Used 2009 Nissan Versa Consumer Reviews
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My 2009 was great
rock2014, 09/21/2014
updated 09/21/2017
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
59 of 60 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new - actually right off the truck - in 2009 and owned it until fall 2016. For the first six years I drove 100 miles round trip to work each day, and sold it with 176,000 miles. It has needed nothing but routine maintenance - because I baby it, we're still on the original brakes. My wife and two daughters preferred traveling in this instead of our Ford Taurus - more roomy, especially in the back. Bottom line - especially if you're looking for what Edmunds calls a reliable "appliance" car, I've never had anything better than this.
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Accident Prone
ameliaclaire, 12/05/2011
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
I was recently in a terrible wreck in my Versa. The car was totaled and all I suffered was a broken nail from the air bag. This car is incredibly safe and comfortable! As soon as I found it was totaled I told my mom that I needed help looking for another one, possibly a newer one. I absolutely love my Versa!
2009 Nissan Versa for sale near you
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- 1.8 S SedanMSRP: $3,975111 mi away
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Still going strong.
essdee, 10/14/2014
updated 10/14/2016
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
59 of 62 people found this review helpful
We bought the Versa in 2009 in the cash for clunkers program in exchange for an AWD Toyota Previa (which had served us very well for 18 years and 225,000 miles) and have done about 48,000 varied miles in the Nissan. It has been reliable , pretty economical, easy to park in little spaces, a good load carrier and enjoyable to drive. Interior space is generous and the seats are very comfortable but the stowage space around the driver is a bit limited and there is not really anywhere to rest your elbows. Overall build quality is high but the plastic around the heater controls has started to rot. I also find the blue "cold engine" warning light unnecessary and at night easy to confuse with high beam. After a coast to coast cross country trip later, still happy with the vehicle though I read some worrying reviews of the safety of the sedan version (mine is a hatchback). It still has the original tires and battery. However, at around 43000 miles a big piece of the air conditioning system tucked away behind the dash needed a $600 repair, and from reading online forums it seems to have been quite a common problem.
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204,597 miles and going strong!
Cheryl Boop, 07/23/2016
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
This car has been reliable for us! We bought it in Georgia (brand new) and now live in Ohio, so we've had the car in extremes of weather. We've used it to move, to drive people around town, for work, and for play. I had to replace the air conditioning compressor this summer, and just had the exhaust system redone. But those have been the only big items maintenance-wise. I love my Versa!
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Nifty car with many luxury features one weakness
Randolph Selig, 03/23/2016
updated 04/14/2020
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
41 of 44 people found this review helpful
If the fuel pump has not already been replaced, it may have to be. It's an expensive job. This is a known vice in this model yet Nissan has not issued a TSB. Another frequent repair is the muffler or precisely the muffler flange. It will rust, requiring a new muffler be installed. That aside, this is a great small car: well designed with plenty of interior space, comfortable back seat, good brakes (though there is no abs) and steering, smooth shifting 4-speed automatic trans, adequate power and pickup though the smooth idling engine gets noisy under hard acceleration. It runs just fine on regular unleaded fuel. The ride is about average for a shortish wheelbase car. Unfortunately there are only warning lights for engine temperature and amps. The sharply sloping hood is hard to see the end of nor can a driver of average height see where the car ends in the rear, both of which can complicate parking. It always appears you are closer to the car in front than you actually are. The model I purchased has power windows and door locks and a keyless entry though to start the car the coded key is needed. The car soldiers on a year later with no repairs but one needed: some recall work on the front suspension--I didn't perceive a problem--revealed a worn connection in the steering linkage. Thus the "free" repair ended up costing around $150 at my own mechanic (the Nissan dealership said nothing about it).
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Still going strong
Pat, 01/18/2016
updated 08/21/2020
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
27 of 29 people found this review helpful
Update#5 (2020). The Air Conditioner stopped working a few months back. Repairman said it was low on Freon but can't find the leak. Been working fine since then. If all we have to do is put a can of Freon in once in awhile I can live with that. Had to finally put front brakes on, but at close to 100k miles that's not bad. Rear brakes are still good but they squeak while backing up. Haven't changed the plugs yet. Still runs good and gas mileage about the same. This car not driven much, maybe 100 miles a week. As a backup car it's good. This will probably be my last update. Car has exceeded my expectation. Too bad the CVT's in the new Nissans won't hold up. Wouldn't buy a Nissan with a CVT. This 2009 one of the last 4spd automatics. Been a good one. Take care. Update #4 (2019). Car still going strong. No breakdowns, only maintenance. HVAC works good. Still on orig brakes. Easy on tires. No rust. Decent gas mileage. So far I'm pleased. Update #3 (2018). Car still holding up pretty good. Have approx 85k miles now. No maintenance costs other than fluid changes. I've been critical of this car in my previous comments but so far I'm very pleased. HVAC works good. Nimble. Power adequate. Easy on tires and brakes. Consistent gas mileage (30). Still skeptical of its long term reliability but we'll see. Update#2. Car is driven daily. Things have been good so far. No mechanical break downs or problems. Rotate the tires. Change the oil. That's about it. Update#1: Car has been reliable so far. Has 75k miles now. Has adequate power and decent fuel economy. The versa is not a freeway car, it's for around town and commuting. Yes it can be driven 75 mph but it's uncomfortable. Even the loaded SL feels cheap but that's what it is....a cheap car. Once you get over that and appreciate it's real quality (inexpensive transportation) you will feel good about driving it. Would I buy this car over a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic (?) probably not but you can buy one cheap. If this car lasts us 5 more years and/or 75k more miles I'll not regret it. Car is now 7 years old w/65k miles. Purchased one year ago from an elderly family member who bought it new. Versa reliability a mixed bag from what I've read. I'm more into Toyota quality but this car came available at a great price. So far no major issues. Had to change out one strut. Still on the original set of brakes. Seems to be easy on tires. Averages about 30 MPG. Drives out pretty good. No speed demon but adequate. My impression is this is a decent economy car that does everything well. Time will tell if it lasts. Pros: Great visibility, decent MPG, fold down rear seats. Cons: Electronic steering, jittery on the highway, engine noisy when pushed.
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Reliable, Fuel Efficient Car
Yumi, 11/15/2017
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Got the hatchback S model used. Doesn't have the most premium features (the SL model is more high end) which kept the original MSRP as the lowest out of any vehicle in the United States. My Versa came with hubcaps, power windows (some don't come with this standard), automatic transmission, no aux, no fog lamps, and a glitch in the TPMS sensor. Looking forward to getting different rims, stereo, and buying aftermarket fog lamps. It may be a boring car for some, if you don't upgrade the features, but it is great for hauling (fit a dresser with 6 drawers once, 90% of my home goods and clothing for moving out of the city, a mini fridge without folding the seats down) and is quite fuel efficient. It also comfortably fits passengers of most sizes. Also drove a Versa sedan while on my learning permit and was fun to drive, comfortable, and easy. It is a great budget vehicle for beginners and/or college students! Handling wise, it accelerates well like a jackrabbit, but steering and braking is a bit stiff and jolty compared to a Civic, although I have experienced this kind of steering in a Sentra of the same era as well. It takes a bit getting used to. As typical for most compact cars, it bounces around a bit over cracked and rough roads, which makes it a bit uncomfortable for me since I drive frequently through old and rural roads. Haven't had any major problems so far, except the oil pan gasket is leaking, which is typical for a car of that age.
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Good on gas
Dave, 10/26/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought vehicle new based on price and estimated mileage. So far, has been extremely reliable, comfortable for a small car and actually somewhat fun to drive. For a small car, it actually is quite large and has an underpowered engine. But that's where the fun comes in. Keeping the engine in the optimum rpm range for performance and economy is a game I play. If you really know how to drive a manual it's a kick. The biggest benefit of all is the gas mileage. I've kept track since new and I'm averaging over 35 mpg. That's combined driving not highway. The only negative thing I have to say about this car is that the air conditioning is not cold enough for my liking.
very happy
jbull1930, 12/24/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
bought this car used with around 32000 miles.i did a lot of research before purchasing and decided this was the best choice for me . i am thrilled with its performance. made a long road trip and the comfort level was the same as a full size car. gas mileage wasaround 28 miles per gallon . i love everything about this car.
Consider instead of paying for the H
DenverDailyDriver, 10/16/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
26 of 29 people found this review helpful
I'm not sure where car magazines got it into their head that the premiere concern of most drivers is 'fun'. Fun driving in a stop-and-go city you probably mean gunning it to the next light and cutting people off. Whee! You want fun, Mazda 3 makes more sense. For those of us who have commute on a city grid and not pick of a stable of autos, the Versa does great and is probably a better fit than the Fit. Edmunds admits in their Fit review: "However, more comfort-minded consumers may better appreciate the Nissan's quieter cabin, cushier seats and higher available feature content." I saved myself $3000 over Fit prices, have more horsepower and more torque, and a 7 yr ext. warranty.
Okay drive, but don't get too excited.
codfish78, 02/02/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle last summer during the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program. No problem at all so far. With the $4500 discount, $150 additional discount for scrap value, plus the dealer's free destination fee, I paid $5340 plus tax for the basic model. Mine is dark metallic blue with a charcoal interior. I think it looks pretty sharp. The car does all the basics well, but I wouldn't want this to be my only vehicle. I am 6' 4" tall and weigh over 300lbs. and I fit into this car easily. In fact, I find it quite comfortable. If I had to pay sticker price, I would have gone elsewhere. However, for the price I paid, I think this car is quite decent. See my specific likes/dislikes below.
Does it's Job...
sigmaman99, 05/30/2012
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Got this as a 2nd car for my 70 mile daily commute. Very basic car with no frills or excitement. For such a small car with a small engine I expected better gas mileage. Driving about 75 mph on the highway gets me about 27 mpg. Upgraded the stereo to a Pioneer DEH-6400BT because I needed hands-free bluetooth and iphone connectivity. Install on this car was very easy. Very impressed with the legroom. Overall this car does it's job which is get me to work and back.
Annoying and Reliable
Jessica H., 09/05/2017
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
The best things about this car are how reliable it is and the decent gas mileage. I use the CD player a lot for audio books, and it is also easy to park because it is small. But that's where the good stuff ends for me. The plastic steering wheel is very slippery. For me, a steering wheel cover is a must. Every day I wish the car had power locks and windows. I hate that to open the hatchback I have to manually unlock the driver door. I hate the extremely poor lighting inside the cab. I have to use a flashlight to see anything inside the car at night (except for the panels that light up only when the headlights are on). All four of the hubcaps fell off during driving. Road noise is extremely loud on the highway. I feel every little bump in the road. I didn't realize how much that bothered me until one day I started swerving around manhole covers in the street to stop from jarring myself. The A/C freezes my fingers on the steering wheel, but that's as far as it goes towards cooling the cab. I'm on my second key, and it's starting to feel mushy because of all the wear it gets from unlocking the door so many times a day. The Versa keys are the expensive $80 keys. The brakes, although good, make squeaky noises when backing up (like, out of the driveway). The car also makes squealing noises when making tight turns (like, in a parking lot). I've been driving it to-and-from work and around-town for five years now, and all the little annoyances have finally gotten me to start looking for a new car.
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Fun to Drive
J.D., 08/03/2017
updated 08/17/2020
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2009 Versa Hatchback brand new off the lot. I traded a Jeep Cherokee that I loved for this car simply for the MPG. I love driving this car. It's compact, very fuel efficient and well worth the money. I have 144,000+ miles on it, mostly interstate at 70 mph or above. It's fun to drive and comfortable. I have been well pleased. We had a sun roof installed which added to the comfort. Only negatives I have are the air conditioning doesn't cool as much as I like and the cloth on the rear door is turning loose, but with the use it's had - not bad. The engine does sound like a "sewing machine" when pushed, but once you've reached your speed it's fine.
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Sad to post...
jasonmontreal, 02/08/2013
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
For 50,000 km (about 30,000 miles) my Versa was perfect. Then one day the problems started.... 1) Car started to make diesel-like noise every time I accelerated. I took it to the dealer and they informed me there was a crack in the pistons. Result=a new engine at 50,000 km 2) Air conditioning pump failed about 5,000 km later. Dealer repaired under warranty 3) The final draw was this week, when the car wouldn't start and left me stranded in a parking lot at night. I had the car towed to the dealer where I learned that the fuel pump was finished. As the car is out of warranty, repairs were $700 I signed for a Toyota Corolla yesterday, and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.
Really great first car
Cole, 06/30/2019
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
We purchased the hatchback version for my first car two years ago, and it’s a great first car. When we bought it, it had around 140,000 miles on it, and I’ve put about 4,000 miles on it since. It’s had no major mechanical problems, but however, I’ve experienced one minor problem. A couple months ago, the heat shield on the bottom of the car came loose (more than likely from me driving over bumpy railroad tracks on a daily basis) but we were told that it was a useless part, and it didn’t effect the vehicle at all. It got welded off and the problem was solved. The car itself is great to drive. The CVT transmission is great for fuel economy, especially when doing a lot of city driving, however, it can be sluggish trying to accelerate quickly, like when getting on a highway. The CVT can also mean that while driving at highway speeds, the RPM can be higher than in a car with a traditional gear box, so it can be a bit noisier. The engine only produces about 120 hp, and combined with the CVT, trying to drive up a mid-to steep incline, or even driving with a lot of weight in the vehicle can be strenuous on the engine. It’s maybe not a good car (with the CVT, regular transmission is fine) if you live in a mountainous or hilly area, or will be carrying around a lot of passengers or cargo on a regular basis. Also The interior is quite spacious for a small car, with plenty on legroom in the front and back, along with plenty of trunk space, at least for a teenager. As far as entertainment, it has a nice AM/FM radio, along with an auxiliary outlet, so you can play music from your phone. If you want a way to play your music wirelessly, you can find a Bluetooth adaptor for around $20 on Amazon. Depending on the package the vehicle comes with, it has Bluetooth hands free calling, which I find really convenient, and also a bit surprising it’s included since it’s 10 years old. Comfortably, the versa hatchback can fit 4 people, but can fit 5 if someone really wants to sit in the middle seat. As far as downsides, there are a couple things that while not major, can be a bit annoying. My biggest complaint is the lack of a telescopic steering column. The lack of it can lead to having to sit in a position that can be uncomfortable for long periods of time because you have to position the seat to be able to reach the pedals, along with the steering wheel comfortably. My second pet peeve is the mirrors. The side mirrors are tiny, and make it difficult to see around you. Also with the mirrors, the controls for adjusting them are inconveniently located to the left of the steering column, which makes it a little more time consuming and frustrating, at least for me, to adjust the mirrors. Overall, this car is a reliable, efficient, and comfortable vehicle. Even after 10 years and 145,000 miles, it is still running strong. While it does have its downsides, they are minor things, and overall more personal preferences and pet peeves. I’d highly recommend this car to anyone, especially a new driver.
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Not what I am use to
Kristee, 10/30/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I just got my Versa 8 days ago and have already put over 900 miles on it. So far so good! I have always driven a truck or SUV and was very concerned about going to a smaller car. So far I like the Versa. It rides nice and has some nice features. The seats are comfortable and the car seems very quiet. I test drove 5 other cars in its class from other makers and the versa was by far the best one in its price range.
ROOMY, LOTS OF PICKUP...
capergal, 07/19/2011
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Really good mileage - lots of pep on the highway. A little concerned with the braking - mine tends to go an extra foot or so before completely stopping even after brake is fully applied. Dealer says there's no problem. Also, the CVT, although supposedly good for mileage, takes some getting used to. I'm still on the fence about that. On inclines, it does help to slow you down without braking, but this feature isn't always helpful on level ground. As soon as you take your foot off the gas pedal, there's little "coasting" - it stops much quicker than any other car I've driven. Not so sure I like this feature.
2009 Nissan Versa 1.5L Sedan w/AC
BShaffer, 12/28/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I went out to get a fuel efficient entry level car, and this one is what I landed on. I used to like Toyotas, but in comparison to the 1.5L Yaris, this thing takes the cake. This motor, for what it is, really screams. I drove it through 14 inches of snow without a problem last week, and am getting over 40MPG highway on long trips. My average MPG is around 34. It costs around 7.5 cents per mile for gas, which is better than everything else I own, other than my Harley. I did notice a drop in mileage after the synthetic oil was put in at the dealership at 8000 miles. You're not going to beat too many people at the drag strip in this thing, but it's a nice little car.
Cheap Materials
pinoybboy2004, 05/10/2014
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Broken Springs Besides the fact that I overpaid for a whopping 3 year warranty the effort of Nissan to rectify any portion of this incident is non existent. It is sickening to think when I am driving that such a poor quality product is considered acceptable by Nissan. There are several complaints on forums and other consumer websites reporting this same safety issue with Versa springs sheering off completely. Don't let your family drive a Versa.
very reliable
Anonymous, 12/06/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
i've owned this car for 5 months i like the cabin space its as large as some mid sized cars, the engine is very peppy no problem getting on the hgwy. however it could use some storage other than the glove box , and the armrest is woefully inadequate,with that said ive yet to reach gas mileage north of 30 mpg oh and the seats are very firm. overall a good car ,but i really love the cvt transmission a big departure from small cars , the way it pulls thru the gears seamlessly.
First Nissan Ever
dvkiel, 10/11/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought the Versa over the Toyota Matrix (have one already) because of standard features on the Versa. This Versa becomes the wifes car and I get the Matrix. I've had the Versa for one week now and have a little over 100 miles on the car, all city driving. Gas gauge still on full. Car is very quiet and smooth running, CVT is very nice and very quiet. No estimate of MPG yet but am hoping for at least the stated average at this point for city/hwy driving. Great economical car thus far with many great features and good design and style.
Love my Versa
Love my Versa, 09/03/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
First time ever buying a car and a new driver. I love the way my versa rides. It is comfortable. I can see everything around me and I only have to fill my tank I also look good in it. Good Job Nissan!
So far so good
New Nissan Owner, 10/24/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Well, I traded in my previous vehicle of 6 years, a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. Do I really need to say more here? I've only owned the car less than a week but this car is terrific. It's exactly what I was looking for. I was between this and the Honda Fit. The view from the Fit's drivers seat felt like you were too far back-it just felt uncomfortable. Anyway, going from a vehicle with a mpg rating of 15/11 to 33/27 is certainly going to have an impact on my trips to the gas pump (or lack there of), not to mention how much less it will cost me per fill up. I'm very pleased with it's roominess, and the 1.8L CVT engine has more pep than most people will think. Spend the extra $$ for the SL if you can!
Great Value
havingfun, 09/01/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very happy with this purchase. A 2009 Hatchback S with CD player, AC and automatic for $11,500. The engine is so quiet, enough rev for rush hour traffic. Decent sound system and so much space inside. It's the perfect commuter car plus the space to throw the kids, recyclables, and the pets inside when needed. You won't be disappointed. The mpg quoted around 33 seems exact to me. Remembering my 1995 Altima as the best car ever, hoping Versa picks up the torch.
After 2000 miles
anna, 04/29/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my SL hatch 2 months ago (see "New Versa Yesterday") and so far I have no cause for complaint! It averages 32-33mpg mostly highway driving. Definitely spring for the SL if you can.
Not for Montana driving
Shelli Roufley, 01/08/2016
updated 07/14/2016
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have driven front wheel drive little cars in Mt. for almost 30 years, putting on at least 30,000 miles a year. This is the worst car I have ever driven in snow and ice. Regretting this purchase. :( Update: I have had this car a year, and it's falling apart.
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Engine literally FELL out of car driving 35 mph
Leslie W, 09/21/2016
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful
The CVT transmission went out around 96k. No problems until then. Warranty was extended and transmission fixed. However, approximately 10k miles after transmission was fixed, the engine literally fell out of the car while I was driving down a side road, hanging 2 inches off the ground. Neither corporate nor the dealership who originally repaired the car wouls take responsibility. Either a mechanic made an error putting the engine back in, or Nissan is making such cheap cars, your engine may fall out when you hit a pot hole. Very dangerous! What a horrible thing to do to a customer. I'll never buy Nissan again.
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Fourteen years, 90,000 miles and no issues at all
Bill from Tigard, 07/13/2017
updated 01/22/2024
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I've been very pleased with my 2009 Nissan Versa. I've followed the recommended maintenance schedule and have had no problems. I had the tires replaced at 82,000 miles and the brakes checked every 6,000 miles. So far haven't had to have anything done. It's not the most luxurious car out there by any means, but it has served us well. There is one issue, I've lost so many hub caps that I've quit ordering new ones and go without them. Minor issue though.
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Nice car
Eric, 11/08/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is comfortable, peppy, and quiet. Fun to drive. Very easy to clutch and shift. The back seat is very roomy, more than you would expect. The pros rate it as just a blah, so-so car. But they always compare it to another one that is 2-4 thousand more. It seems they do not have to listen to their bank account telling them a little compromise is OK. About the only thing you have to get used to is that on the highway, doing 65-70 mph, even in 6th gear, the engine RPM are about 3K, so you always think you still have to upshift.
dude, where's the maintenance?
Greg Swanson, 01/20/2019
updated 07/23/2020
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in 2011 with 9k miles on it. Drove it to 130k and handed it off to my daughter in college. She drove it last 2 years. We both never had any issue with it. Followed the maintenance schedule which is bare bones, oil, brakes, tires and a tranny flush at 60k I think. For some reason, I found this car to be strangely reliable for the last 9 years. It never let me down. It's not exciting, it looks crappy and it doesn't energize you at all to drive it. But I am so fond of how much money I saved through NOT DOING ANYTHING or EVER HAVING ANY PROBLEM. I am just in awe of this awesome, crappy looking little vehicle. Hat tip to Nissan. ok...here's the maintenance...at 135k the clutch went. I sold it on facebook marketplace in 1 day for 400$. haha..! that car did not owe me a thing. did not put a dime in it...and was never disappointed even on goodbye day...
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Good Car and Great Price
Kentucky owner, 08/03/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.6 Base 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought the 1.6 base model. My out of pocket was 5400 dollars + Tax after the cash for clunkers deal. It is nice not to have a loan to worry about and have a 3 year warranty. That is my biggest rave about this car. I drive about 2 miles to work and back as well as running errands around town. So far this car is doing what I expect it to do. It handles well in the city, has good pick up. It is very utilitarian which is exactly what I wanted. Great commuter car (so far) I am looking for a very low total cost of ownership. Basically I drove my last car for free and I hope I can do the same for this one.
Economic Car Great for a College student
seunghyeon00, 11/28/2012
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
First of all if your looking for a reliable car with great room interior AND small yet not feeling crushed in this is the car for you. I got this car from my parents in high school and I have been driving it ever since. I had it since 09 and no problems I take it to the dealer to get it serviced and my baby has not let me down.
Smiles from Everyone
Scott, 02/17/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My wife loves the fact that when she drives around in her Versa, everyone looks at her and smiles. It's not a common car around here, but she picked it out because she thought it was the cutest. Inside it feels like a larger car. We got a sunroof (the only car in its class that had one as an option) and like the way it handles. CVT is smooth with lots of power and pep! With only 500 miles on the engine, got 32 MPG on highway, 27 MPG on Vermont back roads.
MPG!!
Joe, 09/07/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This Versa hatchback replaced a Honda Prelude that got 32 MPG. We moved 96 miles from work and needed better gas mileage since gas was $4.89 for regular in So. Cal. I am totally amazed by the 37.88 MPG we get on the highway (35 if the A/C is running). I am 6 foot five and weigh 230 lbs. There is plenty of head leg and shoulder room for me and with the driver seat in the furthest position to the rear a normal sized adults legs do not touch the back of my seat. We got the magnetic grey which has a sparkle to the paint and hides dirt well, so washing is only a twice monthly chore. I was able to get 6 bags of topsoil and a 3.3 cubic foot bag of rock in the rear cargo area and still had room.
Love it
Marisa, 09/08/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car has been a pleasure to own and drive. I have a long commute every day and this vehicle very comfortable-- smooth ride, spacious, comfy seats, low cabin noise. This car has TONS of trunk/storage room, way more than I expected and also has lots of head room. It does great with gas mileage and has plenty of pick-up on the highway. The SL is definitely worth the extra money. It has a much nicer interior and a center console (S does not).
Great car for the Price
sluguy, 08/15/2010
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought Versa Hatchback for my wife and found the car to be such a good deal I bought one for myself 2 months later. Currently have 12,000 miles on each car and only problem we have had is a nail in one tire on wife's Versa. Took trip to St. Louis and found the Versa to be quiet,comfortable and great gas mileage. Got 36 MPG on the highway. I would highly recommend the Versa for the consumers who are looking for a great car for a reasonable price.
Engine Knock, High Winding transmission
Christine Bowyer, 04/18/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new, after 637 miles car engine started knocking. High winding transmission noises. Been in the shop for 28 days, serviced 4 times. Changed 6 different parts, then they had to install a new engine. New engine still knocks, Nissan will no longer honor warranty with only 13,000 miles. So am in Arbitration w/ BBB AUTOLINE. Hopefully this will get resolved. Other than all that car is cute, economic about 27-33mph.
Kelly's Versa SL Hatchback
Kelly, 08/20/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had my Versa less than a month. But so far I have been completely satisfied. I do a mixture of city and highway driving and am getting 30-31 MPG. No mechanical problems of any sort. I love the Intelligent Key and the Bluetooth. They were so worth the money. This is my first Nissan, but I have nothing but praise for it. The Sapphire Blue is gorgeous and I have gotten several compliments. I wish the interior was a bit lighter in color as it shows every spec of dirt. But that is minor. The CVT has a lot of get up and go and I have no problems on the highway. Love this car.
Excellence in function and design
dchrisj, 07/24/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
With 195 total miles on car when purchased, took a 139 mile trip, with mostly freeway speeds of 75 mph. Totally surprised with first tank of gas at 37.3 mpg! Interior design is spacious and well thought out. Instrumentation is well designed and readable, however, like every Nissan I've owned (Pathfinder, XTerra, and Titan) light and visibility in bright daylight is not on a par with the rest of the interior design. Although readable, it is only just. Fabric on seats with SL option is great - very comfortable and appears to be durable. Bluetooth was a total surprise. I never thought I would use it. But after a very few minutes of setting up, found it to be intuitive and fun.
versa hatchback 1.8 manual
john, 06/04/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have 4000 miles on barebones, manual locks, windows, 6 speed hatchback. AC is strong enough for Florida summer. Quick enough for highway merging. Comfortable seating, front and rear. Very good visibility, this and crash rating were seller for me. Paid 13500 out the door including tags and taxes . Also included dealer installed cruise control. Only negative is that 1st gear is sometimes hard to find.Have driven sticks for last 20+ years and have never had this problem before. Wife feels gearing is too short between gears as well. OVERALL happy with purchase but would have liked ABS. bundling would increase price by $2000.
Reliable but junk
Sweller778, 02/07/2022
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had a 2009 Nissan Versa SL with the manual transmission. I can say it was dead reliable and fairly tough but that's where the good stuff stops. It was loud inside, everything rattles or vibrates, the engine feels frantic at highway speeds, the steering is laughably numb, the brakes are garbage, the handling is comically bad, and the ubiquitous plastic is brittle. The headlights are so bad. The stereo is bad. It is cheap, non ABS, no TC, basic transportation. The seats are comfortable. And if you don't want to feel any remorse for beatong on a car, this is the one. When it was raining, this thing would spin the tires up through third if you kept the accelerator matted when rowing through the gears. At least until the third gear synchro starts to wear out and get grindy. And let's be real, the styling is SOOOOOOOO bad.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Exceeds My Expectations!
Meshella, 09/03/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have to admit, I cried when my husband traded in our 02 VW Beetle for this car. This is my first Nissan and I am VERY impressed by the quality of this car. The ride is smooth and quiet, plenty of head and leg room for everyone to fit comfortably, and amenities galore you would not expect to find on such a well priced car ($18,400)! We have close to 8K miles on our SL Versa. The gas mileage went from OK (27 mpg) to GREAT (32) as it becomes more broken in. We have every option imaginable, sunroof, bluetooth, remote keyless entry/ignition, cruise, CVT, stero upgrade with AUX port, steering controls, power everything, sporty body kit upgrade and no problem with any of it.
Not a Cadillac, but who cares
Karen, 08/25/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I came to own this car after my second used car died on me and felt that it was time to get a car with a dealer's warranty, and Nissan's bumper to bumper warranty caught my attention, and then the Versa I've read reviews where people have not exactly found this car to be particularly sporty, however, I must say I disagree. With the trend in cars that are on the road going to cars designed like the Versa, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris, the Versa is a winner. The design I feel is more classy than it is modern or trendy. The tapered design is nice and economic and it most certainly is a comfortable ride. The space is a major plus, I never thought a small car would have this much room.
Poor Quality
Zane, 12/03/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have had our Versa for 2 oil changes and if Nissan had the same program as GM we would give it back. We have had Nissan since there name was Datsun, and this is absolutely the worst Nissan we have had for quality. The basic problem is that most everything that has broken cannot be fixed; as most of them are interment. Two examples; one the serpentine belt squeals not all the time - not every day; two the CVT belt has a low level gone (low frequency noise), you can sometimes hear when stopped and the radio is off. Both of these problem will only get worse, I just hope they break while the car is still under warranty.
Great on gas, but has transmission issues
Anonymous from CA, 04/25/2022
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Had 2 '09 Versa's at different times, both automatics. The first one, I had from 2014-2019 but previous owner had it since 2009-2014. Transmission had issues at times, and at one point it started slipping. Other issues came down the line years later so I sold it. The second Versa, which I currently have (got it during 2020) has had minor issues such as the driver door handle breaking off three times, bad spark plugs needing replacement, battery needing replacement, etc. As for the interior, it is below average and the leather melted off the sides of the doors on the inside during summer time so the armrest is sticky. Previous owner had my current Versa from 2009-2020. I think this is a good first car, if you are only driving local distances. As for driving on freeways and highways, it is doable but randomly unreliable at times. If I had to pick a better commute car, I'd rather drive a newer Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla over this car. Funny thing is, it really is good on gas and that's not a lie.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My first Nissan ever
dkiel, 10/08/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After having owned a Toyota Echo and a Toyota Matrix I decided to give the Nissan Versa a try. So far I must say that initially I am impressed by the smoothness of the CVT and the get up and go of the 4 cyl eng. Overall the interior is nice but the front seat armrest is a total useless joke. It is not high enough or long enough to lay your arm on. Hope they fix that in upcoming models. Haven't it it long enough to evaluate the gas mileage but hopefully it will fulfill the commuter car requirements around town and the occasional out of town trip. Good little car for the money.
Homework done, good car for the money
The aipster, 08/28/2008
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had Sentras and Maximas in the past, and the fit and finish on this car is similar to a Sentra. Engine slightly more powerful than the Honda fit or the Kia rio5. Much more roomy and comfortable seats than the other two. Smooth quiet acceleration without engine laboring. Surprisingly nice handling and tight turn radius. My previous car was a Pontiac GTO (great sportscar, gas hog, no trunk) and while the versa is no sports car, it's fun to drive and saves $$ on gas. The seats are spacious, comfortable and there is more than ample head and leg room. Seats do fold down but not flush in the back. Plenty of cup holders and power plugs. Great inexpensive roomy little car.
This car is GREAT!
ES, 02/12/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The 2009 Nissan 1.8 SL Hatchback was not even in my radar when I started doing my research for a new car. 48 hours after test driving one, though, I ordered it with all the available packages. This car is very fun to drive and has enough zip to not disappoint. CVT makes the ride so much smoother and quieter than the 2009 Honda Fit (I test drove both cars back to back on the same day). Edmunds.com may think it's a plain car, but I love it. Nothing complicated; just sound Nissan engineering.
Awesome Car
Computergeek, 03/19/2009
2009 Nissan Versa 1.8 SL 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
What is there not to say. I love this Car. It feels like a large car, but with a sub-compact price. I got mine loaded minus the sport package. I am 6'0" tall and have plenty of room. It keeps up well on the interstate. Car is small, but safe.