The 2010 Nissan Versa ranks 15 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Versa, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Considering that it is one of the least expensive cars in its class, the Nissan Versa is a good choice for its spacious cabin and excellent handling dynamics. That said, it falls far short of class competitors in its list of standard safety and interior features.
With a base MSRP of around $10,000, the 2010 Nissan Versa is a serious contender for the position of least expensive affordable small car on the market. However, although such a low price may sound like a good deal, you get what you pay for. While the Versa is praised for its soft-touch interior materials, roomy back seat and versatile cargo space, the base model has fewer standard features than almost any other car in its class. Even basics like power doors and windows require an upgrade to a higher trim and purchase of the power package for around $700. Moreover, safety features like anti-lock brakes — which are standard on most models now — are only optional on the base Versa.
The Versa is a good competitor in the affordable small car class once you upgrade to the hatchback model and add a few package options. Realistically though, once you do that its appealingly low price is no longer so low — it increases to between $14,000 and $16,000. While this is still considered a low price for the class, there are definitely other options that cost less and are worth more.
The Kia Soul has a lengthy list of standard features that challenges that of even some upscale small cars as well as a laudable list of standard safety features. Its base price is around $13,300 — a leap from the base price of the Versa, but comparable once the two are similarly equipped. . Another model worth a look is the Honda Fit, a hot hatch that also has a higher base MSRP than the Versa ($14,900). It’s a reviewer favorite for its long list of standard features, versatile cargo space and zippy ride. Finally, the Toyota Yaris is worth a look. It has a low starting price of only $12,355 and a list of standard safety features that trumps almost every other car in the class.
If these models aren’t exactly in your budget, you might want to consider buying an earlier model year or perhaps even a used car. Little has changed about the Versa for 2010, so savvy car buyers may be able to snag a deal on a 2009 model as dealers make room on their lots for the 2010s. Be sure to check out this month’s Nissan Deals.
The Versa comes as a sedan or hatchback. The sedan comes in four different trims, including the 1.6 BASE, 1.6, 1.8 S and 1.8 SL. The hatchback comes in two trims: the 1.8 S and 1.8 SL.
- “Versa is priced like a subcompact, but its blend of room, comfort, and refinement are an easy match for any number of more-expensive compact cars. Acceleration is modest, but that’s balanced by good road manners. All in all, Versa is a must-see.” — Consumer Guide
- “Bottom line, the Nissan Versa is a big small car with comfort, performance and versatility. It’s roomy and offers good fuel economy.” — New Car Test Drive
- “Fit and finish, both inside and out, exceeds the norm for this segment.” — Left Lane News
- “For all the exciting, uniquely styled vehicles Nissans sells, the 2009 Versa isn’t one of them. This is a car that looks plain, drives plain and just generally emotes plain. It makes vanilla seem spicy and an Amish girl look like Amy Winehouse.” — Edmunds
- “Versa is short for “versatility,” which the hatchback version exudes best. One of the roomiest in its class, the Versa also supplies good power in this category, as well as fuel thrift and low prices. A six-speed manual gearbox and a load of standard safety features are all positives.” — Car and Driver
Versa Performance – 7.2 (Good)
No one expects the 2010 Nissan to possess the speed of a Porsche or the handling capabilities of a BMW, but for such an inexpensive car, it’s pretty fun to drive. “For a basic economy car with no overt performance pretension, Versa is nimble and fun to drive,” says Consumer Guide.
Versa Exterior – 7.1 (Good)
While reviewers seem to like the styling of the 2010 Versa hatchback, they say that the sedan probably won’t turn many heads. Kelley Blue Book is neither exceptionally critical nor particularly fond of the Versa’s styling, saying simply, ”The tidy Versa succeeds at not being boxy or bland.”
Versa Interior – 8.6 (Very Good)
The automotive press is quite impressed with the 2010 Versa’s interior materials quality, versatile cargo space and especially its roomy rear seat. Nonetheless, the base model is lamentably Spartan — lacking even power doors and windows — and the front seats, while adequate, fall behind some class competitors. Speaking about the lack of any sort of audio system in the base model, Motor Trend says, “Eventually you start to whistle quite a bit, and finally, pathetically, rolling the window down at stoplights to steal fleeting sounds from other cars’ radios. I ask you, is $10,000 worth this?”
Versa Safety – 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2010 Nissan Versa scores high in government crash testing and was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the insurance industry. Reviewers are pleased that certain safety systems have been added as options on higher trims but wish they were standard on all models. Consumer Guide says, “Kudos to Nissan for making traction control and an antiskid system available on Versa. We wish, however, these important safety features were standard on all models, rather than only on the top-end SL and optional on the S.”
Versa Reliability – 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Nissan Versa reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2010 Nissan Versa comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty.
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