Nissan Versa

Name: 2009 Nissan Versa
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

Among subcompacts, the Versa seems almost like a luxury car, with its nicely made and well-appointed interior. The little Nissan rides pleasantly and quietly. Its powertrain feels refined. Further, the rear seat is enormous for a small car. Handling is sound but not really agile and it's tricky at the limits. The 27-mpg fuel economy is not impressive.

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Nissan Versa

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet HHR

Ford Focus

Honda Civic

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2009 Nissan Versa

$2,925 - $3,250

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Aveo

$2,925 - $3,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

$2,850 - $3,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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2009 Chevrolet HHR

$2,800 - $4,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $3,425

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2009 Dodge Caliber

$3,075 - $4,125

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2009 Ford Focus

$2,800 - $3,150

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Civic

$2,775 - $6,900

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Fit

$4,850 - $5,800

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Hyundai Accent

$2,925 - $2,975

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2009 Hyundai Elantra

$3,500 - $3,950

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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$2,850 - $3,025

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$3,200 - $3,925

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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$2,875 - $3,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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$3,875 - $4,175

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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EPA MPG 32 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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EPA MPG 28 mpg

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EPA MPG 36 mpg

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EPA MPG 23 mpg

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2009 Toyota Corolla

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2009 Toyota Matrix

$4,875 - $5,050

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2009 Toyota Prius

$5,375

EPA MPG 47 mpg

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2009 Toyota Yaris

$4,075 - $5,600

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2009 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG NA

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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EPA MPG 22 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (107 hp)
1.8-liter 4 (122 hp)

5-speed manual
CVT
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

Although it's more stylish with the 2020 redesign, the Versa continues to be a basic, inexpensive subcompact. Available as a sedan only, we found it easy to drive and user-friendly. Unlike most of its competitors, it comes with standard key advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking. But the Versa is no joy to drive, with its stiff ride, dull handling, and droning engine. Fuel economy is good at 32 mpg overall, but some midsized sedans--let alone compact ones--can match or better that. The driver's seat is short on support, and unlike previous Versas, the rear seat is tight. A more substantial used car can be had at the same price, but those who consider the Versa should get the SV version for its blind spot warning and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Versa received a refresh in 2023 with updated styling. 2025 versions received standard LED headlights on all trims. It is also the final year for the Versa.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign of the sedan was a disappointment, eroding the previous car's budget-plush feel with a noisy and blatantly cheap interior and a so-so ride. While the previous model was our top-rated subcompact sedan, the changes made to this version dropped it to the bottom of the category. On the positive side, this Versa gets much better fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall vs. 27 -- and it provides a roomy rear seat. But it's slow, noisy and handles clumsily. Even considering its low sticker price, this version of Nissan's small car feels low-rent. This edition of the Versa also scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

2007-2011

2007 Redesign Year

Nissan's subcompact Versa debuted in 2007 in both hatchback and sedan versions. Although smaller than the Sentra, it packs an impressively roomy rear seat and its tall roofline allows easy access. The 1.8- liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively refined, but needs to be revved up to deliver power. The standard six-speed manual is a bit clunky; the optional CVT is the better bet where smoothness is concerned. Fuel economy is good, but not a standout at 28 mpg with the CVT. We found the ride relatively comfortable and quiet, but handling wasn't a long suit. Curtain airbags were standard, but antilock brakes were rare in early models. For 2010, changes included standard ABS for 1.8 S models, the 1.8 SL got stability control and ABS. This iteration of the Versa holds the distinction of being named one of our top rated subcompact sedans.