2007 Nissan Versa: Road Test

Archived Review

2007 Nissan Versa 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $12,550 -$15,550
  • Invoice: $12,065 -$14,950

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2007 Nissan Versa includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Nissan Versa from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Nissan Versa, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Nissan Versa help you decide if a 2007 Nissan Versa is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.6

Manual and conventional-automatic transmission versions feel labored, weak at low speed. Lots of shifting required with manual for maximum acceleration. Test S with manual did 9.5 sec 0-60 mph. SL with CVT feels livelier from a stop and provides acceptable passing response.

FUEL ECONOMY

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
7 6 6 6 6.4

Test hatchbacks averaged 27.4 mpg with manual transmission, 24.8 with automatic. Test sedan with automatic transmission averaged 26.4 mpg. No opportunity to measure with CVT.

RIDE QUALITY

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.3

Long wheelbase for class imparts a comfortable, controlled ride on most surfaces. Large bumps still register sharply. Moderate bobbing over wavy pavement.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
5 5 5 5 5.8

Precise steering makes Versa fun to drive around town, though any sporty feel blunted by lots of body lean, tire squeal in turns. Tidy dimensions aid close-quarters maneuverability.

QUIETNESS

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.4

Engine buzzy in rapid acceleration, subdued otherwise. Quiet highway ride disturbed by modest wind noise from mirrors, some coarse-surface tire thrum.

CONTROLS

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 6 6 7 5.9

Controls logically placed and, for the most part, clearly marked. Especially nice are the large rotary climate controls. SL interior highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials and classy looking gauges--uncommon at this price point. S model lacks soft-touch surfaces, but materials still pleasant for the price. Keyless entry and one-touch operation windows a welcome options at this price. Note that one test model suffered from malfunctioning power door locks.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.6

Large, comfortable seats belie Versa's small-car price. Even large adults have plenty of room, though tall occupants will want more seat travel. Visibility good to all directions. Note that only SL has height-adjustable driver seat.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 6 6 6 4

Good room for two large adults, highlighted by ample knee and foot room. Rear armrest on SL model a nice touch for a low-price car.

CARGO ROOM

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 3 6 6 4.8

Sedan's tall trunk is large for the class, but doesn't go very far forward. Generous cargo room in hatchbacks, but load floor interrupted by rear seats that don't fold flush, creating an annoying stepped surface. Plenty of interior storage, including front and rear map pockets.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
6 6 6 7 6

Versa's priced like a subcompact, but its blend of room, comfort, and refinement are an easy match for any number of more-expensive compact cars. Acceleration is modest, but that's balanced by good road manners. All in all, this new Nissan is a must see for the value-conscious shopper.

Total Score

S hatch., man. S Sedan, auto. S hatch., auto. SL hatch., CVT Class Average
56 52 55 57 52.8

Total Score: 55

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
42
Average Score
52
High Score
60

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement