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2009 Nissan Versa Features Review

May 20, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the Versa 1.6 Sedan provides everything you need and almost nothing you don’t
Automedia.com

pretty pimped-out" for "such an economical car
MotherProof

Available amenities include keyless entry and start
Motor Trend

With the right options, the 2009 Nissan Versa can be outfitted like a larger, more luxurious car.

The new 1.6-liter model, however, is a budget vehicle and appropriately accessorized as one. Standard features include a rear-window defroster, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, intermittent windshield wipers, and full-length side-curtain airbags. “Driving without a radio definitely makes you easily realize you are slogging around on budget wheels,” says AutoWeek.

“At a starting price of less than $10,000 the Versa 1.6 Sedan provides everything you need and almost nothing you don’t,” says Automedia.com. “Many will enjoy the simplicity of a manual transmission, hand-cranked windows and finger-operated door locks. No reference book is needed to understand the purpose of every feature on the vehicle.”

Automedia.com continues, “The Versa is equipped with four speakers even though they’re not connected to anything. An innovative teenager with $150 and craigslist.com should be able to install a chest-thumping sound system. The Versa 1.6 Sedan offers only two options: floor mats and anti-lock brakes. At $250, ABS is an excellent choice.”

Edmunds reports "the 1.8 S starts you out with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker CD stereo, power mirrors, [and] a split-folding rear seat" that helps aid cargo space. The Nissan Versa 1.8 SL "adds alloy wheels; upgraded cloth upholstery; power windows and locks; cruise control," and "a six-speaker stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary input jack.” MotherProof thinks either model is "pretty pimped-out" for "such an economical car."

Among other available features on Nissan's 2009 Versa, you'll find "an Audio Package for SL hatchbacks" that "includes a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer," according to Kelley Blue Book, and "a choice of XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and a moonroof, are linked together as available options on the SL trim level." The 2009 Nissan Versa typically offers its features in packages, but they do allow for a decent amount of personalization. ConsumerGuide reports that the available Power Package on the Nissan Versa 1.8 S adds "power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry," and several other features that are standard on the 1.8 SL, while the SL's available Convenience Package includes a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls" and "wireless cell phone link."

Conclusion

The higher-trim 2009 Nissan Versa breaks the bargain mold, in its long list of standard features and its nifty options. But the Base model is a true stripper with limited appeal.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:the Versa 1.6 Sedan provides everything you need and almost nothing you don’tAutomedia.compretty pimped-out" for "such an economical carMotherProofAvailable amenities include keyless entry and startMotor Trend With the right options, the 2009 Nissan Versa can be outfitted like a larger, more luxurious car. The new 1.6-liter model, however, is a budget vehicle and appropriately accessorized as one. Standard features include a rear-window defroster, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, intermittent windshield wipers, and full-length side-curtain airbags. “Driving without a radio definitely makes you easily realize you are slogging around on budget wheels,” says AutoWeek. “At a starting price of less than $10,000 the Versa 1.6 Sedan provides everything you need and almost nothing you don’t,” says Automedia.com. “Many will enjoy the simplicity of a manual transmission, hand-cranked windows and finger-operated door locks. No reference book is needed to understand the purpose of every feature on the vehicle.” Automedia.com continues, “The Versa is equipped with four speakers even though they’re not connected to anything. An innovative teenager with $150 and craigslist.com should be able to install a chest-thumping sound system. The Versa 1.6 Sedan offers only two options: floor mats and anti-lock brakes. At $250, ABS is an excellent choice.” Edmunds reports "the 1.8 S starts you out with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker CD stereo, power mirrors, [and] a split-folding rear seat" that helps aid cargo space. The Nissan Versa 1.8 SL "adds alloy wheels; upgraded cloth upholstery; power windows and locks; cruise control," and "a six-speaker stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary input jack.” MotherProof thinks either model is "pretty pimped-out" for "such an economical car." Among other available features on Nissan's 2009 Versa, you'll find "an Audio Package for SL hatchbacks" that "includes a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer," according to Kelley Blue Book, and "a choice of XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and a moonroof, are linked together as available options on the SL trim level." The 2009 Nissan Versa typically offers its features in packages, but they do allow for a decent amount of personalization. ConsumerGuide reports that the available Power Package on the Nissan Versa 1.8 S adds "power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry," and several other features that are standard on the 1.8 SL, while the SL's available Convenience Package includes a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls" and "wireless cell phone link." ConclusionThe higher-trim 2009 Nissan Versa breaks the bargain mold, in its long list of standard features and its nifty options. But the Base model is a true stripper with limited appeal. 2009 NISSAN VERSA STYLING | [6 out of 10] Cars.com: "I don't know many people who would call the Versa sedan a looker" Car and Driver: "Hardly a recipe to whet the collective American appetite" ConsumerGuide: "Controls are logically placed and, for the most part, clearly marked" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Hands down, the best vehicle in this smallest, cheapest class of cars is the Honda Fit. The Fit is admittedly more expensive than the rest, and it's only available as a hatchback, but it feels sporty and substantial on the road, with good safety, responsive performance, and an excellent Magic Seat arrangement in back that trumps ordinary fold-forward arrangements. The Chevrolet Aveo is the other pick of the bunch for ride quality, but the Aveo has unimpressive fuel economy and safety. The Toyota Yaris has the best fuel economy, at up to 36 mpg highway, but it doesn’t feel as roomy or refined. Kia's Rio and Rio5 hatchback feel sportier than the rest of the crowd, as does the xD.

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See the Nissan Versa in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Louie Paez #1, Posted: 10/27/2009

    I absolutely love my Versa. I looked at everything else for over a year and the closest (the Fit and Yaris) were seriously overpriced, had smaller engines and were very cramped. My 6'4" son can sit in the back seat! My car comes with the automatic, ABS, cruise control, spoiler and I paid $13,500. My only gripes are that Nissan could easily have provided a single CD stereo with MP3 capability. I plan to pull this cruddy radio out soon. My other gripe is that I have not local Nissan dealer making servicing a pain in the &(%*.

  2. By senojdr2 #2, Posted: 10/31/2009

    Your refuseal to post my comment is what i except from people with FIT agenda's GAS milage of 33/34 mpg on Versa.i quess that is up setting to some!!!!impossible words for posting message.Don't want want my imput...

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