From Nissannews.com

[Ivy]

2009 Nissan Versa Hatchback and Sedan

Introduced in the 2007 model year, Versa remains one of Nissan’s hottest-selling models. Versa comes with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of three transmissions, including Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVTä (Continuously Variable Transmission). The 2009 Nissan Versa goes on sale in June 2008. There are no significant changes from the 2008 model. A series of revisions will be introduced later in the 2009 model year, including:· Power automatic door locks (standard on 1.8 SL, optional on 1.8 S)· Four new exterior paint colors: Red Brick, Metallic Blue, Sonoran Sand, Artic Blue (Hatchback models only) The 2009 Nissan Versa is available in four models: 1.8 S Hatchback (6MT, 4AT), 1.8 SL Hatchback (CVT), 1.8 S Sedan (6MT, 4AT) and 1.8 SL Sedan (4AT).

[srellim234]

Great. We need paint that will last and instead they give us new colors. We need cars that don't rattle and instead they upgrade the door locks. We need weather stripping that doesn't fall off the car and fuel pumps that work and instead they do nothing.

I know I'm being overly sarcastic and negative here, but at this point I've really soured on Nissan. I really would like to be in a financial position to get out of this car.

[feloniousmonk]

Great. We need paint that will last and instead they give us new colors. We need cars that don't rattle and instead they upgrade the door locks. We need weather stripping that doesn't fall off the car and fuel pumps that work and instead they do nothing.

I got news for you. Even a BMW that originally sold for $42,000 rattles. The Versa is a entry level car, what do you expect? You don't by fast food and complain that it isn't gourmet.

[kc5f]

The Versa is a entry level car, what do you expect?

Honestly, I expected a lot less than I got - that's why I bought a Versa after looking into it. I've always owned entry-level vehicles and never had one that's as quiet, solid and problem-free as this one. And my wife's had several minivans that cost 50-100% more than my cars and has had all of the problems listed above. I guess it's somewhat the luck of the draw, but certainly all Versas don't have such problems.

[XterraVersa]

That Sonoran Sand looks sharp. I wish they had it on the Versas sold in 2006.

I went to the local dealer to check out a Z, but also looked around the lot. That dealer has two 2008 Vs left & about ten 2009 Vs on the lot. All the 2009s were SL CVT HB models.

[Slither]

My 2 year old Versa has been problem free... and I suspect in-demand on the used lot.

By contrast consider this - 2 year old SUV owners are finding their vehicles have plummeted 70% in value -OUCH! [Not so bad if they leased.] Imagine how much that is if you brought a 40K SUV in 06?

It seems the SUV market has gone from major to niche in 6 months of gas prices.

[feloniousmonk]

Honestly, I expected a lot less than I got.

Same here and pleasantly surprised once I drove it. In some respects it's put together better than my 7 year old BMW. The only problem I've had was the gas door release prior to its first tank of gas after leaving the dealer, which was promptly fixed by the apologetic dealer who provided a loaner Sentra. 27mpg average, 80% city driving. No complaints except for the dangerous, low traction, tires. Those things are pure garbage.

[BBISHOPPCM]

No complaints here. Just gave my car the annual once-a-year stem-to-stern detail job, and she looks as good as she did on 1/5/07. Damn, what a beautiful car... I love the clean body lines, high shoulder line... one of the best looking cars in its class. Yes, SUV owners are in a world of hurt right now. And I may sound like a snob, but SUVs are a very selfish vehicle; people only buy them to make others feel jealous of them, with exception; if they truly are into boating, camping, or off-roading (those people I sympathize with), but the soccer moms and business yuppies who drive Escalades and Expeditions would have been better off buying more humble vehicles like station wagons or minivans. The more fuel we consume as a nation, the higher we pay in the long run.

[Rockhound]

...And I may sound like a snob, but SUVs are a very selfish vehicle; people only buy them to make others feel jealous of them, with exception; if they truly are into boating, camping, or off-roading (those people I sympathize with), but the soccer moms and business yuppies who drive Escalades and Expeditions would have been better off buying more humble vehicles like station wagons or minivans. The more fuel we consume as a nation, the higher we pay in the long run.

Unfortunately, copious consumption is the American way. The SUV became the un-wagon and un-minivan in the era of sub-$20/bbl oil. Although I agree that Escalades and Navigators are simple-minded bling machines, many folks bought into the SUV craze because they a) enjoyed the elevated ride height and commanding view of the road and/or b) perceived a sense of safety from overall vehicle girth.

Americans shunned wagons (except for regional tastes - like Volvo wagons in the northeast and Subarus in mountainous/snowy regions) long ago and it doesn't seem that many automakers are keen on pushing them again, despite their inherent sensibility. Instead, cross overs and "5-door hatches" are the order of the day - anything to increase gas mileage is a welcome change, though.

Back on topic, we shouldn't expect any major changes for now - Nissan isn't about to overhaul the Versa in it's third model year in the US. I am interested to see how it changes for the second generation, though.

[bikeman]

No complaints except for the dangerous, low traction, tires. Those things are pure garbage.

Made it through a winter that dumped ten feet of snow with those "dangerous, low traction tires." Go figure.

David

[XterraVersa]

Same here. I prefered to use the low traction tires on the V instead of the high traction ones on the Xterra two years ago when we had 1 ft snow storms every week.

[Slither]

Back on topic, we shouldn't expect any major changes for now - Nissan isn't about to overhaul the Versa in it's third model year in the US. I am interested to see how it changes for the second generation, though.

Yes I'm wondering if this has something to do with the Cube. Once here this end of Nissan's range is going to be very crowded - though it could be an astute move now that smaller cars are in more demand. Provided oil prices aren't presently a bubble...

[Nismo V]

Yeah I don't see Nissan planning any big changes in the Versa soon given the direction of more fuel economy versus size. And the Cube arrival should help boost the Versa in the aftermarket due to the shared platform.

If consumers are smart regardless of an oil bubble they will continue the small car trend it helps take financial burdens off the avg. household and helps the enviroment as well.

Never ceases to amaze me how people would spend $400-$700 monthly on SUV's then have to live off the dollar menus

[Rockhound]

Yeah I don't see Nissan planning any big changes in the Versa soon given the direction of more fuel economy versus size. And the Cube arrival should help boost the Versa in the aftermarket due to the shared platform.

If consumers are smart regardless of an oil bubble they will continue the small car trend it helps take financial burdens off the avg. household and helps the enviroment as well.

Never ceases to amaze me how people would spend $400-$700 monthly on SUV's then have to live off the dollar menus

Hadn't thought about the Cube - completely forgot about its planned debut here in the states. It'd probably be a car that could pull me out of my Element - spacious and probably a little more efficient.

As far as the "if consumers are smart" statement - don't count on it. We've seen, historically, two main oil 'crises' here in the US, first in the early/mid '70s and another in the early '80s - each time there was an associated shift toward smaller, more efficient cars. Each time, as well, there was a move back to larger, less efficient cars when prices settled back to a more comfortable level.

The problem is, I don't see the current conditions as being nearly as artificial as those previous incidents. Sure, speculators are pushing oil into the stratosphere, but what with the burgeoning car ownership of countries like China, India, and even an expanding Russian middle class, demand just isn't going to drop. Perhaps the 'real' price of oil is somewhere just south of $100/bbl - which would still make gas over $3/gal.

But just you watch, if there's any sort of break at all, the domestic automakers will shift their efforts back to SUVs and trucks. That's all they know, as they've continually let any winning cars wither on the vine to focus on the cash cows. It's just up to consumers not to get duped back into that - but I'd guess many folks would.

[feloniousmonk]

Made it through a winter that dumped ten feet of snow with those "dangerous, low traction tires." Go figure.

David

It's all relative. In mild and hot weather conditions, compared to the 10+ inch wide tires I've got on my BMW the narrow hard compound tires on the Versa are pretty dangerous under braking. Paint on the asphalt alone will get them loose.

Narrow tires cutting through snow better? shocking.

[fjwagner]

I got news for you. Even a BMW that originally sold for $42,000 rattles. The Versa is a entry level car, what do you expect? You don't by fast food and complain that it isn't gourmet.

We have a 1995 318i with 160 k miles and does not rattle. Fortunately, our Versa with 8k has not done so either. Keep our fingers crossed.

[XterraVersa]

But just you watch, if there's any sort of break at all, the domestic automakers will shift their efforts back to SUVs and trucks. That's all they know, as they've continually let any winning cars wither on the vine to focus on the cash cows. It's just up to consumers not to get duped back into that - but I'd guess many folks would.

Only if they survive. Can't say they will be missed. The dinosaurs of detroit need to go extinct

[Bubs daddy]

Quote »And I may sound like a snob, but SUVs are a very selfish vehicle; people only buy them to make others feel jealous of them, with exception; if they truly are into boating, camping, or off-roading (those people I sympathize with), but the soccer moms and business yuppies who drive Escalades and Expeditions would have been better off buying more humble vehicles like station wagons or minivans. The more fuel we consume as a nation, the higher we pay in the long run. [/quote]I disagree.

It should be up to the consumer to decide. Should we look upon people who live in bigger houses as selfish? They use more fuel If so, what considered acceptable? 1500 sq feet? 2000 sq feet? NO one needs a 5000 sq ft home.

How about all that jet fuel used to just go on vacation to Disneyworld? Heck, the fuel and energy to run Disneyworld every year. No one NEEDS to go there. Are they selfish?

How about the celebrity that charters a private jet plane to go from coast to coast and back for a TV appearance. Selfish?

And hundreds other things people buy by choice.

I believe once you start telling people what is and isn't selfish in our lives, you're on a dangerous slope.

As far as the Versa, I've been very pleased and see them around all the time so they must be selling. The new colors should broaden the appeal as well.

[kcourtad]

its not like there going to tell you... yea we fixed all the bugs on the new versa`s... they dont want people to know about them... and besides it was a brand new car that nissan put out and really didnt have any idea what would happin... i mean sure they beat the balls off the test versa`s... but still ive never owned a car that i didnt have a problem with... but does that make me hate my versa... no... every car ive owned something has went out on it... its life... do you get pissed off if a light bulb goes out in ur fan if u just put in the other day ??? parts go out in cars all the time... and there is alwas defects to parts... its just what makes this big ol world go around and around... i can still to this day list all the problems ive had with my cars... all 6 of them that ive owned...