Journey's End: One heck of a deal
To 100% honest, I don't like the new Versa quite as much as the old one. I thought the previous version was better looking (though, admittedly, it was a bit geeky and gawky), and the new Versa's seats aren't as comfortable. Still, I suppose that's a reasonable trade-off for better fuel economy, more safety and convenience equipment, and a bigger trunk. And so much of what I loved about the old Versa remains in the new one: Expensive-looking interior fittings, comfortable ride, and good road manners. For those who prefer the styling of the previous Versa, you're in luck: The Versa hatchback will retain the old body style for at least another year, and like the Versa sedan, it's an excellent bargain.
If you're looking for cheap, reliable wheels -- and if you don't want to buy used -- the Versa is an unbeatable buy. If you can drive a stick-shift, you'll make out like a bandit: $11,750 is a killer deal for a new car with standard air conditioning. If you prefer an automatic, you're looking at $13,520, which is still $1,200 cheaper than your next-best-bet, the Toyota Yaris, and a whopping $2,500 less than an automatic Hyundai Accent. Nissan reckons that most buyers will go for the mid-level $15,320 Versa SV, and try as I might, I can't think of another car that offers so much equipment and proven reliability for such a reasonable price. And let's not forget that the Versa offers as much room, if not quite as much comfort, as a larger car -- an added (free) bonus.
That said, if you're willing to spend a little more, there are some very appealing choices out there. I'm a big fan of the fun-to-drive Ford Fiesta, which can be had with air conditioning and an automatic transmission for around $15k. I also really like the Honda Fit; it offers lots of space and unbeatable reliability, but at $15,870 it's a lot more expensive than the Versa.
Overall, the 2012 Nissan Versa is an excellent car. It offers lots of features and lots of space for an exceptionally reasonable price, and best yet, it doesn't feel anywhere near as cheap as its price tag. Just like the old Versa, the new Versa is one of the best family-car bargains on the market. -- Aaron Gold
What I liked about the Nissan Versa:
Updated 1.6 liter engine provides adequate power and excellent gas mileage
Photo © Aaron Gold- Bargain-basement price
- Lots of equipment for the money
- Roomy interior
What I didn't like about the Nissan Versa:
- Awkward styling
- Unsupportive seat cushions
- No fold-down back seat in base and mid-level models
Who should buy the Nissan Versa:
Buyers who want a roomy, reliable car at a reasonable price
Who should not buy the Nissan Versa:
The style-conscious and those who are comfortable buying a used car
2012 Nissan Versa details and specs:
- Price range (including options) : $11,750 - $17,020
- Powertrain: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 109 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 107 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm, 5-speed manual or continuously-variable automatic, front-wheel-drive
- Where built? Mexico
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway (manual), 30/38 (automatic)
- Standard safety equipment: Front, side, and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper; 5 years/60,000-mile powertrain, 10 year/120,000 miles transmission (CVT only), 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles roadside assistance
