2007 Nissan Versa Road Test Ratings

Good rear passenger space and a comfortable driving position make the sub-compact Nissan Versa one of the better choices in the small car market.

The engine and manual transmission work well together, as shifting the standard 6-speed is easy. Handling is competent and agile. But the steering, which is otherwise direct and linear, lacks perfect straight-ahead sense, as the Versa shows a mild tendency to follow pavement grooves, seams, and road crown.

The ride itself is smooth and deals well with freeway chop and pavement irregularities. Noise levels, especially from underhood, are a bit high at times. The driving position is generally good, with a high seating position making it easy to see ahead in traffic, but the steering wheel is a bit too far away for taller drivers and does not telescope. Rear seat legroom is outstanding.

Most of the major controls and functions are easy to use. The exception is the audio system, which requires woodpecker-like tap-tap-taps to tune a station. A knob would let the driver keep more attention on the road. Cargo space is above average for the class with the seats folded down.

Build quality looks good from a fit-and-finish standpoint, but our sample car had a slight squeak under the dash. The exterior design shows more than a bit of Renault influence, but the unconventional proportions are what makes the high driving position and rear seat space possible.