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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2009 Nissan Versa

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Overview

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2009 Nissan Versa Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

An unstable oil market and yo-yoing gas prices have led to a comeback in entry-level compact cars, and the 2009 Nissan Versa is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the situation. "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 Versa offers class-leading horsepower and torque, along with a host of unique features and generous interior space.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2009 Nissan 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 New for 2009

No major changes for 2009.

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.

2009 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 2009 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. XM Satellite Radio and an iPod interface hook up are available on both trims, while the SL alone can be equipped with a power moonroof.

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). Available only on the SL trim, 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)

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. see your car's value

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2009 Nissan Versa Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.4

Out of 5

Based on 396 Ratings for the 2007 - 2011 Nissan Versa models.

Review this car

Value

4.5/5

Quality

4.2/5
Reliability

4.6/5

Performance

4.1/5
Comfort

4.3/5

Styling

4.3/5

Love my Versa!

By Cass (UT) on Tuesday, February 07, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Gas mileage, economical, great entry level car."

Cons: "The interior could look a little nicer."

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

"Bought my 2010 Nissan Versa with 9 miles on it when I was 20 yrs old (no co-signer). I have taken it on several trips to Las Vegas and have also gone to California. It is an overall great vehicle. I am happy with my purchase. I will stick with Nissan's from here on out I am so pleased with my Versa hatchback. It is very spacious and the drive is very smoothe. While driving to Vegas I have gone 90 mph for a long amount of time and the car drives like you are only going 60 mph. I love the Versa!"

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Great car for the money!

By lindaks99 (NY) on Saturday, February 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Very fun to drive, very comfortable!"

Cons: "The muffler system is pricey to replace."

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

"I bought this car used almost 2 years ago and have been really pleased with everything about it. The only major issue has been that the muffler system was supposedly needing to be replaced, but all it needed was the flange welded back on, a common problem with this model. The system would cost over $800 from what a major muffler place told me. The welding was only $100. Other than that, I love the car and find it very comfortable. I am a small person, if that helps. I hardly ever have passengers, but when I do, they find it comfy as well, even in the back seat which is quite roomy. I am planning on getting it rust proofed, too."

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