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2009 Nissan Versa Quality Review

May 20, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

that comfortable, so longer drives could start to wear on your back
MotherProof

the backseat actually has a ton of room
Cars.com

Highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials
ConsumerGuide

Larger and more comfortable than other entry-level hatchbacks and sedans
Edmunds

The 2009 Nissan Versa sports very impressive interior space, but engine noise and some unimpressive trim pieces detract.

TheCarConnection.com finds that "the Nissan Versa's interior is notable for its spaciousness," as Edmunds reviewers put it. There is seating for five, but squeezing an adult into the middle rear seat can be a challenge. "Tall roof makes headroom a non-issue, and its expansive legroom lets 6-foot-plus passengers sit comfortably in either the front or rear,” says Edmunds. Cars.com adds that "the backseat actually has a ton of room, more than in a lot of midsize sedans," and "the seats are reclined a bit, which helps with headroom." However, despite the admirable overall comfort in the Nissan Versa, some reviewers, such as those at MotherProof, find the rear seats aren't "that comfortable, so longer drives could start to wear on your back." Most reviewers think the seats are comfortable, though.

Inside the cabin, MotherProof reviewers are impressed by the "six cupholders." Other reviewers also approve of the practicality of the interior on Nissan's 2009 Versa, with ConsumerGuide pointing out "plenty of interior storage, including front and rear map pockets." At the back of the car, reviewers at The Auto Channel find "excellent trunk room (17.8 cubic feet)" during their drive, even with the rear seats in place, but if they need to, they could have folded those seats "to create the maximum carrying capacity of 50.4 cubic feet."

Car and Driver reviewers blast the "budget" interior and the fact that "hard plastics are omnipresent." ConsumerGuide feels that the "interior is highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials and classy looking gauges—uncommon at this price point." Cars.com testers also love the "high-quality feel of the controls and dashboard materials" on their Nissan 2009 Versa.

ConsumerGuide spotlights the intrusive noise levels of the 2009 Versa, saying, "the quiet highway ride is disturbed by modest wind noise from the mirrors and some coarse-surface tire thrum." Edmunds also notes that the CVT "results in a raucous cabin environment" characterized by "noisy and gruff" engine sounds.

Conclusion

For an entry-level car, the 2009 Nissan Versa genuinely surprises in terms of comfort, room, and overall quality, especially in SL trim.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:that comfortable, so longer drives could start to wear on your backMotherProofthe backseat actually has a ton of roomCars.comHighlighted by lots of soft-touch materialsConsumerGuideLarger and more comfortable than other entry-level hatchbacks and sedansEdmunds The 2009 Nissan Versa sports very impressive interior space, but engine noise and some unimpressive trim pieces detract. TheCarConnection.com finds that "the Nissan Versa's interior is notable for its spaciousness," as Edmunds reviewers put it. There is seating for five, but squeezing an adult into the middle rear seat can be a challenge. "Tall roof makes headroom a non-issue, and its expansive legroom lets 6-foot-plus passengers sit comfortably in either the front or rear,” says Edmunds. Cars.com adds that "the backseat actually has a ton of room, more than in a lot of midsize sedans," and "the seats are reclined a bit, which helps with headroom." However, despite the admirable overall comfort in the Nissan Versa, some reviewers, such as those at MotherProof, find the rear seats aren't "that comfortable, so longer drives could start to wear on your back." Most reviewers think the seats are comfortable, though. Inside the cabin, MotherProof reviewers are impressed by the "six cupholders." Other reviewers also approve of the practicality of the interior on Nissan's 2009 Versa, with ConsumerGuide pointing out "plenty of interior storage, including front and rear map pockets." At the back of the car, reviewers at The Auto Channel find "excellent trunk room (17.8 cubic feet)" during their drive, even with the rear seats in place, but if they need to, they could have folded those seats "to create the maximum carrying capacity of 50.4 cubic feet." Car and Driver reviewers blast the "budget" interior and the fact that "hard plastics are omnipresent." ConsumerGuide feels that the "interior is highlighted by lots of soft-touch materials and classy looking gauges—uncommon at this price point." Cars.com testers also love the "high-quality feel of the controls and dashboard materials" on their Nissan 2009 Versa. ConsumerGuide spotlights the intrusive noise levels of the 2009 Versa, saying, "the quiet highway ride is disturbed by modest wind noise from the mirrors and some coarse-surface tire thrum." Edmunds also notes that the CVT "results in a raucous cabin environment" characterized by "noisy and gruff" engine sounds. ConclusionFor an entry-level car, the 2009 Nissan Versa genuinely surprises in terms of comfort, room, and overall quality, especially in SL trim. 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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