Test drove 2007 Nissan Versa

[Hyde]

my friend at Nissan told me the new versa just arrived, so i went in and took it for a test drive.

first off, the car is huge, its about as big as a Mazda 3, but shorter. build quality is just ok, a bit worst then the Yaris, and cant compare with the Fit. it have all the standard stuff like a/c, power windows etc quality of plastic is really low, the center console was just really poor plastic, and the storage space wernt very convinient especially when compare to Yaris. the JDM Tiida had a much higher quality interior. but design is pretty much the same, dont know why the USDM car's interior sucked so much. The seat didnt fold flat was really disappointing, and the cover over the sparetire was just a freaking piece of cardboard(same with the Fit). it made the Yaris's hatch looks 10 times more expensive and seems more like its from an european car then Japanese.

one of the most suprising part is that it comes with a 6MT instead of 5MT, which is great, the gear throws where kinda long, but slick, better then the Yaris. however, the engine feels good, but very unresponsive, its like its unwilling to even rev match, car also felt heavy around corners.

the best part about the car is probably the price. if you were into a family car with all the basic feature, i'd suggest the Versa. a full load model with rockford forsgate 7 speaker audio system and even Bluetooth is a few hundred cheaper then the full load Yaris RS. its definatly gonna steal some Mazda 3 and Civic buyers.

but if you were looking for a fun sporty compact, the yaris and fit is still a much better choice.

[Hyde]

Trunk
http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/TIIDA/C11/td_056_l.jpg

this box will make the seat fold flat, should've been standard equipment
http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/TIIDA/C11/td_057_l.jpg
http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/TIIDA/C11/td_057_01.jpg

JDM interior
http://www.nissan.co.jp/OPTIONAL-PARTS/TIIDA/C11/IMAGES/tiida_opt_interior.jpg

[Chris07LB]

I kinda like it.. :smile:

[Thirty-Nine]

I am not a fan of the Versa's looks.

[lowkey]

I am not a fan of the Versa's looks.

Same I thought the Fit looked like a mini van.
To each it's own.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Don't get me started on the Versa...okay you got me started:laugh: :laugh:
Anyway I do agree it has nice features and it may be a good bang for your buck but this is more of a "compact" than sub-compact, I feel Nissan is pushing for a car that doesn't really fit its class, sure you want to be ahead of the group but its like claiming an SUV is in the mid-size car class rather than what it really is...I've been reading reports that the gas milage is low 30's if not less:thumbdown: :thumbdown: Where's your econo car now? Plus Nissan had to re-do the EPA numbers and they're down...I don't see how they can sell this and the new Sentra, they're almost the same size and the Versa gets into Sentra territory, plus you get great features on the Versa why go Sentra...time will tell, maybe I'm underestimating them I guess we'll see. The sedan varient (doesn't come out till fall I believe) looks hideous and the hatch looks better but its not the greatest and the "cheap" factor you were referring too, I believe this one is made in Mexico? Could be wrong on that.

[Yaris Revenge]

I don't see how they can sell this and the new Sentra, they're almost the same size and the Versa gets into Sentra territory, plus you get great features on the Versa why go Sentra...

This may be the same situation as the Hyundai Tuscon / Santa Fe. My wife and I were shopping for a small SUV... she won't drive a car. The Tuscon is almost the exact same size, has more features, and costs less. We found out that the Tuscon is actually replacing the Santa Fe in that size category, and the next gen of the Sante Fe will be substancially larger. Matter o' fact, that should be happening this Fall. Could be the Versa is planned to take over the Sentra's spot, either due to rezising or discontinuation.

~YR

[Hyde]

new sentra is coming out soon, its gonna be bigger then the current one by a bit and a tad smaller then the altima

[Ran Kizama]

new sentra is coming out soon, its gonna be bigger then the current one by a bit and a tad smaller then the altimaSentra will also be available in SE-R trim like the last model. I had a Sentra SE-R Spec V before the MSM which was before the Yaris, and it was a FWD blast. Gotta admit tho, the interior quality on Nissan has gone down quite a bit. I might have to go test one of these Versa's.

[Jem_hadar]

I must say from seeing the Versa in person, its really growing on me, not that I'm looking at all for a new car, but since researching the Yaris and other cars before I eventually bought my Yaris, I've developed a strong interest in sub-compact and compact cars, especially hatches.

At first I really didnt like the look of the Versa's exterior, thought it was incredibly ugly actually. But now I dont seem to mind it as much, its grown on me... and the interior is the nicest IMO, the one I like the best of all the Yaris's competitors.

Jem

[jmew0ng]

that new sentra looks like a baby altima
http://www.worldcarfans.com/spyphotos.cfm/spyphotoid/6060725.001/country/JCF/nissan/spy-photos-2007-nissan-sentra-se-r

so is the fold flat... for jdm version only?

[hasher22]

Isnt nissan VERSA and nissan TIIDA??? just another name right?

[ECHOKnight2000]

Isnt nissan VERSA and nissan TIIDA??? just another name right?


Yes, in countries outside of the U.S. and Canada its called the TIIDA:thumbsup:

[El Jefe]

hmm looks ok with a drop and tint (please excuse the photochop, i did it on paint in 2mins)

[Boo]

hmm looks ok with a drop and tint (please excuse the photochop, i did it on paint in 2mins)


Looks like a dropped Quest :biggrin:

BTW, the pics on Hyde post is JDM Versa.
Actually I did see a couple (1 silver, 1 white) USDM in person at a local dealer. Everythings looks so cheap:eek: , Fit or Yaris did a better job.

[SimmZ]

I read many comparative between the Toyota Yaris (LB), the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa in Canada. In all theses comparatives the Nissan Versa won everytime.

The main PROS of the Versa is :

- Best quality of materials used for interior (Yaris get 3rd place for interior quality)
- More confortable, more quiet (less road noice)
- A lot more space (the Versa is near of a compact car size)
- The price is very competitive and options is interestings (CVT, ect)

The CONS of the Versa is :

- Because it was bigger than the Yaris and the Fit, an also more powerfull, the fuel economy is poorer, as well... but don't panic, we talk of 1.0L/100 KM more than a Yaris or a Fit.

The Versa is a really great car, the price is competitive and the look is great (not wonderfull, but great). I think it's a very great car to buy. It like the Yaris, it is a "smart purchase", it's not the most beatifull car on the market, not the most powerfull, but it's reliable, fuel economic and a lot of space!

[Jem_hadar]

I read many comparative between the Toyota Yaris (LB), the Honda Fit and the Nissan Versa in Canada. In all theses comparatives the Nissan Versa won everytime.

The main PROS of the Versa is :

- Best quality of materials used for interior (Yaris get 3rd place for interior quality)
- More confortable, more quiet (less road noice)
- A lot more space (the Versa is near of a compact car size)
- The price is very competitive and options is interestings (CVT, ect)

The CONS of the Versa is :

- Because it was bigger than the Yaris and the Fit, an also more powerfull, the fuel economy is poorer, as well... but don't panic, we talk of 1.0L/100 KM more than a Yaris or a Fit.

The Versa is a really great car, the price is competitive and the look is great (not wonderfull, but great). I think it's a very great car to buy. It like the Yaris, it is a "smart purchase", it's not the most beatifull car on the market, not the most powerfull, but it's reliable, fuel economic and a lot of space!

I agree 100% with your ENTIRE post! Well said man. Great post. ^5

Jem

[El Jefe]

Looks like a dropped Quest :biggrin:


HAHAHA so true!
i work for a nissan dealership, i seen these damn things everyday and still don't like the way they look. i haven't driven one yet tho.

[SimmZ]

Looks like a dropped Quest :biggrin:

Some people think the Versa look like a mini-Quest, but I think it have some relations with a mini-Murano.

[Jem_hadar]

Some people think the Versa look like a mini-Quest, but I think it have some relations with a mini-Murano.

The front end anyways for sure. Thats whut my buddy in the US said.

[riceboy]

:eyebulge:

[Jem_hadar]

:eyebulge:

hahahaha LOLOL

[mikeukrainetz]

I thought when watching the new Versa commercials that from the front it kind of resembles the Mirano...

[Boo]

Side by side comparison. :biggrin:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1428&stc=1&d=1158104223http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1442&stc=1&d=1158192071

[Jem_hadar]

Saw (IN PERSON) today the Versa at the dealership, after hours, and I looked them all up and down for a good 1/2 hour, I swear.

... and I must say, I think I *may* like the Versa better than the Yaris now... but not 100% sure yet. :S Need to reflect on the matter more.

Interior wise, its more typical and less "unique/different/strange" like the Yaris's is... overall just pretty fucking nice! Outside, in person, its not as ugly as I thought it was when I was pics of it online. Its quite fine!

And it has over twice the storage space or the Yaris, plus an extra 16 horsepower! Both those features REALLY freakin' appeal to me. Esp since the cost is literally like SPOT ON for comparably equipped Versa to my LE 4 door! I guess the thing the Yaris really wins in originally and uniqueness, plus fuel economy.

And my choice on vehicles are largely fuel efficiently based... plus when I bought in May, the Versa wasn't out yet, and we dont have a Nissan dealership in town anyways, closest is Barrie, 45 min away, and I wanted the luxury of having a dealership in town to take my car to when problems or issues potentially arose!


If I were buying now and we had both a Toyota and Nissan dealership in Collingwood, I dont know which I would buy anymore. :S

Jem

[SimmZ]

Awesome! I can't wait to try the Versa!! I think I'll take a ride to my Nissan dealer soon, just for fun! I must wait a little more than one-and-half year before changing my Cavalier, because I'm saving some several money for cash-down payment on a new house, but after, I want something new and fully equipped but still fuel economic. I like the Yaris, but I feel unconfortable because it have a so small legsroom. The Versa is offering a large legsroom for tall peoples. BTW, all Nissan cars I own or try offer a large legsroom, even the cheapest model of the line. With Toyota you need to buy a Camry to get a large legsroom. Even my mom's Matrix offer a pretty small legsroom, but bigger than the Yaris. I also want to get back a manual car... I just feel sad with my automatic Cavalier and the automatic Echo.

The countdown is already started for me! 19 month remaining before the new car arrival! It leave the time to all manufacturers to show up some new models... maybe the new upcoming Corolla will be interesting?

[Jem_hadar]

Awesome! I can't wait to try the Versa!! I think I'll take a ride to my Nissan dealer soon, just for fun! I must wait a little more than one-and-half year before changing my Cavalier, because I'm saving some several money for cash-down payment on a new house, but after, I want something new and fully equipped but still fuel economic. I like the Yaris, but I feel unconfortable because it have a so small legsroom. The Versa is offering a large legsroom for tall peoples. BTW, all Nissan cars I own or try offer a large legsroom, even the cheapest model of the line. With Toyota you need to buy a Camry to get a large legsroom. Even my mom's Matrix offer a pretty small legsroom, but bigger than the Yaris. I also want to get back a manual car... I just feel sad with my automatic Cavalier and the automatic Echo.

The countdown is already started for me! 19 month remaining before the new car arrival! It leave the time to all manufacturers to show up some new models... maybe the new upcoming Corolla will be interesting?

Just to note, I keep up on Nissan Versa forums too, and ppl have been experiencing pretty big manual transmision problems, where it will just slide out of gear... apparently as to do w/ the cruise control, so I think it affect 1.8 SL models only.

But yea, there are problems ppl seem to be experienc elready w/ their Versas. Now that said, this IS a first year model... its often riskier buying a frist year model over latter year models, bc in non-first year models, hopefully any of the initial bugs have all been corrected and dealt with.

Jem

[ECHOKnight2000]

Just to note, I keep up on Nissan Versa forums too, and ppl have been experiencing pretty big manual transmision problems, where it will just slide out of gear... apparently as to do w/ the cruise control, so I think it affect 1.8 SL models only.

But yea, there are problems ppl seem to be experienc elready w/ their Versas. Now that said, this IS a first year model... its often riskier buying a frist year model over latter year models, bc in non-first year models, hopefully any of the initial bugs have all been corrected and dealt with.

Jem


If you want to get technical this isn't the first year...well yes in North America, but I believe the Tiida/Versa has been on the market two years before it came to our shores, but I'm not totally sure on that, but you do make a good point. Also Nissan's reliability isn't that great now a days, neither are their sales.

[Jem_hadar]

If you want to get technical this isn't the first year...well yes in North America, but I believe the Tiida/Versa has been on the market two years before it came to our shores, but I'm not totally sure on that, but you do make a good point. Also Nissan's reliability isn't that great now a days, neither are their sales.

Their realiability isnt HORRIBLE like it was around the times when it was suffering massively (I believe that was 1999ish).

But I dont think I'd say their reality is up to par w/ that of Toyotas or Hondas. So far the Versa hasnt proven (from European models) to be shoddily made, but also, the European models arent made out of Mexico... which is kinda what I meant when I was referring to this as being a first year.

All Versas are made for the NA market out of Mexico, same plant where they make the Sentra (for the US market, I believe). Many companies have experience problems in vehicles that are coming out of Mexico, notably VW, which has really recently in the past several years ruined their image of quality. (The Wolfsburg, Germany made VWs are eff'n fine and great though).

Anyways, problems do appear to be occurring with new Versas ppl have bought, at least from what I've read on Nissan and Versa forums.

Jem

[ECHOKnight2000]

^^^I hear ya! I visit the Versa forums as well to see how this car is doing in the hands of the public. It seems the mileage factor isn't the greatest, there seems to be a big jump in mileage, it seems that you have to baby the Versa to even get 30mpg, some are getting more but its rare, some "sub-compact" huh? I'll get off my soap box on the Versa. I guess the only Versa I think is somewhat good looking is the brighter blue one (don't know the name), I know they sell a darker blue but that's not the one I'm talking about, the black ones look sharp though.

[Jem_hadar]

^^^I hear ya! I visit the Versa forums as well to see how this car is doing in the hands of the public. It seems the mileage factor isn't the greatest, there seems to be a big jump in mileage, it seems that you have to baby the Versa to even get 30mpg, some are getting more but its rare, some "sub-compact" huh? I'll get off my soap box on the Versa. I guess the only Versa I think is somewhat good looking is the brighter blue one (don't know the name), I know they sell a darker blue but that's not the one I'm talking about, the black ones look sharp though.

Bright blue = Sapphire Blue B14,

Darker blue = Blueberry B23 :wink:

The Versa looks like a nice car, and roomy and has the trunk space I *WISH* my Yaris had.

But I still love my baby and I think over all my TOYOTA Yaris is gonna have better reliability in the long-run... the Echo's essentially PROVEN that as a fact!

Plus, yea, the mileage is hurting somewhat w/ the Versa... and they were lower to begin with.

I get the bottom end of the EPA fuel efficiency with my 'Cara' (Yaris), but I'm still happy w/ my 39ish mileage... if I was driving the Versa... what? would I be at 29 or less ? :frown: (that would hurt)

My MAIN factors in my car purchase was 1) reliability and 2) gas mileage... The Yaris WON in both those categories.

And also, the Versa wasnt even out in May, so its not like it was even an option to purch then regardless.

Jem

[nsmitchell]

I'm speechless... A Nissan... A Renault... I think I'm gunna be sick!:barf:
First off the Versa is hideous to look at. From everything I've read or heard about it it drives heavy, and feels cheaply made. Engine sounds like it's going to fly apart at high RPMs. Rattles when new. No Thanks!
I can see having a tough time deciding Fit or Yaris, but Versa never entered my mind. Nissan is not anywhere near the quality of Toyota or Honda, or Hyundai for that matter.

Puuuuhleeeezzzz!:biggrin:

[ECHOKnight2000]

Bright blue = Sapphire Blue B14,

Darker blue = Blueberry B23 :wink:

The Versa looks like a nice car, and roomy and has the trunk space I *WISH* my Yaris had.

But I still love my baby and I think over all my TOYOTA Yaris is gonna have better reliability in the long-run... the Echo's essentially PROVEN that as a fact!

Plus, yea, the mileage is hurting somewhat w/ the Versa... and they were lower to begin with.

I get the bottom end of the EPA fuel efficiency with my 'Cara' (Yaris), but I'm still happy w/ my 39ish mileage... if I was driving the Versa... what? would I be at 29 or less ? :frown: (that would hurt)

My MAIN factors in my car purchase was 1) reliability and 2) gas mileage... The Yaris WON in both those categories.

And also, the Versa wasnt even out in May, so its not like it was even an option to purch then regardless.

Jem


You know where to contact me when you want to give up your Yaris for a Versa:biggrin: Just make sure you clean the inside and outside please, and oh, if you have car payments, pay them off before you give me the car arlight?:tongue: :bellyroll: :bellyroll: :thumbsup:

[BMGYaris]

Well is spent alot of time looking at the versa, and i was leaning toward it. However, my parents test drove one fresh off the truck that broke down and had to be pushed back on the lot, we chopped that up to it hadnt been inspected and prepared properly and ignored it. After a few weeks i had decided on the Versa S model, and wouldnt you know that it started bouncing early on, real subtle at first, then it started making strange sounds and making a constant click sound. looking back on it it was probably a tire problem and i shouldnt have taken it so seroiusly, but i decided with all the reports of TPMS problems and the dent under the drivers side mirror that caused sound problems, along with other varies problems reported. Those two failed test drives along with those turned me off to it. Further, the fact that the versa is a "fill in the gap year" made me afraid that by getting the S model with the 4 speed auto it woudl have a very low resale value, and average a combined of about 26mpg or so in real numbers. Further, all the reviews were of the CVT SL and the comparably priced versa is the S model with auto...so, how useful are those review when the interior and transmission change pretty drastically between the two. However, after buying the yaris and truly realizing how small it is i wish i had gone with the Versa, it is very comfortable interior, and wihle i doubted its reliability the fact is that very few cars today are really unreliable, and im sure while this one might have a problem or two more over the 3 yeras under warranty, i really doubt that it would be any major difference. The double cargo space, 4 doors so you can take your buddies around and the incredible comfort of the rear seat, and the fact that the yaris is causing my fat A's right leg to cramp and the none telescopic steering wheel keeping me too close and the fact it is so hard to get with ABS and it is so incredibly small and only got a 4 star frontal crash test rating...id day look seriously at the Versa