing food on the floor, tossing my cell phone into the toilet and never failing to make me smile. So he’s right on track for his 1-year-old class, doing exactly what he should be doing. He’s not an overachiever and he’s not an underachiever, which is kind of like the Versa: It’s a small car that performs well for its class and even has a few extras to offer.
*For more information on the 2008 Nissan Versa and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair – Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Some
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2008 Nissan Versa 1.8SL Sedan SPECS | |
| Base price: | $15,630 |
| Price as tested: | $17,130 |
| Engine: | 122-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 |
| Fuel: | 27/33 mpg |
| Length: | 176.0” |
| Width: | 66.7” |
| Step In Height: | NA |
| Turning Radius: | 17.1’ |
| Cargo space: | 13.8 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | 4 Stars |
| Passenger’s side: | 4 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 4 Stars |
Comments
I just picked up the '08 Versa SL hatchback. I must say, I agree with your review for the most part. The only big difference in opinion that I have is on the acceleration. I didn't get the automatic. I find that the 6 speed manual has plenty of kick. If you really want to zip on to the freeway the stick is the way to go! It is so much fun to drive. I found the seats to be really comforable, but that could just be that I am moving from an '04 Honda CR-V.
Also, we have a big Britax carseat and I was sooo surprised how well it fits. I thought it was going to be a problem... so not the case!
Posted by: Monica | Feb 19, 2008 12:11:47 AM
I just got a 08 versa sedan which surprisingly was able to fit our graco double stroller where the hatchback couldn't. we even have some room on top of the stroller and around for groceries. Great car and great price!
Posted by: Danny | Feb 23, 2008 9:10:43 PM
I bought a 2008 Nissan Versa in Dec 2007. Around Jan, the brakes started to squeak, I took it in for the first oil change and told them about the brake problem. When I got the car back they said they had driven the car and did not notice any problems, but what got me was that the odometer was exactly the same! I reluctantly drove it off the lot and returned a few days later when I wasn't so angry and sat for 2 hours in the waiting room while they "fixed my brakes." Well -- they still squeak. Nothing has changed. I have an appointment with the customer service manager tomorrow. Maybe he will deliver something this time.
Posted by: Stacy | Mar 25, 2008 9:29:19 PM
I bought a 2008 Versa with ABS in Sep '07 at it has 4200 miles now. I noticed 2 months back a squeaking noise coming whenever I came to a hard stop. I took it to the dealer who (for no charge) said they fixed it by cleaning up the dirt that was stuck in the pads and callipers. It has been over a month and I still get a squeking noise when I do a hard brake. Not sure what the problem is. I will contact the dealer again
Posted by: Mike | Apr 11, 2008 9:10:35 PM
I was thinking of getting a Versa, but after the ratings, not too sure now...
Posted by: JC | Apr 19, 2008 9:34:33 PM
I was thinking of getting a Versa, but after the ratings, not too sure now...
Posted by: JC | Apr 19, 2008 9:35:33 PM
What is the deal with the brakes and the POOR customer service? I have heard many of stories about this coming from nissan. I have personally never had a problem with them. I have been a NISSAN owner since I was 15 and I'm 26 now. This makes me upset as this is my choice of import line to drive and I hear all these bad reviews. I drive a 1993 Nissan Sentra and it has the BEST motor Nissan ever came out with the SR20DE. I can't believe they keep making these WEAK cars following behind on honda and toyota is about to shock a lot of people in 2009 with the new car their coming out with.
A friend of mine who is a female wanted me to do some research on this car and I'm not sure if I want her to get it. Also, were is the oil filter located? If I can't change my own oil, then I don't need to own it as a daily driver. Someone let me know were the old Nissan designers went? Bring the power and gas mileage back to a even ratio!
Posted by: MR-4Door-SR20DE | Jun 13, 2008 3:40:20 PM
I too have been having brake issues with the Versa. Purchased a 2008 hatchback in Nov 07 and the brakes started squeaking after the first oil change (3500 miles). At my second change, noted it with the tech, who cleaned and lubed the pads. They started squeaking almost immediately. Took it in last week and the dealership says they have to inquire with Nissan about a "fix" but that squeaking is 'normal' due to non-asbestos brake pads. Needless to say, I was not amused with this pathetic attempt at an explanation. I love my Versa, but cannot recommend it until Nissan figures out what to do about break noise on some Versas (not all of them have this problem, but who is willing to buy on that chance). It is clearly a design flaw, now we're just waiting on Nissan to figure it out. However, until then, dealerships will pass the buck and waste your time, in some cases blaming drivers instead of what is clearly defective product, again on only some models. Google Nissan Versa Brake Squeaking and you'll see what I mean.
Posted by: MplsVersaOwner | Jul 6, 2008 3:40:32 PM
I got a 2007 Hatchback with Manual tranny back in Oct 2006. I have had absolutely zero problems with it. It has guts on the freeway, I get great gas mileage(for those of you who dont know, a stick allows you to control your rpms which allows you to control your gas mileage.)I have two toddlers, both in carseats, an 11 year old, and a boyfriend whom all fit in the car along with our double stroller, diaper bag, snacks, juice boxes, and everything else. Also, I notice that those of you who have problems with brake squeakies, have an automatic model with ABS. ABS causes lots of weird noises (I had one that sounded like cans being crushed... it was annoying to say the least)Anyway, mine has served us well. Actually the only thing that bothered me was I actually had to visit the dealer to get my brake light replaced. They designed it that way :) You can bet I made them print a diagram for me to do it at home. Anyway, I would recommend this car any day. Just, get a manual yea? Theyre way better. Always have been. I dont know why automatics exist :)
Posted by: Jennifer2185 | Jul 17, 2008 2:02:07 AM
i too have these problems with the brakes, and customer service. ive taken it into the dealership, and yet again and again the man gets frustrated with me. but those horrible squeaks are scary. im getting a new car for sure.
Posted by: kristent | Jul 26, 2008 12:56:15 PM
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I am sorely disappointed in Nissan in the way they dealt with the repeated brake failure of my new 2007 Versa.
I absolutely love the car, but am disappointed in the mileage, which at the time was advertised at 30-36. We are getting 22-23 and 30 on the road. The car cannot be compared to the Honda Fit or Civic or Toyta Celica or Yaris, as those other cars weigh about 2250 pounds and the Versa 3200+. With all-around air bags, it has to be safer. The Versa (with CVT transmission) is probably capable of doing around 150 miles per hour, and is quite good on the road. HOWEVER...
Back to my brakes. For about a week or more, the power assist on the brakes totally failed. There were two situations where it almost created a problem for me. I would not let my 17 year old 125 pound daughter drive the car. Nissan had factory technicians look at the car, and they could not find a problem.
I wrote them another letter, and some little girl, with no knowlege of cars, calls me to talk to me. The conversation was better suited in a Jay Leno monologue.
I asked Nissan, in writing, that if only one or two parts could cause this problem, why don't they replace them. They do not want to answer my question, and they only tell me that they can find nothing wrong with the brakes.
WOULD THIS MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE DRIVING A NISSAN VERSA?
Posted by: Rick May | Jan 28, 2008 2:56:21 PM