2008 Nissan Versa Reviews

My newly purchased 2008 Nissan Versa S hatchback is a quirky and fun car to drive.  I chose the Versa after I had researched extensively and even test drove the Suzuki Aerio, Scion xa, VW Golf/GTI, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo. I decided against the xa and yaris because they both had the driving "dials" located in the center column of the dashboard.  I am too much of a lead foot and didn't think for safety reason the spedometer was in a good location in the car. It looks like Scion has learned though because on the new 2008 xd that have moved the driving "dials" back to the left driver's side.

My Versa stands out in a parking lot. I don't see it as much as the other hatchbacks although it's body style reflects that of a Mazda 5 or 3 hatchback and maybe some Pontiac Vibe thrown into the mix too.  I especially like the front and back lights and the way the hatchback looks on the Versa.  I also feel taller in the Versa than I did in my Honda Civic.  I have great visability between the two oversized side mirrors and a wide front windshield and smaller rhombus styled back windshield.

The interior is the selling point though!  The minute I saw the inside of a Versa - I knew it was what I would buy. The seats are covered with a soft faux-microsuede material and they are oversized, plush bucket seats. They feel like you are sitting on a sealy posterpedic mattress practically! The driving "dials" are situated nicely in big simple circles on the driver's side and the accessories panel is laid out in the middle of the dash with a fairly decent factory stereo with a mp3 cd player. There are big dials for the ac/heat and a simple sliding bar for the inside/outside air function; one of the standard features on the Versa is a HEPA air filter in the ac/heating system.

My Versa came with some upgraded features including power windows & power locks which means it has DEEP door pockets on either side up front and they even have drink holders in them, I also have cruise-control.  But even on the standard S package Versa, you get two interestingly placed but effective cupholders in the middle of the two seats, as well as middle divider that has a bunch of what I call "little cubbies" - and further on towards the back, there are another 2 drink holders, so 6 drink holders in all!  This car just screams road trip!  

Moving onto the back seats...WOW! You would never know that a car this 'compact' would be so spacious in the back seat.  Even with Sam in the driver's seat (he's almost 6'), the passengers in the back seat would still have the legroom that my parent's mini-van has!  Each right & left passenger seat in the back has its own headrest and 3-point seatbelt, and even the middle passenger in the back has a 3-point seatbelt!  I have yet to ride in the back but my passenger's have told me that it's a cozy, soft ride back there.

The hatchback is a little small for what I'd ultimately like to do with it but it will suffice for sure and offers me more versatility than a sedan trunk. The only other complaint I have with it is that the backseats don't fold down flush with the hatchback; they fold forward instead and so a little "lip" is created so it makes it harder with bulkier stuff, so like a 27" tv per se.

Lastly, the handling is easy as pie and very responsive. I have no trouble getting it up to 60mph and it doesn't rev very high either, maybe the low 3,000 rpm range.  The steering is reminscent of my Nissan 240sx's steering which was "loose" but very accurate, it allows for more manuvering I feel like.  I don't know how something could be loose and yet tight but the Versa's steering is definitely that. It is simple to make turns and I don't feel much body roll when I make them. The 15" tires definitely give the car a very steady feel and making even sharp turns doesn't make the tires squeal. I know I couldn't race a bmw or even a Scion tc in this car but it definitely contends with my stock Honda Civic and I would hope so since it's at 122hp and 127-lbs. of torque; it has more 'gaux' power than your standard 4-banger car.

Oh yea, and I get great gas mileage even being somewhat of a lead foot. I filled my Versa up last Saturday (11/1) when I bought it and I still have a 1/4 of a tank left today, a full week later.  Nice!! :)

All in all, this car suits me to a T.  I love the ease of use of it, all of the features, the comfort of it, and most of all the fact that it was inexpensive.

Would recommend to anyone looking for a sub-compact.

good on gas.

Awesome gas mileage.  Roomy

While my grand am was ill, I rented an 08 Versa for the Christmas holidays from Enterprise. The car was allright, personally didn't care much for it.