Used 2008 Nissan Versa Hatchback Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
08 Versa Hatchback (CVT)
Overall, I have been very happy with the car. It handles well, is easy to drive and has a lot of interior room and comfort. Good value too. The one caveat is that my transmission failed after 40,000. It was replaced under warranty with no problems. I am not sure how common this is or if I was just unlucky. Since the replacement transmission was installed the car has run great. The gas mileage estimates are not as high as stated by Nissan.
We've had more bad times than good
We bought this car brand new. In three years we have replaced 6 tires, and we buy good quality tires. The car needs an alignment more often than normal. We had to replace the fuel pump (the car just died on the middle of a busy highway). Now we are replacing the entire muffler system because it has rotted. We have done routine tune ups, oil changes, and have taken good car of this car. The power windows don't work in cold weather, they go down but don't go back up. Overall we give this car a 2/5 stars. It does hail alot of stuff which we like and gets good gas milage.
- 1.8 S 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,486128 mi away
- 1.8 S SedanMSRP: $5,995139 mi away
- 1.8 SL 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,199141 mi away
NEVER HAD AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM
I have read these reviews and I have to wonder if the people that have had alignment problems are just hitting too many potholes. I have over 70k on my car and have only had one alignment and I know it was due to the terrain. Nothing flimsy about this car. It's been an excellent car, I drive a lot and I highly recommend it. It's held up extremely well, no mechanical problems at all. I think it's all in how you drive.
This is a car that you can only "Make do"
Where do I start? The car definitely runs well, but slowly, has problems with even a mildly steep hill. Traveling in the rain and snow is a complete hassle. Aside from lack of power, I haven't had problems with trans, engine or drive train. However the exhaust heat shield rattles after one month of ownership. The electronics are lackluster, being just windows and a radio, but the drive side is automatic so that's a bonus. The fuel economy is good but not great, considering the size, I don't have an exact estimate but I top it off every week and a half with a relatively short commute. Storage is okay, nothing spectacular, I moved with this car but I only had a bedroom's worth of furniture, on a side note the hatchbacks lift broke within a week of owning it. In summary, this car will do but there are tons of better car in the used market, definitely look elsewhere especially with Honda civic/accord, Toyota corolla/camry, ford focus, and other nissans like the sentra.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nissa does not care about CUSTOMER SAFETY!
2 years ago my passenger side front wheel fell off the wheel support structure. I was traveling 25mph and the car abruptly stopped dead in it's tracks, no rolling to a stop or skidding. 10 minutes later I would have been traveling 65mph heading to work & can imagine the potential for damage, injury, loss of life. The repair bill was $388. I contacted Nissan and requested that they reimburse me, after all this is a defect, wheels do not fall off. Nissan declined. In Jan 2016 I received a recall notice from Nissan indicating the the front wheel springs needed to be replaced because they were susceptible to corrosion due to the winter weather in the north east. The corrosion could cause the springs to fail and the wheel would fall off. I had Nissan replace the springs and sent them a letter with the $388 repair bill from 2014. After all, Nissan just admitted that the front wheels could fall off at any time! Nissan declined to pick up the tab for their wheel defect. During my conversation with the Nissan representative, I told them that Nissan does not care about customer safety. Nissan's refusal to reimburse me for the wheel structure defect repair enforces the point that Nissan does not care about customer safety. Any company which cared about customer safety would recognize their wheel structure defect and immediately take care of it. How many other unsuspecting Nissan owners are driving around in a vehicle in which the wheel could fall off at any time! Nissan does not care about customer safety!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Won't buy a nissan again.
In the period of time I have had this car it has broken more times than the entire life of my 91 CRX. This car was purchased to be a daily driver as the CRX is modified and I was attempting to keep low miles on it. However, I've found myself having to drive the CRX more because this car breaks quite frequently. So far in the less than 12 month of owning it the fuel pump has been replace 2x, the starter has been replaced 1x and still won't turn over reliably, the tranny has been rebuild 1x, the a/c blower has been replaced 1x, the cd unit has been replaced 1x, and I'm sure I've forgotten a few. I will never buy a Nissan car ever again, and will trade in for a Fit soon.
A Fool is born everyday
Yes, I'm the fool. I wish I could go back and get the Honda Fit I originally wanted but didn't get b/c Honda wouldn't come off $1,000 from the price. I purchased the 2008 Nissan Versa and have hated it from the 1st week of ownership. 64,000 miles and the windows won't go up and down smoothly, When accelerating going up an entry ramp to the hwy, I lose MPH and the RPM's redline. I have to pull over on the shoulder of the highway at 5:00pm traffic, put it in park, then back to drive to reset it. Only to have it happen again going up a hill slowly. Sometime I have to push the petal to the metal (floorboard) just to get it to move! And the steering wheel gets loosey goosey when I lose the MPH's.
85000 and never changed anything but oil
Great car! ZERO PROBLEMS! Purchased most basic version and never had ANY problems with it. The only complain is picking up the speed -it is poor from the beginning but this car has small engine so no surprise here. I think I would drive it until the end of its life.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
AVOID ALL VERSA'S AT ALL COST!!!
I bought this car new in 2008. I do all smooth country road driving and very little city driving. After 80,000 miles until now with 122,000 miles I have had to replace the rocker arm (cracked at 80,000 miles), new muffler (hole from corrosion at 80,000), front coil spring broke just sitting in the parking lot (110,000 miles - now they just put a recall on that, which entails Nissan taking off my much thicker new springs and replacing it with their's, if I want my $1,200 back that I had to payout.), my passenger handle paint is bubbling off, driver door handle sticks in the summer time (it won't spring back when pulled), have to replace the hood latch under the hood now, because it won't close after numerous times of even praying lubricant on it, back seat wouldn't go down until I had to lubricant that to death and many more little crap! I have never had a vehicle with so many problems that shouldn't be a problem until 200,000 miles. I can't change my own plugs... Because you have to drain the antifreeze to take off a cover to get to the #4 plug. AVOID ALL VERSA'S! Neighbors have a 2011 and 2013... Nothing but problems for them also.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
She (was) a catch.
If your looking for an old Nissan the 2008 is the best one. I drove that car 30,000+ miles a year, has been hit 6 times by (someone) and never gave me a problem. Until last week the rod bearing went and now she gone. Update: I still have her, she's parked in storage. I'm driving an 1992 Honda accord now, strong car but I want my Nissan back, more comfortable and it sits like your in a truck not low so all the headlights hit you. Can anyone who knows about bearings tell me if it would be worth fixing, the engine was still strong, starts right up. Remember though it has 300,000 miles on it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great economical car
Lots of space, easy to drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
i love this car
i keep reading how people have issues with power.have any of you ever driven a car with overdrive before?overdrive is like the fifth gear in a manual,it is only for highway driving.city driving and back roads you turn off overdrive.when i drive mine and am getting on the highway my overdrive is off until i get up to speed and think it has great pickup.i havent had any other problems like the muffler issue or bad allignment.did have to change fuel injectors but not in an amount of time that would make me think it is substandard.had a bad o2 sensor,same story.i would buy this car again
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my Versa so far#
I recently purchased my 2008 Nissan Versa SL. So far I love it. The acceleration is adequate and cvt shifts smoothly. Just had to fix a broken low tire pressurs sensor, but my mechanic checked it over and it was in great shape.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Big mistake!
Loved the car when I first got it. Had problems from the moment I drove it off the lot. Tire pressure light won't turn off, bluetooth is unusable, the car SHOCKS me evertime I get in or out of it, gas mileage is about 25 mpg freeway, not the 35 mpg that was promised. I have had to replace tires within the first 6 months. Dealership refuses to help with the shocking problem- claim my nose ring is causing the shock. Now the transmission slips while I am driving and I am terrified to go anywhere. I am a mom of 2 and do not treat the car harshly. Horrible horrible car. Save yourself a huge headache and choose another vehicle!
Nissan....not again!
I have been driving this vehicle from brand new from September 2007 and I very disappointed that at 68,000 miles, I have been nickled and dimed to death with vehicle. Tires replaced twice due to the super poor alignment! I have had it realigned twice now, working on a 3 rd time. Muffler rusted through and had to have that repaired. Now I am dealing with the fuel injectors.....just had to put out $350 to have them cleaned and coolant flush. Rear door seal falling off. Break lights needed replaced by mechanic because the average person can't do it by themselves.This will be my 1st and last Nissan.
Good car, very poor dealer & Mfr. backup
Car purchased strictly for economical driving to ranches on good highways. Cruise control very important accessory. Cruise control is the worst I have ever experienced. Resume mode is a joke. Driving on normal highways in flat South Texas is nightmare. Any little bump or slight incline causes cruise control to downshift from 2800 RPMs to 4200 RPMs. Nissan will not fix. Mileage poor because of cruise control (28-30 average).
Love love love my Versa
I have had my Versa since July and I love it! I added a few extras (tinted windows/window visors/moonroof) to make it less geeky. I'm very happy with the fuel economy - went from owning a SUV that got 12-15 mpg to my Versa averaging 30 mpg (city driving mostly). The interior is surprisingly big - we have 2 boys and they have plenty of room in the back! The cargo space is adequate as well. It's fun to drive and easy to park in tight spots. I mostly do city/town driving but have taken my Versa on long trips as well and am very happy with the comfort and the 34 mpg I got! For a car that was well under $20,000 for all the great features, it was well worth the $$.
Nice little car for a young person
If you are young and like a small compact car this is for you.
- Performance
- Comfort
Fuel Injectors
I have gotten into 5 different wrecks in the past year and most if not all having to do with my blind spots on the left and right sides of the vehicle. I have noticed that the head rest cushioning has already started to come undone and also the lining to my back right window is coming undone which is letting water seep through. The biggest thing though is that just recently I found myself stranded at 3 in the morning with my car not wanting to crank. After getting it towed, the mechanic informed me that it was my fuel injectors flooding my engine. He said it was a flaw due to the manufacturing and would not be surprised if I would need to do it again in 40,000 miles. That job cost me $325.
Leaking Versa w/ bad gas mileage
Purchased this Nissan Versa in April, 2008 as a commuter vehicle. I have a 64 mile round trip daily commute. I have had the Versa back four time to the dealership. Once for highway mileage that is only 27 mpg. The other three times have been for roof or door leaks. All have been part of warranty coverage, with free loaners to use during work. My floors are slopping wet and have been wet more than half of the eight months I have owned the vehicle. The last time I noticed wetness was after a free car wash that my dealership offers with each oil change. Living in Maine, a wet vehicle means frozen interiors to your windows each morning. Wish I had not purchased this vehicle.
Stay away
I bought a brand new one on 01/31/08. Has been in 4 times for repairs (including replacing the water- pump and also replacing the whole front passenger seat due to airbag sensors malfunctioning). The car has less than 3,000 miles on it. Simply unacceptable. I'm looking into pursuing legal action. Be forewarned!
Excelllent value reliable transportation.
The manufacturer (Nissan) guarentees the Recently sold my Versa after 9 years of happy ownership because I got my wife's Infinity when I bought here a new Alfa Romeo Julia. I never had any trouble with the Versa and loved it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Versa's ROCK!!
I have driven many, many vehicles. The Versa is a perfectly balanced car. You get a lot of bang for your buck, plus my family of four fits comfortably. The styling is cute, particularly with the rear spoiler (hatchback). Gas mileage is great. I was driving a Jeep Cherokee and that thing was killing my wallet. The Versa also sits so that I don't feel too low to the pavement. There is great visibility. Even though from the outside it looks small, it doesn't feel small on the inside. The body lines are like the Quest minivan, but I'm too cool to drive one of those. :) There are two other people in my family that have Versas and I think that everyone should. You should test drive today!
A GREAT CAR!!!
Went to the Nissan dealership and asked for their lowest priced car. What I got was a no-frills 6-speed manual Versa. I had to drive it back from the dealership's other site about 30 miles away. A great test drive and I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. I've only had it for a few days now and have to concur with all the other reviews. It's a great car.
OK, A Little Disappointed
After copious research I narrowed it down to Honda Fit or Versa, better dealer financing swung it in favor of the Versa. After a month, though, I'm a little hesitant to recommend this little hatchback. Gas mileage has been OK, but not great we've got 21s to 29 depending on how much highway driving we do (this is the CVT model). Driving comfort is the big problem, lumbar support is non-existent, seats are short and no support under thighs. Steering wheel is too far away if you're not ridiculously short. Ride is OK but blows around like a leaf in the wind and doesn't feel well connected to the road (easily drifts). That said, it turned out to be excellent in snow, easy to control and stop.
Where did the oil go
I too had the mysterious cluck in the front steering, air conditioning problem. After 5 times in the shop, The factory reps came in and looked at the car,gave me extended war. They said the noise was normal. When I picked up the car, the next day the engine blew at 30,000 miles. They said the car had no oil, but the oil light never came on. Took several weeks with Nissan to get the dealer to fix the car. We only have 5,000 miles left on warr. Don't want the car anymore. No one can tell me where the oil went and why the light never came on.
Never going Nissan again
My first car was a 1985 Nissan Maxima and I ran it to death from the years of 2003-2008 when I bought our Versa. Since then we have had the fuel pump replaced THREE TIMES and it keeps failing. We recently had it replaced but notified Nissan of us declaring lemon when the part breaks again, I just hope I get all the money I put into it as we are a few hundred dollars off from paying the entire 16k we paid for it.
Bad Quality & Problematic Transmission
1. Passenger side door lock broken since purchase, dealer changed. 2. After 2000 miles, hear clicking noises from many places. 3. Suspension broken, dealer changed. 4. Still hear the noises from the base. Dealer said the problem is the heat shield falling down. 5. After 2800 miles hear noise from the transmission. When transmission is cold, I hear a clicking sound once between first and second gear. Only when low speed and cold transmission. 6. Right now the car drives at an average of 21 miles per gallon,half city half highway. 7. Sometimes the driver seat makes a squeaking sound.
old blue
Its was a good car but there is better out there. replaced it with new 2011 civic lx.
Loved my Versa for the first 2 years...now...not so much
Off the bat the first year I took it into the dealer multiple times before they replaced the fuel pump and I think there was a recall at the time. The muffler and exhaust system rod severed at 3 years. The horn quit at 3-4 years. The visor fell off, the rubber sealing around the doors fell off and the fabric around the back door peeled off. Lots of discoloration on the turn signal bar and other levers. Was told by mechanic that this is a Renault with a Nissan Logo on it.
Best Car for the $$$
After owning my fair share of Honda Civics, I decided it was time for a change. I wanted something that was good on gas and comfortable at a price that wouldn't break the bank. I test drove a Mazda3, Ford Focus & Hyundai Elantra before settling on the Versa. I'm 100% satisfied with my decision. While an "economy" car, the Versa SL doesn't lack in quality. The quality of the interior fabric is superb. It's easy to clean & durable. All controls are placed logically & are easily accessible. The CVT is smooth and quiet. Love it!
Nissan Forever
We have two other Nissans (and our 1969 AMX). We buy them for the longevity and value. This one is no different, good value for the money, a/c, p/s, p/b, cruise, CD, auto. Not sure if that is the series or extra purchase. Gets about 30 mpg, city/highway combined. Got 35 mpg highway at 85 mph in Colorado, Washington on a trip to see my son. Has had a few hiccups, fuel regulator causes you to turn key three or four times to start while pressure builds, fixed under warranty, tire pressure sensor goes off for right rear tire but so slow a leak dealer cant find it, steering wheel made a scuffing sound when turned lock to lock. Overall very satisfied, 11,000 miles already, fun to drive, good mpg.
Like the vehicle, but having problems
I love my Nissan!! This car drives great and has SO much head and foot room!! It has plenty of cup holders and gets great gas mileage. I also love how sleek it looks on the outside!!! I have had some problems with it however. My starter is going out for the 2nd time, I have had to have my fuel pump changed already, and I am always having hubcaps fall off about 7 so far. Thank goodness for my warranty!! Other than that though I love my car. It is so relaxing and comfortable to drive. The trunk has plenty of room also. My dealership has been the best I have ever had. They have been extremely friendly and has work well with me.
Pleasant Surprise
I originally purchased this vehicle as a means to lower my fuel costs my main vehicle was an F-350 diesel, and I commute 70 miles each day. In 18 months I would then turn it over to my daughter to drive. Since February, I have put just short of 9000 miles on the car (will put about 20,000 per year I am guessing), including a 16 hour (each way) trip to Reno NV (from Denver) without overnighting. That is a long time in a car, and I was surprised how comfortable it was. Plenty of power, excellent handling, and I averaged over 35 mpg on the trip at 75 mph set on the cruise control. I would not only recommend this car, I may buy another one in 18 months and keep this one for myself!
Could be better
My biggest complaint is the gas mileage. After 8000+ miles I'm getting 24 city and 30 highway. Nowhere near what it's rated at and I've checked it repeatedly. Knowing that now I'm not sure I would by this car if I had it to do over again. We have two teenage sons and need a big back seat and this car has it. How is it that Nissan can put in Blue Tooth and a Smart key but can't put in a compass/temp read out. Haven't had any problems with the car so far, if it stays that way I'll forget about the gas mileage.
My Versa is nice, but...
My Versa is nice but, the horsepower is really low. I think I notice it more at take off. The gas mileage is great. When gas is 2.069 per gallon it only cost twenty dollars to fill up. I do wish they would add two more gallons to the tank. The radio is nice but if you want loud its not gonna happen. The design is what sold me, the overall look is great.
Fun car to drive.
I just purchased my new Nissan Versa in June of 2007 and I love it. It is fun to drive, it is very comfortable and gets great gas mileage. This is my first new car and I know I made a great choice. I did a lot of comparison shopping with other manufacturers and I feel like, with the options I got, I got more for my money than I would have if I would have purchased a different make.
Versa SL Hatchback
Mine is an SL with the tech and sport packages (i.e., every option available) So far I am very impressed with my Versa. I cross-shopped this car with the Fit, Rondo, Yaris, VW City Golf (Canada-only model) and even the Mazda 3. in the end it was between this and the Fit. I chose the Versa because it had a better interior and was better value for money. So far (~4000 miles) nothing has gone wrong and there hasn't even been the customary "mysterious new car dash squeak." It feels like I'm driving a high quality product and not an econobox. The CVT takes a bit of getting used to, but it really suits this engine and doesn't feel bogged down like the 4 spd auto in my '04 Sentra.
I got what I wanted
I wanted a vehicle comparable to my 2004 Pontiac Vibe which has 110,000 miles and has been perfectly reliable. I also wanted a vehicle that is smoother and quieter than the Vibe, which I still love despite noisy and expensive tires. The Versa fills the bill, is a little more maneuverable and takes less effort to drive. Visibility is a little better too. Fuel economy is comparable, Versa being better in the city and the Vibe slightly better on the highway. For me the Versa is plenty quick (like the Vibe). I like the quiet, the Blue Tooth, the jack in the ratio that lets me use my $30 XM radio.
Decent Car
I generally look at a number of things prior to buying a new car. The Versa was the best combination of price and features that I found. The Versa transmission (6 speed) is smooth and easy to use. The final drive ratio should be about 300 rpm lower at 70 mph. I am not sure what possessed Nissan when they designed this. I agree, the center armrest is needed. I ordered one in and added it myself. I am getting mileage from 31 -38. I am a conserative steady drive. Nice car in general, doesn't attract attention.
Great Little Car!!
I've driven the Fit, Scions, Focus, Corolla, Yaris and Civic and I have to say that I like the Versa the best. The Corolla, Yaris and Civic all are well made cars, but for me the Versa had the smoothest ride/acceleration (CVT) and best interior. The layout of the controls was top notch. Also you sit up higher in the seat so you have a better view of what's up ahead. The keyless feature seemed like no big deal at first, but when your hands are full, you don't need to fumble in your pockets for the key. It's a pretty neat feature. However, what people like is so personal to them that I think you need to drive all the aforementioned cars to decide what is right for you. Good luck!!
Liz's Versa in Tulsa, OK.
After three months of research, I purchased a Versa S Model in March, 2008. It's been the best car purchase I've ever made. I've getting 28-36 miles per gallon (75% hwy, 25% city). I took it to Kansas City recently and upon arrival, I still had 1/3 tank of gas left. It's comfortable, roomy, drives great, has many safety features & cruise; all the basics I wanted for $14K. This was my budget and anything extra I considered a luxury I didn't really need. After reading negative reviews regarding the Blue Tooth incompatibility problems, I am glad I didn't purchase the SL Model. On the other hand, it would be nice to have the ABS brakes just for extra protection. I'd recommend the Versa S
Good Car
I bought this car when gas hit $4.00 a gallon. I only use it going to and from work, and it's all highway. I average between 32-36 mpg. Depending if I hit traffic. My best was 40 mpg, I never got over 63 mph, and there was a tailwind. Now that gas is down it takes me $16.00 to fill up. The one flaw I can find is the cup holders, they are in horrible spots.
Good car, but needs some improvements
I really enjoy "Scarlet." The car is responsive and easy to handle (except in really strong winds). I like the design. It's quiet inside with the windows closed. The radio is surprisingly good, and the cabin is spacious and roomy. Overall, very satisfied, and the areas of improvement would make it a FANTASTIC car!
"A lot for a little"
Considered a Toyota Yaris first, then a Honda Fit, but both were thousands of dollars more than the Versa. A fantastic buy for the price with AC and CD, radio player. Just like Nissan's TV add says, "A lot for a little".
Bang for the buck!
Advantages: Extremely roomy. Uncanny quiet engine at idle (you cannot feel it or hear it). Peppy (I have gotten it to 118mph), but good mileage (30 city, 35 highway in real life). Disadvantages: Very susceptible to crosswinds. There is no keyhole in the hatch.
I Love My Car!
I test drove a Scion xD and a Honda Fit before this one, and I fell in love immediately with the Versa. It's amazingly roomy, drives very smoothly at highway speeds (compared to other cars in it's class) and is cute but not too cute like the Fit and Yaris are. I get good gas mileage, about 34 mpg with 60% highway 40% city driving. The model I bought has neat extras like audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel, armrest, etc. My fiancee loves how roomy it is, and I can fit both our bikes in the back easily. I think this is an underrated little car and a GREAT value!
Small Car Great Fuel
We have 3,000 miles on our Versa, my wife and I both drive it. I drive back and forth to work and she drives it when she does her weekly shopping. We have a new 2008 gas hog truck that stays parked most of the time. Versa is great to drive and fun with great gas mileage (35 to work for me, and about 31 for wife shopping and yard sales). We are in our late 50s, but this car is still great for us.
Best Christmas Present Ever!
My husband & I had a 2004 Nissan Sentra, we were just browsing around, didn't care much for the new Sentra. I'm so glad we got this car, it's the best present ever. I love driving it, gas mileage is awesome, looks sporty, the windows were already tinted, it's fully loaded, absolutely love it.
Great Car
Lots of room for the kids and gear. Has great acceleration from a stop and rides smooth and easy. After researching comparative models, the interior room and great extras (bluetooth, et. al.) this was the best choice.