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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Nissan Versa

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Nissan Versa

Overview

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2008 Nissan Versa Review

By KBB.com Editors

Several automakers, including Nissan, foresee a comeback in entry-level compact cars, triggered largely by rising fuel prices. "For the first time in many years," said a Nissan senior marketing manager, many shoppers are "giving serious consideration" to smaller automobiles. These marketing folks detect a "void" in the sub-$14,000 price range, noting that a new generation of young people, known as "echo boomers," will reach driving age soon. Billed as a "no-compromise" value-priced offering that reaches beyond basic amenities, the company promises class-leading horsepower and torque, along with generous interior space, for its newest entrant, the 2008 Nissan Versa.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Versa leads the small-car pack in spaciousness, which is worth considering if you carry passengers in the back seat. Standing tall in both dimensions and refinement, it may also tempt those who appreciate the smoothness of a CVT, which promises 33 miles per gallon on the highway (according to EPA fuel-economy estimates).

You May Not Like This Car If...

Nissan's hatchback might not satisfy you if you need to fit three full-size occupants into the rear, but that's common for entry-level compacts. If you like anti-lock braking but don't want to pay extra for it, it's an option on the Versa, not standard equipment.

What's Significant About This Car?

The Sport Package is now available on the Versa Sedan SL, while cruise control is made available on S trims.

Driving the Versa

Driving Impressions Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is as smooth as they come. Almost no engine noise is noticeable in ordinary driving and you hear only a tolerable light snarl during...

hard acceleration. The Versa's acceleration rivals that of competitors with conventional automatics, although, like most small cars, it's not particularly quick going up hills. Reacting capably on curvy roads, it feels quite confident in the corners and exhibits good stability on expressways. Although the well-controlled ride is pleasant on good surfaces, on rougher roads the occupants may feel a lot of surface imperfections, but few will be particularly troubling. The instrument panel has deep-set gauges that are easy to read.

Favorite Features

Rear-Seat Space:
Not too many larger cars are as easy to get into and out of, and as spacious for knees and feet, as the Versa. Rear-seat riders can expect real comfort, without asking to push the front seats too far forward.

Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT):
Nissan has been a leader in CVT installations, which substitute a belt and twin variable-diameter pulleys for the usual gears. The result is exceptionally smooth, linear and rewarding operation—once the driver gets accustomed to the fact that no gear changes will be taking place.

2008 Nissan Versa Details

Interior

The Versa provides considerably more knee and foot space than many larger automobiles, and front and rear headroom are also abundant. Seats that are close to "chair-height" give impressive comfort, and double French-seam stitching on the upholstery is but one indicator of careful attention to detail. The compact rear suspension results in a low, flat cargo floor, and the front seats are nearly as large as a Maxima's. As in so many smaller cars, the center rear seating position is not the most comfortable.

Exterior

The tidy Versa succeeds at not being boxy or bland. Taller and more upright in stance than most small cars, the Versa is exceptionally easy to enter. You can see at a glance that the passenger compartment takes up much of the car's length, the back doors are particularly long and the windshield is about as far forward as possible. Five-door hatchbacks excel in versatility, but may not be popular with everyone. Some shoppers might prefer the Versa sedan.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2008 Nissan Versa is equipped with seat- and roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, a tire-pressure monitor system, electric power steering and an engine immobilizer. The basic S model includes 15-inch steel wheels with full covers, power body-colored mirrors, a cargo cover (hatchback only), 60/40 split-folding rear seat, 120-watt CD stereo, air conditioning and tilt steering wheel. The SL version adds a 180-watt stereo with six-CD changer, 15-inch alloy wheels, six-way manual driver's seat, rear center armrest, remote keyless entry and power windows and locks.

Optional Equipment

Anti-lock braking (ABS) is optional for all models. A total of six option groups are divided between the two trims. A Power Package and cruise control are available on the S models, while an Audio Package for SL hatchbacks includes a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer. SL models can also be equipped with a Convenience Package that adds Intelligent Key entry, Bluetooth hand-free phone operation and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches. The Sport Package includes a rear roof spoiler, side-sill extensions, front and rear chin spoilers and fog lights. A choice of XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and a moonroof, are linked together as available options on the SL trim level.

Under the Hood

For the U.S. market, Nissan's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine has been specially tuned for stronger low-end torque. Three transmissions are available: A six-speed manual, four-speed automatic and the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). As production increases, the CVT is expected to oust the four-speed automatic as an alternative to a manual gearbox. In the SL trim level, a four-speed automatic will not be offered at all. The CVT incorporates a virtual low range, for long, steep hills and heavier pulling.

1.8-liter in-line 4
122 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
127 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31 (manual), 24/32 (automatic), 27/33 (CVT automatic)

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2008 Nissan Versa Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 436 Ratings for the 2007 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.6/10

Not what I expected

By Khol (TX) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,800

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 2/10

Pros: "Spacious Interior"

Cons: "Bad Gas Mileage, Uncomfortable, Cheap Finish Out"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This car is not what it seems. Despite being advertised as a gas saver it only averages 21 mpg. The absolute best being 23.7 mpg... About the same as a full sized luxury sedan. Though the interior is very spacious offering lots of head room and good leg room in the back this is not at all true for the driver. At 6' this is a very uncomfortable car to drive. The peddles are too close the seat and the steering wheel it too far away. I have to push the seat all the way back which is still not enough. As a result the steering wheel is far away and I have to hyper-extend my arms to reach it. Additionally the front seats are narrow and do not offer any lumbar support. I have to use a back pillow. The interior feels and looks cheap with all of the hard plastics and cheap seat covering. Without the CVT transmission the engine is loud and weak. There is a massive blind spot due to the huge pillars by the hatchback thus visibility is very limited. My car does not have electric locks or windows with is awful in this car. The locks are located by the door handle which makes it hard to unlock the back doors. You have to feel up and down the door looking for the locks. Before I got this car I did not know they still made cars with out electric windows or locks... Also there is no lighting in front which is awful at night. Though the back seats do fold down they do not do so flat with greatly limits what you can haul. I have not have any problems with the engine though the brakes have started squeaking this is something that it normal on Versas and Altimas. It is annoying but not dangerous... All in all I would not recommend this car to anyone. It gets poor gas mileage and the interior is poorly designed."

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Love it! Compact, comfortable, drives smoothly!!

By NCmountaingirl (NC) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,900

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "comfort, mileage, drivability"

Cons: "shifting at hirer range"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am short and somewhat overweight! The car fits me great! My hips are not being pinched by the buckles. The length for the peddles are just right for me. I am not all the way up into the steering column like I have been in vehicles before! The backseat is also spacious! Plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably and my granddaughter to sit in her booster seat without complaining about the shoulder strap! I Love the way the car handles while driving it! It runs smooth and handles the curves nicely! Gas mileage is a definite keeper!! It took a while for us to get used to it shifting into the next gear at 4 rpms, but once we did, we don't notice it anymore! I have always been a Chevy girl, but I am quite pleased with my Nissan and told my husband I won't be trading it anytime soon!!"

3 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best value I've had

By Daveyl (CA) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 23,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great handling, good mileage, reliability, utility"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this car brand new. The price was very reasonable considering the features, including automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, Hatch Back, Power Mirrors, CD, and 4 doors for the total financed price of $12,000.00. It is by far the best car I have owned. The mileage is good, averaging 32mpg combined city/highway. I am impressed with the acceleration and handling of this car. It is capable of operating on any freeway, and equally capable in a city environment. I have had one minor glitch--being the weather stripping on the driver's door coming loose--which was corrected quickly at no charge. Overall, the Nissan Versa is a great value."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great econbox just short on power at only 122 hp

By JR (TX) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great economy lots of room"

Cons: "steering, no acceleration with CVT"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Purchase my 07' 3 years ago w/54K on it. SL with Blue tooth auto. Handles a little sloppy had higher speeds in sharp turns,lacks power w only 122 hp. Get 30-31 mpg daily back and forth to work (18 mi each way) good visability all around. Have gotten 36 mpg on long trips. Factory had to put new tranny in at 78K. 120K wannantee helps. Looking at 2013 now."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Very good Car

By stinkinbratt (TN) on Monday, March 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "gas saver roomy interior great price"

Cons: "awkward interior set up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my Versa for almost 2 years now. It has taken me many places and has served me very well. This car is defiantly a gas saver on an average week with gas prices in my home town at $3.57 a gallon I can fill it up with $30 and my husband can drive 24miles round trip to work 5days a week and we don't have to fill up again until the following Sunday. The interior is VERY roomy. My father-in-law is close to 7 feet tall and he can fit in the diver seat and passenger seat with ease. I only have a few negative things to say about my versa. The interior set up is a little different than what I was use to coming from a Pontiac grand-am. The cup holders are in an awkward position for both front and rear passengers. Also if u have a child in a toddler seat you cannot get it to sit level in the middle of the back seat with out a towel under the side of the car seat. Other than that this car is a dream to own and maintain. It's not going to win you and speed awards or fancy best in show comments but it is a well made dependable car."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great car, LOTS of room, great MPG 34 average.

By Gregbear (CA) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Averaging 32-33 MPG per tank combined!"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had this car almost 5 years and LOVE it. I average no less than 31 MPG combined and have had several road trips/fwy, averaging 34 MPG. The head room is AMAZING as well as the leg room, even in the back seat! Easy to handle, great A/C and the upgraded stereo sounds awesome.."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 436 reviews