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2007 Nissan Versa Full Review
Date Published: 11/10/08
2007 Nissan Versa Review
A 4-dr sedan joins existing hatchback models as a calendar-2007 addition to the Versa lineup. These compact cars slot beneath Nissan's Sentra in size and price. The only engine is a 122-hp 4-cyl. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. Also available are a conventional 4-speed automatic and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. ABS is optional. Two trim levels are offered: S and SL. S comes with air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel. Optional on S and standard on SL are cruise control, remote entry, and power locks/windows/mirrors. A wireless cell phone link and keyless locking and starting are optional on SL.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.
News
Versa is just out, and so should stand pat for a while. But a sporty 2-dr hatchback seems a good bet for 2008 or '09. Likely patterned on the 2005 Sport Concept show model, it would answer Toyota's Scion tC and other low-priced, youth-oriented compacts.

Another strong prospect is a small boxy wagon, possibly Versa-based, to rival the popular Scion xB. It's said to be coming for 2009 with a mandatory CVT and a 1.5-liter 4-cyl engine. The name would likely be Cube, taking advantage of the like-named Japan-market Nissan model that's achieved near cult status at home and is not unknown in the U.S.
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2007 Nissan Versa Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy Engine noise
Rear-seat room Wind noise
Cargo room (hatchback)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 6.5

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 52.9
Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score
42
Average Score
52
High Score
60
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2007 Nissan Versa Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/10/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
S 4-door sedan, manual $12,550 $12,065 $615
S 4-door sedan, automatic $13,350 $12,834 $615
S 4-door hatchback, manual $12,550 $12,065 $615
S 4-door hatchback, automatic $13,350 $12,834 $615
SL 4-door sedan, manual $14,550 $13,989 $615
SL 4-door sedan, CVT $15,550 $14,950 $615
SL 4-door hatchback, manual $14,550 $13,989 $615
SL 4-door hatchback, CVT $15,550 $14,950 $615
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (hatchback), power mirrors, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer (hatchback).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 185/65HR15 tires, wheel covers.
SL adds to S:
Powertrain
6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through (sedan), power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, driver-side visor mirror, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Power Pkg.
S
$700
$607
Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, glovebox light, rear door pockets, door armrest pads.
Convenience Pkg.
SL
$700
$607
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, keyless access and starting, wireless cell phone link.
Sunroof Pkg.
SL
$600
$520
Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors.
Sport Pkg.
SL hatchback
$700
$607
Rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights. Requires Convenience Pkg.
Safety
Antilock brakes
S, SL
$250
$217
Includes brake assist. S requires Power Pkg.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rockford Fosgate sound system
SL hatchback
$300
$260
Requires Convenience Pkg., Sport Pkg., satellite radio.
Satellite radio
SL
$300
$260
Requires Convenience Pkg., Sunroof Pkg. Sedan requires antilock brakes. Hatchback requires Rockford Fosgate sound system.
Floormats
S, SL
$150
$113
Includes trunk mat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
S, SL
$350
$260
Mud guards
S, SL
$110
$81
Aluminum door sills
S, SL
$90
$67
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2007 Nissan Versa Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Nissan Versa 4-door hatchback Nissan Versa 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 99.8 99.8
Overall Length, in. 177.5 177.5
Overall Width, in. 67.3 67.3
Overall Height, in. 55.5 55.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 2722 2720
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 50.4 13.8
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 13.2 13.2
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.6 40.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.3 37.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.0 38.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.8 /110
Horsepower @ rpm. 122 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 127 @ 4800
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
6-speed manual 30/34
4-speed automatic 28/35
CVT automatic 30/36
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Nissan Versa 4-door hatchback Nissan Versa 4-door sedan
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5 NA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Mexico
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive
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