Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note a good car?

Generally — 4.33/5 from owners and 6.67/10 from expert testing point to a car that makes sense for you if you want an affordable hatchback with efficient operation and smart use of interior space. The model scores 8/10 across Form and function and Technology.

Owners repeatedly praise its fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability, and the review summary also highlights its solid fit for daily commuting. The overview frames it as especially well suited to city driving and short trips, which matches the recurring theme of practical everyday use.

The main tradeoff is that you should expect modest power rather than quick acceleration. 18.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you have some room to shop carefully without losing sight of value.

Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. The owner summary also points to a dependable, trouble-free feel for daily commuting, with fuel efficiency and comfort reinforcing that impression.

On the expert side, the car is described as a sensible, efficient small hatchback with complaints that are few in number and small in significance. The cost-effectiveness notes also mention that Nissan does not offer a free-maintenance plan, and that ownership costs should be weighed accordingly.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about dramatic failure and more about making sure the car was maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy city use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2014 Nissan Versa Note?

At 64.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been used as a commuter or city runabout. Focus on body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the car feels tight and well maintained on a test drive.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the most stripped-down version, with a 5-speed manual, steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a basic 4-speaker audio system. The S Plus adds a CVT, cruise control, and active grille shutters, while the SV brings more everyday comfort with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. The SL Package adds alloy wheels, fog lights, push-button ignition, and other convenience upgrades, while the SL Technology Package adds navigation, voice control, hands-free texting, and a 360-degree Around View Monitor.
• Powertrain: The redesigned model uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. CVT-equipped versions are rated at 31 mpg city/40 highway/35 combined, and the car is described as efficient but relatively underpowered, especially when you need to merge or climb hills.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and stability control. The rear brakes are drums rather than discs, and the NHTSA results include 5 stars in side-impact testing, 4 stars for rollover protection, and 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
• Infotainment: The available tech ranges from a basic 4-speaker CD setup to a 4.3-inch audio display with satellite radio and USB input, and up to a 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system with voice control. Bluetooth is included on higher trims, and the SL Technology Package adds hands-free text messaging and the Around View Monitor.
• Fuel efficiency: CVT-equipped models return 31 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined, and the expert review also cites a 35.5 mpg real-world average.

Which 2014 Nissan Versa Note trim should I buy?

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note is offered in 4 trim levels: S, S Plus, SV, SL.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the cheapest way into the Versa Note, but it is very bare-bones, with a manual transmission, steel wheels, cloth upholstery, and a simple audio setup. It makes sense only if your priority is the lowest possible entry price.
• S Plus: This is the better-value choice if you want to stay near the bottom of the range but avoid the manual gearbox. The CVT and cruise control make it easier to live with, and the active grille shutters add a small efficiency benefit.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the comfort and convenience features you are most likely to use every day, including Bluetooth, power accessories, keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
• SL: This is the trim to choose if you want the most equipment, especially when paired with the available technology package. It brings the most upscale feature set, including navigation, a rear camera, push-button ignition, and the 360-degree Around View Monitor.

The safety setup is straightforward across the lineup, but the rear drum brakes and the frontal crash result are worth keeping in mind when you compare trims and condition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2014 Nissan Versa Note?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 18.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 212 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 64.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $6,012.81, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2014 Nissan Versa Note safe?

The 2014 Nissan Versa Note earns an overall four-star rating from NHTSA, with five-star side-impact protection, four-star rollover protection, and three-star frontal crash protection.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard safety equipment includes 6 airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and stability control. The review also notes that rear drum brakes are used instead of discs.

The main caveat is the weaker frontal crash result, so you should pay close attention to condition and repair history if you are shopping used.

Should I buy a 2014 Nissan Versa Note or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2014 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2014 if:

• 18.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It was fully redesigned for 2014, bringing a lighter body, better efficiency, and more available features.

Consider the 2015 if:

• Nissan added SR and SL trims with more sport pretension and extra tech.

The bottom line: If you want the redesigned model with strong value and everyday practicality, the 2014 is the better starting point. If you are price-sensitive and find a clean, well-kept example, it is worth pursuing; if you want more equipment and a broader trim walk, the 2015 may be the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.