2008 Nissan Versa vs. Its Competition

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

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1 Jul 6, 2008

The 2008 Nissan Versa appeals to buyers who are looking for lower fuel bills and car payments, without giving up the comfort and features of a larger car.

But at its best, at 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway with the CVT automatic, the Versa's fuel economy isn't as good as other vehicles in its price and size range.

For instance, the Yaris rates up to 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, but like most of these vehicles, the Yaris doesn't feel as roomy inside or have as smooth a ride.

The other best-riding alternative is the Chevrolet Aveo, but the Aveo has especially unimpressive fuel economy and safety.

Kia's Rio and Rio5 hatchback feel sportier than the rest of the crowd, as does the xD.

But the best vehicle in this class is the Honda Fit, which admittedly costs a bit more and is only available as a hatchback.

However, it feels sporty, handles well, promises good safety, and has a standout, minivan-like Magic Seat arrangement that allows an especially low, flat cargo floor.

2008 Nissan Versa Browse Used Listings	2009 Chevrolet Aveo Browse Used Listings	2008 Honda Fit Browse Used Listings	2008 Toyota Yaris Browse Used Listings	2008 Scion xD Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7 The 2008 Nissan Versa isn’t particularly sporty, fashionable, or innovative, but it offers an astonishing amount of space, comfort, and features for the money.	5.6 If most of your driving is around town with little interstate travel, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo and Aveo5 are worth a look, especially if you want a bow tie out front.	7.4 The 2008 Honda Fit is one of the smallest cars on the road, but it’s fun to drive, huge inside, and a tremendous value.	5.6 The 2008 Toyota Yaris is one of the cheapest, and cheapest to run, of all new vehicles.	7.2 At a bargain price that’s not much more than stripper econoboxes, the 2008 Scion xD is a pretty hot little hatch.
MSRP From
$12,880	$11,965	$13,950	$11,550	$14,550
Gas Mileage
24 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	27 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	29 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy	26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas 4-cyl	Gas 4-Cylinder	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Small Station Wagon	Subcompact	Subcompact
Style Name
4dr Sedan I4 Man 1.8 S	4dr Sedan LS	5dr HB Man	3dr HB Man (Natl)	5dr HB Man (Natl)
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front wheel drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	5-Door Hatchback	3 Door Hatchback	4 Door Wagon
Transmission
Manual	Manual w/OD	Manual	Manual	Manual w/OD