Six-month review

[roboturner]

Had my car for just about six months now so it seemed like a good time to evaluate. My car is an '09 Versa 1,8S Hatchback, 4-speed automatic, onyx blue metallic. I have the power doors/windows/key entry package and no other extras. 7,621 miles at the time of this writing.

Comfort/Interior: This is the major thing that sold me on the car. The interior is EXTREMELY well designed. It feels like a much bigger car that cost $25K instead of $15K. It is just so spacious and comfortable. The big car feel extends to the ride. For a small car, it absorbs bumps and holes in the road very well (and we have terrible roads where I live). Ideal city car. Highway driving is another matter, there is a lot of lift and turbulence at speeds over 65 mph. It's just not heavy enough to provide a very stable ride at interstate speeds. This is not a criticism of the Versa, in particular; it's just a fact of life with small cars. As far as materials, fit and finish, etc. I have no major complaints. Everything appears to be holding up pretty well, with one minor exception. Driver's side seat squeaks a little. I'm trying to track down exactly what causes this and remedy it myself rather than spend two or three days at the dealership waiting for them to figure it out.I'm not a huge fan of the suede-style seats and I wish I had an armrest. But those are not major complaints. I had the factory stereo replaced with a Pioneer unit because I wanted Bluetooth and iPod controls. But I'm ultra-picky...for most people the factory stereo would be more than adequate. As I recall it actually sounded pretty good for a stock stereo. The car has plenty of room. We've taken it on long road trips with all our luggage, golf bags, and other assorted crap picked up along the way and had plenty of room to spare. We don't have any kids yet, but it seems to me this would be enough car for a 1-child family. Anymore than that, you'll probably need something bigger.

Exterior: The paint quality doesn't appear to be of the highest standards but it's not terrible or anything. I have some rock chips and stuff that is very noticeable on a darker colored car. If I had it to do over again, I'd get a white or silver car instead, where those things aren't so noticeable.I was never in love with the exterior design of the car, it's kind of funky looking. But it has grown on me. I've heard about a lot of people throwing their wheel covers. Maybe I've been lucky but mine are still firmly in place and don't appear to be going anywhere. I wish I had the alloy wheels but not at the extra price increase I would've had to pay to step up to the SL.

Mileage/performance: I think this is a car that you have to drive for a while before it's broken in. In the last few weeks I've observed an increase in power around the 40 mph mark. When I first got the car it would accelerate nicely up to 40, and then bog down a little. Now its a lot smoother. This is noticeable; my fiancee (who is car-illiterate and wouldn't know a Mercury from a Maserati) has even noticed it. Fuel mileage has been great from the start, at least on the highway. It hasn't been quite so efficient in city driving, probably because I drive it a little aggressively, I average about 23 in the city.However, I got 42 miles per gallon out of it on one 180-mile road trip, averaging about 60 miles per hour on the highway. A couple months ago, I drove from south Louisiana to central Indiana, a trip of over 800 miles and 13 hours. Fuel cost one-way was 42 dollars. I think that's pretty amazing. I changed the oil to Mobil 1 synthetic and noticed a slight increase in mileage. At this point with combined city (70%) and highway (30%) driving I'm averaging about 26 mpg per tank.

Reliability: No real problems to report. I thought at one time about 3 months ago that I had the fuel pump problem, but it was just a one-time fluke incident and it hasn't happened since. Only problem is the squeaky seat, and to me that is a very minor problem.

Conclusions: Overall I am very satisfied with the car and have never once regretted buying it. Suits my needs perfectly. There are some options I wish I'd sprung for (especially the armrest, that would've been nice). But so far, it's been a great car and I'd recommend it to almost anybody.

[V-Man]

Very nice review. I also have the S model and agree with most of your comments. We have to understand that the Versa is basically an entry level car. It is not a "luxury" vehicle and it is going to have some shortcomings. It does what it does and does it good. The biggest plus for me is the overall space inside. Incredible for a car this size. I travel from FL to GA all the time (over 1,500 miles each round trip), typically at speeds of 75 to 80 mph and honestly, have not experienced the turbulence and unstable ride felt by some. Maybe is because I came from a bumpy truck, but my Versa runs a lot better. My trips are costing me 50% less in gas than in my truck and I like this, mileage is very good. I'm also impressed by the quality of the ride and by how well it does in the mountains.For the price, this is a great car!

[Bubs daddy]

Excellent review. Exceptional space for a small car, they designed it well.

I haven't experienced any turbulence at highway speeds. It's 75 mph speed limits out here.

When I was buying my Versa, I did sit in both the S and SL and I'm glad I did. The SL has noticeably better fabric, materials and upgrades from the S. But both are great choices for the money.

Had mine for over three years now. Runs great and is an excellent shape. The interior still looks practically new.