how is the 6-spd?

[harria5]

I pick up my Versa later today... SL w/ 6-spd manual

I was very surprised that Nissan offered a 6-spd in such an inexpensive car but the dealer didn't have one available for a test drive. Oh well, I have always driven standard and loved the way the Versa CVT drove so I took the plunge and ordered the 6-spd.

My last car was a 1998 Acura 1.6EL (only available in Canada), which was an Acura version of the Honda Civic sedan with the SI engine. With a 5-spd stick, the car was sweet to drive until I crashed it a few weeks ago.. hence the new Versa.

My question is for those 6-spd owners, how do you like driving it? The 1.8's hp and torque ratings are not bad for a small car, so I am expecting it to have some zip... but am I expecting too much to think that the Versa will be as fun to drive as my old EL?

Can't wait to find out for myself...

[Woody64]

You're probably not going to win many 1/4 mile drags, but I love the 6-speed. I have almost always driven cars with manual transmissions and this is by far the best. There are complaints that the shift box is too small and can cause some mis-shifting (going from 4th to 3rd accidently, when aiming for 5th). But it is just like any car, you get used to how it feels and no problems. Others have noticed difficulty with tightness in certain gears. I have had no such issues. Just over 3,300 miles and I am very happy.

[mxdoug]

The Versa has the smoothest manual transmission. It's a pleasure to drive.

[harria5]

You're probably not going to win many 1/4 mile drags,

That's fine by me, I just want something that will entertain me a bit on my daily commute... something a little more interesting (and nimble) than my Sienna, although that won't be too hard to beat!

[matgaz]

Short, the ratios I mean. I find myself quite often in 6th. Out of the 6th that feels like the 5th, I got no issues with it.

[DejaWiz]

When we were waiting for our SL CVT to be delivered, we were given an S MT as a loaner for a few days. Not bad in city driving, but the car wasn't very friendly to our ears at constant highway speeds. The engine whine/drone in the cabin got very annoying with speeds above 50 MPH.

So glad we went with the CVT. 2200 RPM vs about 3500 RPM with the 6-stick at 60 MPH makes one heck of a difference.

[AMD]

I'm sure you will like it.

The transmission is very smooth and shifting is easy. Two fingers are enough to move the lever!

Before getting my car I had seen reviews saying that the stick was not precise, but I find it's really easy to use and I never engage the wrong gear. (I did a few times in the beginning, but I had never a had a manual car before...)

Like others are saying, I only wish the 6th speed had a higher ratio. I find myself putting it in 6th at around 80km/h, so when cruising at 110-115km/h, the engine is a bit loud (around 3200rpm).

Apart from that it's great. It's got quite a lot of power for a car this size with a small engine. I'm happy with my Versa!

[Visaversa]

I prefer a manual in a small car such as this one but my only complaints are the on/off feel of the clutch and the ratios just seem a little off. Most of my cars have had manuals but this one just takes a little longer to master a smooth takeoff.

[manvan]

i love every thing about the MT.... except for the shifter it self, i feel like the stick is ridiculously long, but maybe thats just me

[Willerton]

I find it hard to shift smoothly. I've driven 3 and they are all the same.I thought it was my lack of recent experience with a manual trans, butdrove a different car and it was fine.

It seems that the throttle needs a stiffer return spring. The RPM doesnot lower very much when you let off the gas and put in the clutch.Had the dealer check it and he said it was in spec.

That said, the car is still a joy to drive. It has significantly more powerthan the CVT models. The 6th is more like 5th in other cars, maybelower. It does rev high at 60mph on the highway. I don't find it to betoo distracting. (I have the really great stereo, though.) I do noticethat since there is so much power and torque, you don't have to shift it very much. All the speeds I have to drive are very well matchedto a gear. I find that you really have to mat the clutch to make sure theshifts are as good as possible. Good practice, but lots of cars willallow proper shifting with the clutch a little bit off the floor.

[keanucosmo]

So glad we went with the CVT. 2200 RPM vs about 3500 RPM with the 6-stick at 60 MPH makes one heck of a difference.

If you were at 3500 RPM @ 60 MPH, you were probably in 4th, not 6th. 70 MPH in 6th is 3100 RPM.

[DejaWiz]

If you were at 3500 RPM @ 60 MPH, you were probably in 4th, not 6th. 70 MPH in 6th is 3100 RPM.

Hmmm, maybe I was in 4th. Regardless, for a 6 speed, I feel that 3000+ RPM at 65+ MPH makes too much cabin drone. Very annoying.

[daan]

THe Versa is my 11th car with a manual. It's....ok. The clutch in mine is very very "on/off" switch like, it feels like I move the pedal 1" off the floor and the clutch is fully engaged instead of a smooth transition. It's also a little harder to make smooth takeoffs because of the "throttle by wire" (the engine uses a computer instead of an actual spring for the gas pedal) It's smooth enough, the shifter feels fine and the only real problem I find is when shifting from 5-6 if I don't pay attention I accidentally put it into 4th. Other than that, it's fine for what it is. They didn't have any MT's at either dealer by me when I bought mine, but even if they had I'd still have bought the 6sp. I guess my main problem with the shifter is my most previous car was a Miata that I had for 16 years, RWD with a competition clutch and stainless clutch lines. It's really an apples/oranges comparison, so I don't have a real complaint about it.

[Versafied]

It's a pretty fun 6spd.. For small cars I think standard is the way to go. It's more fun honestly and it gives the car the best possible acceleration. Like the poster above said, you won't win many races, but it's still a nimble little car. No problem.. Taught my wife to drive manual with it, she had fun. It's cool, hope you enjoy your car..

[boxcarbill]

The 6 sp is a POS!