2012 Nissan Versa Review: Cheap Compact Car Loaded With Serious Problems

Alex Showalter

Mar 31, 2022

The 2012 Versa only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of drivetrain failures reported. At $5,812 – 6,787, it’s not worth the money with the high ownership costs.

The Good

The cabin is spacious for a compact car, there’s more cargo room than rivals and the suspension is smooth.

The Bad

The engine is very underpowered, the stereo system is basic and interior materials are cheap.

Is the 2012 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?

No, 2012 is a bad year. Owners complain about the interior falling apart, electrical sensor failures, and mechanical breakdowns.
Reliability ratings are poor. Avoid models from 2012-2014 and go with a 2015 or newer which have fewer transmission failures.
Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engines.
The Versa is a safe sedan getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award.
Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Annette Z

The car of my family dreams.

This is a fuel efficient family car. I love how versatile it is. This car has get up and go, great for driving long distances and local too. I can take it in the city, to the mountains, beach. It handles like a dream even in snow conditions. It is such a fun car to drive.

Krystle K

It has been extremely reliable in the winter.

My vehicle is roomy, great on gas, travels well, and is very good in many different weather conditions. The interior is a little outdated for me as I would like Bluetooth for talk and music, but the speakers are wonderful and the car has a great sound system. I get confused with setting the clock sometimes. The left drivers side turn signal gives me trouble and does not want to stay lit.

Liz K

It is really good on gas mileage.

Never had a single problem. Even hit a deer and it didn't leave a dent! Has gotten me from point A to point B and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Daria G

The car that is the perfect starter.

It is very functional. However, the pick-up with the acceleration is low. There are a few cosmetic issues such as paint fading. The door handles are not secure. There is not a visible temperature gauge. There are not any arm rests in the middle console. Lots of space and great on gas.

kaitlyn g

Compact car with a lot of room!

My 2012 Nissan Versa has been one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. Thru the crazy weather we get here in the Midwest she has never failed me. General maintenance is realistically priced and she is holding her value well. The fact that me at 5"1' and my husband at 6"3' both fit comfortably inside is a huge perk! I also really like the roominess of the trunk, it helps with big shopping trips and road trips. Speaking of road trips she is really great on gas. My only qualm is that the gas tank is small. Like 10 gallons I believe.

Carrie M

It is a reliable car that is useful for a lot of different lifestyles

My vehicle is a good size for me and fits a lot of stuff. The back seats fold down which gives me more space. The radio is outdated and needs replacing. It has needed minimal servicing in the past 6 years.

vicente c

The car that i own is very reliable, you cannot go wrong with a nissan.

Overall, i believe it is a very smooth drive. The car doesn't require too much maintenance. It does not consume too much gas. Very reliable in the end.

Adrienne B

Good value, low maintenance,

Very good on gas mileage, price on car was average, not too expensive. Ok roominess. A little road noise, on car maintenance is very good. Average looking car. Easy on the budget. Wish it had a center console between the front seats. Wish it had a mirror on visor drivers side.

Negative Owner Reviews

Brooke B

Watch out for that transmission

I guess while it lasted it was a cute car. Good gas mileage but not even 8 years old, 2 transmissions later, 2 starters, 2 Mass Air Flow sensors and I am not even sure how many tail lights later, the car is on its way to the salvage yard. Also, lots of recalls on the seat-belt system (kind of a really big deal). Paint peels on the hood also. All of this before 110,000 miles. I really expected more from Nissan. Big Oof.

Anna R

This car has a terrible transmission! Buy a more reliable brand!

We are extremely mad because our cars transmission went out around 68,000 miles and our cousin had the same thing happen who owns the Nissan Sentra at about the same amount of miles. We have done research and found out that it is extremely common for this to happen and we feel that this should not happen at such a low millage. This cost us over $3000 to fix.

Milanya T

Not a great car but it was reliable when it worked.

This car has been problem after problem for me!! I bought it a year ago and it is already dead in the parking lot. My axle went back so I was getting 2 front tires every week and then I fixed that and then my air went out in the middle of summer and then it started skipping and then a brake pad fell off the car!!

Katie F

Cheap but not worth the money.

It runs decent, no extra features. The inside is falling apart, it was not put together well. Multiple issues in the 4 years I have had it. Car does not do well with water on road, ice or snow. Has depreciated in value substantially since purchase as well as multiple recalls on important safety features.

Steve White

Bad Transmission

We bought this car used in 2014. It was for our daughter who was very good to her car. She did all her oil changes every 5000 km (usually just before it was due). She did all preventive maintenance when it was due. She looked after it very well. For the most part it worked pretty good up until4 months ago. It was 7 years old, when her transmission started to give her problems. With 110000 km on it. Within a month it was un-drivable. We were told by the local dealer that a new transmission would cost $4500 to replace. Not worth fixing as the car isn't worth much more then $5500. We have owned 4 other Nissan's.one was a standard sentra and two Murano's.we currently still own a 2011 Murano which we will be selling asap. Basically we will never buy another nissan as long as the use the CVT as a transmission. It can't be rebuilt as I am told the nissan parts are too expensive to be worth it. A transmission specialist informed me they are a through away car when the transmission goes. I am very disappointed and not happy.

Jennifer T

The rogue has good gas mileage.

The vehicle is too small. Although it is gas friendly, it is physical structure has been problematic.

Joe M

Not a great car, will try and replace fast.

It is falling apart. The interior is coming completely undone and the gas cap will not open reliably. The car makes weird noises when stopped. I am not sure how much longer the far will last. I also have to use a screwdriver to close the hood on most occasions.

Emilie G

Decent car, limited space.

There is not much head space, I am 5'11 and struggle to sit in the back of the car, and have difficulty in seeing traffic lights due to the short windshield. The mileage is not bad, but the car is slow to accelerate. I appreciate the car being compact, but it does compromise in trunk space and the back seat is very cramped.

What Do Critics Say About the Versa?

Consumer Reports finds the Versa to be slow and clumsy with low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds rates the Versa 3.0/5 and likes the roomy interior, but does not like the bland driving experience.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Versa a 3.9/5 and say it’s comfortable, but there are many mechanical problems.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 Nissan Versa Have?

Very serious problems found in the 2012 Versa include transmission failures, stalling engines, and getting stuck in park.

Transmission failures are extremely widespread at around 70,000 miles. Replacing the transmission for over $3,500 is the only solution when it fails.

Stalling engines are another common complaint that shows up at nearly 40,000 miles. The source of the problem is usually fuel delivery including the fuel pump and injectors. Replacing the pump costs about $1,000 and new injectors are around $750.

Being stuck in park is a frequent issue in the first 50,000 miles. The transmission linkage cable is a weak spot and replacing it for $400 fixes the issue.

There are 10 recalls with the most serious being for springs corroding which increases the risk of a crash if they snap. Most of the other recalls are for air bags and are not a concern when replaced.

How Long Will the 2012 Nissan Versa Last?

A 2012 Versa can last about 150,000 miles when properly cared for, only half as long as more reliable competitors including the Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $519 per year.

As a Versa reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace the A/C compressor for $900, timing chain tensioner costing $750, and transmission mount which costs $165.

Laura L

Yes it is been very reliable. The only things that have needed to be fixed were very minor, such as a small crack in the exhaust from driving on icy uneven roads.

Angel A

It is a reliable car but there has been some problems with the transmission. I receive something in the mail stating that it is a recall on the transmission and they are suing Nissan.

Aubrey M

It is reliable. The only mechanical issues I have had is a dead battery once. After I replaced the battery it had no other issues. It did get new airbags because they were recalled.

Kim S

I have had a few problems with the emission control system. It is not very quiet when driving at higher speeds.

Aly L

Not at all, I'm very happy with it. Very low maintenance costs and hardly any issues with the car itself

Jonathan W

It is reliable. It is a bit of a rough ride, I liken it to a go-kart but, all in all it is a decent car.

Donald R

Very reliable. I have not had any problems since I got the car. Just recently I needed to change the breaks because they’re screeching but that is normal use. I've driven this car from Sacramento to San Diego more than a dozen times and I've had zero issues.

Andrew B

No problems so far. After six years I have a few repairs but nothing major. My only criticism is that the supports on each side of the windshield are very thick and impair visibility.

How Much Is the 2012 Nissan Versa Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,812 – 6,787, making the Versa over $2,000 cheaper than a Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $10,990 to $15,990. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars losing about 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Versa?

There are three models of the 2012 Versa available. The technology is poor even though it was redesigned for 2012. There’s a better infotainment system added for the 2015 model.

S is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Air Conditioning
Two Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm Jack

SV is a step up adding:

Cruise Control
Premium Cloth Seating
Power Windows And Locks
Keyless Entry
4-Speaker Stereo System

SL is the flagship model and has:

15-Inch Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Folding Rear Seats
Navigation System With Satellite Radio

109 HP 33 MPG

View Details

122 HP 27 MPG

View Details

122 HP 30 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Versa?

The Versa sedan comes with a very weak 1.6L 4-cylinder with only 109 horsepower.
The hatchback has a weak 1.8L 4-cylinder making 122 horsepower, which takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.

What Colors Does the Versa Come In?

How Big Is the Versa?

The Versa is an average sized subcompact car available as a coupe and hatchback similar to the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. Passenger room is surprisingly good throughout the cabin with plenty of room for adults even in the backseats.

Cargo space is excellent for a sedan with 14.8 cubic feet of room in the trunk, and the hatchback has a maximum of 50 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.

How Does the Versa Compare to the Competition?

The Nissan Sentra is a close rival costing about $1,000 more. Where the Sentra stands out is with more powerful engines, but the cabin is more comfortable in the Versa. Avoid both cars due to serious transmission issues.

The Toyota Corolla is another competitor, which costs about $3,000 more. Reliability ratings and ownership costs are significantly better in the Corolla, but the Versa is more spacious. We recommend the Corolla since they last longer with fewer problems.

Ranks #30 Small Cars by Owners

2012 Volkswagen GLI

4.8

2012 Volkswagen Eos

4.76

2012 Nissan Versa

3.95

Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?

Laura L

Yes, it gets good gas mileage and it has been very reliable. I also like the value for the price and I like the design.

Angel A

Yes the car is good for people who has a small family. It would be a good for a first car. When I first got the car back in 2014 I loved it but since than our family have grown and it is time for a bigger car.

Aubrey M

It runs well with regular maintenance. It does have some wiring issues and fuse issues. The electric window button no longer rolls down the passenger side window, the radio most often does not work but will randomly turn on sometimes and the check engine and low tire lights come on and off frequently on the dashboard.

Kim S

It is ok, I like it. I would probably not buy it again. It is small but not too small. It is not very fancy.

Kate M

Yes. Great mileage, durable, low maintenance cost, maintains frame while in car accidents, looks nice

Aaron C

It is a basic vehicle without any add-ons. It has been very reliable during my ownership. I would like there to be a few enhancements or features but, it gets the job done.

Nadine B

Yes it is. Very reliable, comfortable and smooth. I have had the car since college and have had zero issues with it. It’s small size makes it easy to take anywhere yet very spacious on the inside. The gas mileage is great. It takes about 35 dollars to fill up the take and will last ,me about a week and a half depending on the driving I do.

Jimbo O

Yes. It gets excellent gas mileage. Has a zippy engine. And is small enough to handle and maneuver easily.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Jen on May 5, 2023

Good for value

I had 180k miles on my 2012 versa and it only left me because a pathfinder hit me and totaled it. Things I constantly had to fix - automatic door locks. They would make an awful noise, lock me in and it was expensive to fix. All four went out at different times but the second time one went out I just had the automatic part unattached. It did lack power. Really was like a turtle up a hill. Not exciting but it was reliable enough.

Eliz Hutton on July 28, 2023

If well taken care of it seems to be a very good car

I have taken good care of my Nissan 2012 and now have 200,000 miles on it. I do a lot of driving and had good results. Worried as Mileage is high. However, the car is well taken care of wondering if the engine will be going out.

Cathie T on June 25, 2021

Great little car, not good in winter weather.

It is a good dependable little car. Have had very little mechanically go wrong. The main issue I have with my car is because it is smaller and light it does not do well on the winter at all. It does not get good traction in snow and ice. And if it is windy it does get blown around alot.

Ashley S on June 22, 2021

Good for what I paid for it.

I just wish I could have afforded a better vehicle for my family. More amenities. Especially a car starter. The bumper has a crack in it and the service engine soon light comes on for every little thing. It also says my tire is low in pressure but I have checked and it is fine.

Bililynn S on June 13, 2021

Review of Nissan versa hatchback.

Just have basics, but that was my preference. Live in a city and car is compact. Does not use much gas nor take up too much space for street parking. Smallish hatchback, but still quite roomy for my needs. Good gas mileage both in city and on long-distance trips.

Ashley B on May 30, 2021

Car was affordable for the time.

I would like in the car is center console, temperature gauge for outside. For the year of the car, it does have Bluetooth and many cup holders. At the time, I loved it. IStorage everything in the cup holders. All of features of the car is good. I like that car, but now it is the little things I wished I had. I wished it more controls for heat and ac.

Niccole M on May 19, 2021

It is a very good little car.

It performs perfectly fine and I rarely ever have problems. The vehicle is a really great starter car and gets me where I need to be. It has mostly power everything so it is comfortable and is basic enough for my taste. What more could I ask for in a car.

Billi W on May 12, 2021

It is amazing on gas. I rarely need to put gas in it.

I really enjoy my car. I have 110000 mile and I have had no real big issues. I mean of course regular oil changes and tune ups.. It had done me well. I have replaced the starter. I also took a trip from Orlando Florida to Atlanta Georgia and was only $40 in gas.

Taylor H on May 9, 2021

If you like a small reliable car then this is the car for you.

There are no problems it is a great car and, it is great on gas very comforting to drive. It is a 4 door and has a acceleration button as well as a cruise button. I had it for a year and it still drives like I just bought it off the lot yesterday. If you like something small this the car for you.

Laura H on April 20, 2021

Great car, reliable and dependable!

I love that my Nissan gets great mileage. It is nice and compact and dependable. The only problem I have had with it is the air conditioning going out so that can be a bit pricey but overall it is a dependable car that you can rely on to get you where you need to go.

Valarie M on April 15, 2021

The most fantastic family car.

The 2012 4 door Nissan versa I have has been very reliable. It is great on gas! It drives smooth. It has power windows and locks. The back seat is really roomy. I am able to put a car seat in the backseat without any trouble. I do not feel like I am sitting on the ground. The hatchback is convenient to load groceries or whatever you may be hauling. It is a fantastic family car. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

May A on April 14, 2021

Perks of a compact Nissan versa.

The versa is perfect for a single and compact girl that does not want to worry about parking in smaller spaces. The car has a decent size trunk and has taken me in many road trips. The car is also very economic and reliable. There are a few maintenance regarding filling up the tired there are temperature changes.

Sharon L on April 3, 2021

I have had my vehicle for three years. I guess all in all it's a pretty good car.

I bought my car used. At first it was great, but now has many issues. I am constantly putting money into it. I guess that is what happens when you buy a used car. You are buying someone's headache that they got rid of. I like Nissan, next time I am going to try to buy a car.

Jen W on April 2, 2021

It has good gas mileage and very dependable.

I love my Nissan versa because it is a good faithful car that gets me to where I need to be without problems. The gas mileage is very good and can find parts anywhere.

Daria G on March 29, 2021

The car that is the perfect starter.

Jessica a on March 29, 2021

This particular make and model has CVT. I do not recommend this type of transmission. After doing some research, I have discovered that the issues we are having.are quite common with CVT.

I loved this car when I first bought it. The Versa is nice and roomy. It's also quite a comfortable car to drive. The car started having issues at about 30000 miles, which was quite surprising. I was just one month past my warranty, so any repairs have had to be out of pocket.

vicente c on March 28, 2021

The car that i own is very reliable, you cannot go wrong with a nissan.

Overall, i believe it is a very smooth drive. The car doesn't require too much maintenance. It does not consume too much gas. Very reliable in the end.

Judy A on March 28, 2021

2012 versa' s recalls from the dealership.

My versa was a pre-owned one that has had three recalls for various parts of the car; they were all covered by the extended warranty that the dealership kind of included in the price explaining why it would be good to have. They think they knew they were selling a possible lemon! I do not like that the "service engine " light comes on constantly.

Isa H on March 23, 2021

Very reliable vehicle that has been through it all with me.

I have owned my Nissan versa for about five years, the car has had little to no issues. The fenders and bumper are kind of flimsy so I did have to re-bolt them on, but mechanically it has been perfect obviously have regular oil changes and brake checks but that is it. Over the years it is kept a good mileage and has been the most reliable driver.

Myranda S on March 22, 2021

Durable and great car with lack in minor details.

The car is actually held up very well. The few problems I have are not really significant issues, just preferences. For example, there is no mirror on the driver side, and the seats are not automatic. Also, after about 1 year, my locks did stopped working properly. When I lock my car now, I click the lock doors button, but the driver side door does not lock, I have to lock that door manually with the key. Other than that, I have not have issues with my car.

Liz T on March 22, 2021

Replacement car parts are relatively cheap and the service is low maintenance.

It is compact, cute, and low maintenance. It is relatively inexpensive. It is non descriptive and easy to drive. It is Japanese and I think japan is cool.

Sandy B on March 20, 2021

Great value & quality for your money.

Really like my car. Great mileage. So far, affordable maintenance costs. Holds more than you think it would. Did at year 4 have the fuel pump and fuses go out. About 3, 000$ worth of work. Run well still. Dependable. Affordable to insure. Great value and quality for the price.

Cindy R on March 19, 2021

Best car I've ever owned!

Extremely reliable. Fantastic on gas. Only problem is Drivers side visor won't stay up and ring holding floor mats in place broke off early on. Very comfortable and spacious. No other problems ever. Includes cruise control, iOS plug, storage dividers in back, auto windows and locks. Never have to use keys as long as they're in pocket. Alarm beeps to keep from locking keys in. Headlights run off & on automatically.

Michael S on March 19, 2021

Its inexpensive as far as car payments.

Its as 4 cylinder and doesn't drive well on wet roads or ice. Not very heavy and not good traction with the tires. Not as very powerful engine.

Jean W on March 17, 2021

Gas mileage is very good and very easy to drive.

Best on gas mileage and very safe to drive and handles very nicely. Versa are a very good car and spacey. It takes anywhere from $15-25 to fill up depending on gas prices and how empty you let the tank get. Nissan are easy to get parts for and there is dealerships everywhere if you need parts and most mechanics can fix it.

Marrisa H on March 16, 2021

Basic day to day reliable vehicle.

Great simple car. Great on gas, reliable, and comfy seats! Had to replace the fuel pump in 2020. No center console or armrests. Driven on long distance drives with no issues. Small and compact for easy parking. Cruise control is easy to use. Steering wheel has cruise control access as well.

Joe M on March 15, 2021

Not a great car, will try and replace fast.

Melissa F on March 12, 2021

Nissan Versa - 5 door- a good reliable car.

I have a 5 door Nissan Versa with over 100,000 miles on it. I have taken it to New Orleans and Taos and have taken several smaller vacations in it quite comfortably. Nowadays, it's showing some signs of wear and tear, but it starts reliably in all kinds of weather and the mileage is good.

Gabriela P on March 12, 2021

2012 Nissan versa sv extremely reliable!

It was the first car I have ever had. It has been through a lot, but it is still kicking! Very reliable car. Has standard features for 2012 standards like Bluetooth and cruise control. I have driven it long distances countless of times and it has never let me down.

cindy l on March 10, 2021

It's dependable. It's reliable. It doesn't / hasn't given me any mechanical trouble. It's roomy and comfy.

It is economical. It's versatile. I can fit a lot of people in it. I can put the seats down and haul stuff. The seats are high enough that no one has to duck to get in it. Love love love it

Ash J on March 10, 2021

A good, reliable car: the Nissan versa.

It is a very basic model of the car which can be very frustrating as it does not have a ton of technological advancement. That being said, the car sounds great and runs smoother than butter. It is super affordable on gas and you will not need to fill it as much. The car does come with an aux cord so you can easily play your favorite type of music. Overall, the Nissan versa is a very reliable car that is great for any first time car owner.

Carla B on March 7, 2021

Its economical with a lot of uses.

My Nissan versa is perfect for me. I do a lot of shopping. My car is a hatchback so I can anything in it such as lumber. It turns on a dime and its just my style!

Yishmael O on March 7, 2021

Nissan versa note is a good small and reliable vehicle.

Car was stopped running when a some screw got loose and wasn't touching the battery. Car as plenty of room on the inside. Performance was ok. It did not have a lot of features it's like a basic car with no automatic windows. It has great mileage and is really reliable.

Margaret P on March 5, 2021

Quick and fun to drive. Great gas mileage.

I bought this car 1. It had room for 2 car seats. 2. It was a manual transmission. I have really enjoyed it. With the hatchback it has a ton of cargo space, especially with the seats down. It's fun to drive and handles well. There is not much leg room for taller passengers even in the front seat, but it's fine for me at 5'7'. I haven't had any problems mechanically at all. I keep up on regular oil changes ect. And have only replaced the battery and brake pads. For a car with 185000 miles I have no complaints. I will probably keep my little car till the tires fall off. The only reason for the 4 stars is the lack of legroom, and no center console or armrest.

Christina M on March 5, 2021

Nissan Versa 2012 great car to have

Nissan Versa 2012 is a great reliable car. I love it because of its size it might look small from the outside but it is nice and roomy in the inside. It has an aux plug so you can plug in your phone and listen to your favorite tunes. Has 4 cup holders which is great if you have any kids 'if you know what I mean.' Also has very comfortable seats which is great if you drive for hours. I love it!

Jonathan S on February 28, 2021

I travel a lot. So my car gets some good mileage put on it. Runs great when going on longer trips.

Great gas mileage, no issues mechanically. Keep regular service. Hit a deer a few months ago. Had some damage bit withstood pretty well

Heather V on February 27, 2021

Love the car and would recommend.

My car is safe and gets good mileage. I wish that the Bluetooth option works. I have almost 80,000 miles and aside from the standard needs, I have never had a problem. I would definitely buy a newer model of this car and would recommend to a friend. 5 stars.

Charmaine U on February 26, 2021

A very nice and economic car

Big enough and very economic.I like that I can actually put a lot of my stuff in the trunk....Very easy to drive.

Latonya H on February 26, 2021

My black Nissan versa note.

My Nissan versa is alright. We had some trouble with it within the first couple months of renting it. The air suddenly stopped working and were still not sure why that happened and when we got it fixed the radio stopped working as well. I have had this car for about 17 months now and nothing else has happened since then. The only problem I do have with this car is the crank handle I have to use for the windows instead of a power window.

Katelyn L on February 25, 2021

The gas mileage on the Nissan is great, in 1 month I am only spending 200 on gas.

It is perfect for road trips and drives beautifully and lasts a very long time. It has a very roomy back seat and trunk, the black seats are impossible to strain and very easy to clean. The seats of the car are very comfortable and are useful on long trips especially on long trips or car rides and by far my favorite thing is the gas mileage, I full up one a week and it is only about $20 if not a little less, the most reliable car on the market.

Carl F on February 25, 2021

Nissan versa 4 door hatchback.

I replaces 2 control arms, battery, back and front brakes since I bought the car 3 years ago. Rides nice. Good on gas. Very reliable. Has traction control which helps in snow. The hatch is very useful for extra room for stuff. Nice compact car that feels like you have room. It is a four door.

Kenya M on February 25, 2021

My car give me excellent service.

I have been a client of Nissan since august 2012. I have bought my first fresh out of the box new vehicle on July of 2012 through versa 16sv Nissan. From that point forward, I have had numerous occurrences with my vehicle having mechanical issues. I love my vehicle for it is toughness.

Alicia L on February 24, 2021

Nissan Versa problems in their cars.

It drives well. No problems mechanically only if it does not get an oil change for a long time does it have problems. Then it does have problems it shuts your car off and the engine light comes on and you have to restart the car. That is why I wish I bought a different car. It also has a small gas tank so I have to fill up more often and I work a lot of hours so it is not ideal. Has basic designs and no bells and whistles. Standard radio. Automatic transmission and power windows. Drives nice and sits 5.

Rene D on February 19, 2021

Love my Nissan versa always

It saves gas and I drive fast no lag on the engine. I only had to replace the fuel tank and normal oil and breaks

Maggie B on February 16, 2021

2012 Nissan Versa Review.

It's an older version of the car and so there are not very many cool gadgets. There have been many safety recalls recently for it, too. The most recent one has been for an air bag that is defective. It is small and easy to park but there are no cameras or sensors. It is also pretty lightweight so when you go on the highway and it's too windy, you look like a drunk driver because you weave all over the place. However, it is a pretty reliable car otherwise and the gas mileage is great.

Dustin S on February 12, 2021

It drives well and saves you money on gas

I like that it is good on gas mileage and is mostly free of any mechanical issues. The interior is small.

Pansey G on February 9, 2021

It is a good car for a student or elder person. This car is not built for the city because of slow take offs. Of I could do it over again I would not buy car

I like that my car is cheap on gas. I hate that's it's so small. I dislike when the wind blows too hard it hard to keep car on road. I dislike that I cannot open trunk from key have to be done from inside

EJ M on February 8, 2021

Low power and noisy small car

The car doesn't have much acceleration power. The car can be quite noisy at higher speeds. The seats wear quickly, and can be uncomfortable after a while. Despite the good gas mileage, I find myself refilling quickly due to the small gas tank. Going uphill causing the car to labor a little

Samantha C on February 6, 2021

I have nothing good to say about this car

Brakes need done, it is a very slow car, the transmission needs replaced often, the steering wheel belt scrapes and sounds terrible, the lights come lose a lot, the carpet tears easy, if I would have known all the problems I would have had I would have never bought this car

Rebecca S on February 6, 2021

Great overall vehicle, so much space.

I bought it rebuilt so it has its own set of concerns that are not typical for this vehicle type, but even with that, I love this vehicle. No major issues with how it runs or starts, super comfortable, great control and acceleration. I can rely on it for anything.

Denise B on February 3, 2021

It is great for puttering around town but not very comfortable on a trip.

Not the most comfortable car I have ever had but it gets good mileage. Haven't had any problems with it so far. The trunk is pretty roomy. I feel like the seat sits too far forward (too close to the steering wheel). I love that you can raise and lower the seat so you can really see well. I really wish it came in another color. There are thousands just like mine on the road.

LeeAnne W on January 30, 2021

Great car, annoying brake light.

My versa has lasted 9 years so far. It is been a great, reliable car. It is starting to get a little beat up now, but my family and I are not exactly gentle on our vehicles. The only thing I do not really like about it is the fact that, in order to change the 3rd brake light, you must buy an entire new piece (not just a bulb) and remove the old/replace with the new. We like to do a lot of our upkeep ourselves and, while it is not too difficult, it is just enough of an annoyance. All around great car though.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.