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2009 Nissan Versa Safety Review

May 20, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect
MotherProof

Four stars, frontal impact test; four stars, side impact test and rollover resistance
NHTSA

Good," frontal offset test; "good," side impact test
IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestows its highest rating of "good" in both frontal offset and side-impact tests on the 2009 Nissan Versa. Meanwhile, the government's testing agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), subjects the 2009 Nissan Versa to its full battery of tests and, in the end, awards four out of a possible five stars to the Versa in every category. Those categories include front impact protection and side impact protection, for both the passenger and driver sides. The ratings from these agencies apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of Nissan's 2009 Versa.

Edmunds reports that "the 2009 Nissan Versa comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor," but it's the conspicuously absent standard features that draw criticism. Cars.com states that "antilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not" offered at all on the Nissan's 2009 Versa. Both of these are disappointing, with MotherProof chiming in that, as far as ABS is concerned, "for the $250 it costs to add it, couldn't Nissan have just made it standard?" In terms of the absent stability system, Cars.com says that since "the government will require it be standard in all models by 2009," they would "like to see automakers add it to even their most affordable models now."

Visibility in the 2009 Nissan Versa is a trait most reviewers take note of in a positive way. ConsumerGuide contends that visibility is "good in all directions." MotherProof adds that perhaps their "favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect," as they "help visibility a lot."

Conclusion

Positive crash-test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Versa are slightly overshadowed by the lack of stability control and the fact that ABS is an option.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersectMotherProofFour stars, frontal impact test; four stars, side impact test and rollover resistanceNHTSAGood," frontal offset test; "good," side impact testIIHS The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) bestows its highest rating of "good" in both frontal offset and side-impact tests on the 2009 Nissan Versa. Meanwhile, the government's testing agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), subjects the 2009 Nissan Versa to its full battery of tests and, in the end, awards four out of a possible five stars to the Versa in every category. Those categories include front impact protection and side impact protection, for both the passenger and driver sides. The ratings from these agencies apply to both the sedan and hatchback versions of Nissan's 2009 Versa. Edmunds reports that "the 2009 Nissan Versa comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a tire-pressure monitor," but it's the conspicuously absent standard features that draw criticism. Cars.com states that "antilock brakes are optional, but an electronic stability system is not" offered at all on the Nissan's 2009 Versa. Both of these are disappointing, with MotherProof chiming in that, as far as ABS is concerned, "for the $250 it costs to add it, couldn't Nissan have just made it standard?" In terms of the absent stability system, Cars.com says that since "the government will require it be standard in all models by 2009," they would "like to see automakers add it to even their most affordable models now." Visibility in the 2009 Nissan Versa is a trait most reviewers take note of in a positive way. ConsumerGuide contends that visibility is "good in all directions." MotherProof adds that perhaps their "favorite feature on the Versa was the small triangular windows up front where the front doors and windshield intersect," as they "help visibility a lot." ConclusionPositive crash-test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Versa are slightly overshadowed by the lack of stability control and the fact that ABS is an option. 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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