Nissan Versa Note review

Mike Gurr reviews the subcompact Nissan Versa Note.
The Nissan Versa Note is built of a common global platform that Nissan shares with the Note, Versa and Renault vehicles. The Nissan Versa Note is hatchback subcompact car with room for 5 passengers. Power comes from a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine and is pair to either a manual or CVT.
Competitors to the Nissan Versa Note are the Honda Fit the Fiat 500 Turbo, Smart fortwo, Toyota Yaris sedan, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta, Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, Chevy Sonic, Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Honda HR-V, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Spark, Chevrolet Spark, Chevy Cruze, Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Forte, VW Jetta, VW Golf, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Golf, Dodge Dart, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Fiat 500, Fiat 500X, Mazda3, Mazda2, Mazda6, Scion iM and Mitsubishi Lancer.
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Zack Spencer
Zach Spencer
Canadian Car Review
Motormouth Canada

[@jf8461]

Despite some negative reviews I have read online (slow acceleration and cheap interior), I was very impressed by the Nissan Note that I recently rented in Miami (2018). I'm not sure what sort of performance and luxury some people are expecting from a low-cost subcompact car, but we had 4 average-sized adults in it, plus luggage, and I was impressed by the acceleration (even with AC running!) for a subcompact car. I easily kept up with traffic on the freeways and highways, AND it was getting over 35 MPG. I could hardly believe it! Nissan itself has a very good reputation for quality, therefore I would not hesitate to buy one of these for transportation and everyday commuting.

[@beatrice0610]

For its price, it does its job well. I haven't had any problems with the 2018 SV model, which makes it great to save on money getting from home to my shitty little restaurant job!

[@bnewton239]

good job mike, like a pro reviewer already.

[@leftright8826]

Just needs to smile more often.

[@aquateen77723]

Great job, Mike. Very thorough review. I agree with the omission of a telescopic wheel. All cars should have that feature. The rear leg room is very impressive!

[@MrViyasan]

This guy is sharp. Solid review!

[@leogeee1]

I've had my 2015 Versa Note for going on 8 years. Approaching 90,000 miles. Faultless with only routine maintenance.

[@Adonis300]

Mike was a good choice for the channel

[@adam03753]

Great job Mike!

[@davidjym]

That's the point of these subcompact cars as compact vehicles creep into the mid-size category. The Versa Note is a great city runabouts and good on gas.

[@jokerfacexiii2600]

im 5'3 and looking to save money and gas. XD perfect!

[@beatrice0610]

I have the 2018 model, and am 5'2". It is a perfect car to get from home to my shitty restaurant job! I don't spend too much on the car payment, and only have to fill up about once a month or so!

[@Lyfeel]

Bought my Versa Nota SV three days ago. Loving it!

[@theplug1780]

Lyfeel how is it for you so far? I’m thinking about getting the 2017 Versa note SR

[@fernandofernando4364]

Thanx for reviewing the back seat.. that's exactly what I needed. Didn't know how big it was.

[@pgcanuck]

Great job, Mike! I really like your delivery, though the rocking back-and-forth during the intro & outro was distracting. Looking forward to your future work!

[@ohcanadaeh]

Zach has picked a great reviwer, good job Mike !

[@Tenshisin]

Great Job Mike, I think your a great choice for this show. You really work with the theme and style of Motormouth style. Good practical advice about the car too. Can't wait to see what you review next.

[@PrinceAdamu]

As many have already pointed it, Mike did a great job on this review!

[@kmckenzie2461]

I looked at the Versa note and really did like it. I looked at it when ai purchased my 2015 Mirage ES with Navigation. I also looked at the 2017 Versa Note SL because I wanted a car loaded with features. But instead I went with my 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE (top trim) which has Apple Car Play, Heated Seats, Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror, Auto Climate Control, Push Start, Keyless Access and so much more. I could not beat the price. It was $18,115.00 MSRP and after Rebates and Dealer Disc ai got it for $12,714.00 and could not be happier. My 2015 was super reliable and amazing on gas. So when I decided to get a 2017 I looked at the Honda fit, Nissan Versa, and Chevy Spark. None could beat the Value Equation over the Mirage and Mirage G4 with the MPG, Warranty, Owner Satisfaction & Reliabilty, Features and most of all Price. Sure the other cars had more power but after driving them all I myself liked the Mirage G4 most and could not justify paying thousands more for one of the others. My second Choice would have been the Spark but for the top trim 2LT and after rebates the best price I could find was $16,900.00 as its window sticker was $18,798.00 for the one I looked at. As for the top trim Versa SL it was $19,285.00 and was selling for $16,100.00 and finally the Honda Fit EX was $20,200.00 and selling for $19,000.00 so it was a no brainer for me. After 2 years of owning my 2015 Mirage I had no issues and really liked everything about the car so with the updates to the 2017s for features, refinement, 4 more horsepower, larger wheels, new Wine Red Color and Light Gray Interior Color And more I went for it and am so happy I did.

[@TinLeadHammer]

Mirage? Yuck.

[@kmckenzie2461]

LeadHammer I like the Versa Note but the Mirage and Mirage G4 are proven to have less issues, longer warrnaty, more features and cost way less. Sure they are not the car for everyone but their owners absolutely love them.

[@palebeachbum]

You definitely made the pragmatic choice going with the Mirage. It doesn't drive as nice, but it's much better quality long-term.

[@kmckenzie2461]

John Diaz I have done my research on the longevity on them and its quiet good as they have been out in other countrys since 2012. A girl I work with has a 2014 and has had it 3 years and 4 months and it has 48,000 miles and no issues yet and check out the Mirage Fourm with thousands of owners and most all seem very happy with them theought all model years and thousands of miles. Im not a big fan of the Versas I hear a lot of negative owner remarks on them, a lot!

[@kmckenzie2461]

John Diaz Also Mitsubishi gives a 10/100,000 mile warranty where Nissan does not. Also if you research the Mitsubishi Lancer was named the most reliable car in the USA over numerous years. Nissans have a ton of transmission issues and horrible owner satisfaction reviews. Do an online search for Mirage owners and Versa owners and I can tell you people are much happier with their Mirages and many have traded Versas on a Mirage because of how unhappy they were.

[@underdog9785]

Yayy, you mentioned whether or not it has Android Auto or Apple Car Play. Awesome job! Thumbs up dude!

[@blueshadesable]

Great job Mike! Good review, enjoyed the efficiency. Just watch out how you rock back and forth in the shots where you're standing outside the car. This nervous twitch was distracting but, totally understandable.

[@juschill7]

Hey, great review! I owned a 2014 SL Versa Note and had the same ergonomic issues (I'm 6.0ft tall). The fuel economy, cargo room and backup camera were great. The sound system sucked!! How is it with the newer models?

[@stevenewell2879]

Great review Mike. You are very professional. Keep up the great reviews!

[@woopaka]

Used to live in Barrie. Got my Vnote a couple months ago, love it so far.

[@Nikiaf]

Another solid review! My only critique would be to not flash the MPG update script, just leave it steadily up there for a few seconds.

[@stephenlnoe]

absolutely agree with the knee hitting the center console and the cup holder position. ergonomics are it's achilles heel.

[@Subbanfan11]

Much better than your first review. Nice job

[@brettwiepjes5358]

Great review, Mike! Seems very natural for you - well done.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Drove this back to back with the current generation Honda Fit. Both CVTs. Here's the difference: - Versa is much quieter due to no doubt more use of insulation. The Fit is particularly noisy on takeoff from a stop. This is the biggest difference. I can cruise at 70 in the Versa and it's not that far off from something more substantial such as the Altima. Can't say the same about the Fit. -Versa has more low end torque. Of course, it's not going to smash you back into the seat, but I mean compared to the Fit, there's more down low so you don't have to rev too hard to get going at normal speeds. However, the Versa runs out of steam at top while the Fit continues to pulls really hard (for what it is) and that's where the Fit's increased hp will show up and make a difference if full throttling. I dare say that it's actually a little exciting in the Fit when flogging it hard, while on the Versa you're wondering what the heck is wrong with the lack of top end power. - Versa is slightly more softly sprung but not by any major deal. Ironically, little less body roll in the Versa. - Versa has less overall space in the hatch area by quite some degree. The lack of perfectly folding rear seats vs the Fit's magic seats may be a huge deal to some, and rightly so if looking for a car in this class. - Fit has higher quality fit and finish inside, but not so much that it matters as it's still not going to be confused with an Acura. - AC seems to work better in the Versa. Fit's AC seems underpowered. - MPGs about the same, with the Fit maybe 1-2 mpg better. - Versa's sound system is significantly better than the Fit. The Fit EX's touchscreen LCD is much superior as is the rear view cam (HD quality on the Fit and low res webcam-like on the Versa) - Seat comfort is about the same, i.e. not real comfortable for long rides. However, the Versa has a really nice useable armrest! Overall, you can't go wrong with either. Honestly, I'd spring for the Versa if it comes out cheaper, which usually it is as incentives can be really good on Nissans and stingy on Hondas.

[@connorpoultney4400]

Really great job once again Mike . Your perfect for this job

[@Wafflor58]

good review, i wish it was out a few days earlier as i bought this car 3 days ago lol

[@NGMonocrom]

Ended up renting a Hyundai Accent back at the start of November while my car was in the shop. 2017 model that I daily drove for two weeks. A surprisingly good car. Surprisingly roomy inside. Especially for drivers. But Hyundai got a couple of major things wrong. Namely the amount of time it took for the heater to properly kick in, and especially how long it took for the AC to kick in during the more unseasonably warmer days. We're talking half an hour for the AC and about 25 minutes for the heater. Plus, the keyfob didn't work properly either. This was on a 2 year-old car with close to only 36,000 miles on it. Consequently, I haven't had problems with the Heating or AC in my 2009 Mazda 6 V6 sSport model in the 11 years I've had her. Had issues with the keyfob but that was after several years of ownership.

[@stevenpollard5171]

I suggest Hyundai did not get those things wrong, but the car needed maintenance in those areas which the rental company was neglecting.

[@beatrice0610]

This car, despite its many flaws, has been very great to me. I am a small woman who lives in the city, with not a great budget and who sought something to get from point A to point B. Definitely not the car for those who like adrenaline rushes, or if you're very tall/big.

[@jtchurren]

Great review, Mike! Very helpful. Thanks!

[@ratherrapid]

Seats are very very comfortable. I'm 6 ft, skinny. Agree with the reviewer that doubtful I'd want to have longer fatter legs in this car. For myself it fits perfectly. Also agree that the interior though cheap is nice looking. In my 2017 sedan there are also cupholders behind the parking break. The vehicle is very large and roomy for its size and gas mileage is off the charts good. i get 35.5 mpg City/Hwy.

[@ssjkev1641]

great review Mike!

[@carll693]

Great review mike. Your a pro. Zack, Great choice!

[@sapphirebloom6690]

Thank u for the review! I REALLY want this car!

[@Motormouth...]

Our pleasure!

[@michaelhorgan9525]

Versa Note is being discontinued for MY2020. 2019 is the last model year for this vehicle.

[@tyvancouverbb]

Great Review Mike!! hi Mike and all car owners. I am trying to pick between the Yari Hatch SE 2018 and the Note 2018 SR. Really not sure which one is better. You guys have any suggestions? Thanks.

[@jimmydaves]

Great review. I'm your height and so far that's been a determining factor regarding the car I want vs the car I can fit into. So far, what have been the smaller cars that you had enough room in? Surprisingly, my 2002 Ford Focus 2-door hatchback gives me plenty of room and comfort, but now I'm looking for another car.

[@Doubleyou115]

jimmydaves the Civic has been a stand out in that area, at least for my dimensions.

[@kartube641]

jimmydaves I

[@Steph6n]

I just got a 2019 SL, where's the bird's eye view camera?? I only have rearview! Also I'm 5'9 and it's perfect size for me, I don't have to sit back so far and I can reach the front cupholders just fine

[@bobiqcr]

Great advice! Keep up the good work!

[@mistertee5000]

Great choice in the new guy.

[@nicogi]

Great work Mike!

[@kenoash]

good review man. keep it up!

[@Bambam21476]

Nice review. Glad I found it.

[@freed14760]

Sweet got into comments before it hit 500, Love the show brother!!! snap u found someone...great review. but did sound rushed at few times.

[@krisherod5960]

Nice job Mike, but please consider reviewing a lower trim level on subcompact car. Thanks.

[@ChocapiC_Cereal]

I wanna see more reviews of this guy !

[@Benjamin-sn5cw]

Good review. I just don't think Nissan can get away with the scratchy plastics for much longer and that teeny tiny infotainment screen for a top spec model! Lots of little oversights. The Nissan Versa Note, coming to a Hertz lot near you soon!

[@michaeldillon1027]

I have a 2014 note with the manual transmission. I do not like this car overall. It's rides too rough with 1st and 2nd gear being way too short. Plus, it's somewhat difficult to take off smoothly because it's so easy to over rev when taking off in 1st gear.

[@Mo.Jo.]

I can totally relate to the part about the sitting position in the car. I'm shorter than you at 6 feet and I've had the same problem with almost all the Nissan vehicles that I test drove, even the newer Maxima, Rouge and Murano. They all have telescoping steering wheels and yet my right elbow can't even come close to the center arm rest if I want to have my hand on the steering wheel too with the seat back at a comfortable position. Nissan needs to figure this out because it kept me from getting the new Maxima.

[@leftright8826]

Yea it's really annoying when you can't rest your elbows while keeping hands on the wheel.

[@bluemarvel4601]

Is it really good on constant 60 mile or more runs?

[@rajenwilliams]

Nice job, Mike.

[@jeffmorse645]

No telescoping steering wheel? I'll keep looking since I'm 6' 3". Some economy commuter cars do have them.

[@abebueckert5269]

Really good review!

[@renatawaithe3311]

Would anyone be able to advise whether I should choose this or the Suzuki swift 2018 as a new driver who does not care about speed? Thanks?

[@therealboofighter]

I know that the cup holders seam like a little thing but if you have to live with the stupid things all the time they get to you. I had a sunfire with the worst cup holders and it drove me crazy!

[@ww3k]

Great job mike!

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

But if the seats are uncomfortable what good is it?

[@eviolite1930]

Awesome review!

[@yogeshhurdyal7470]

I love it, it's made for small people like me.

[@flythenride]

Great job Mike..

[@gordonfreeman5434]

Concise review.

[@richardmorse5307]

Well done and very informative.

[@d7486]

How is this car up against the Chevy Sonic I wonder

[@MrHW1968]

Good Job on the review. I think the Honda Civic should be considered when looking at this car.👍😀

[@MrHW1968]

Indeed, but the Civic starts at under 19,000. So it's just a better value.

[@ПетрСидоров-ы6г]

hi, i have nissan note verso 2016, sv, bought in america, i live in ukraine, tell me how to change the speed from mile to kilometers on the dashboard, and the air temperature from faringates to celsius. thanks

[@goldenblooms6672]

Hello. I'm looking for a hatchback compact, fuel efficient car between $14000-$18000. Out of the 2017 vehicles, which one do you think is a better buy: Nissan Versa, Nissan Micra, Toyota Yaris, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mazda 3?

[@magikarp2285]

Quality, Safety, Reliability. Some of the cars you list belong in different categories but anyway. Mazda 3 is the best choice.

[@electron7659]

T L For reliability and economy, I would select the Yaris. And if you get a manual transmission, you'll save money on the purchase and also your transmission will last even longer.

[@hazelstreet1654]

Get a used fully loaded Honda fit you jack ass

[@DaRazorback]

Good stuff love the dynamic you bring to the channel. You two will only help this channel continue to grow. You should partner with other Canadian tech sites like mobilesyrup.com and post review videos on there site. It can only help you grow viewership.

[@4coolking]

Great review

[@jordanh.2998]

I'm not entirely impressed with that fuel economy average. I'm averaging 6.3 L/100km in a Mazda 3 with the 2.0 liter engine.

[@woopaka]

Drive one of these daily, 4.3l/100km

[@alexandermutune6131]

Wow!

[@jordanh.2998]

@@woopaka that seems more realistic

[@davecrupel2817]

Im finding alot of stuff about this things transmission being garbage. Anyone know anything about this?

[@pdlynch4330]

Looks like the boat is rocking...

[@FasterThanSoup]

He's doing The Dougie (Demuro) Shuffle!

[@DigitalYojimbo]

why make the CVT simulate gears 😓

[@courtneyvegan9448]

I wish Nissan would have offered e power version for Canada.

[@surprisek3918]

Great job!

[@FranciscoContreras-wx6cj]

Nice job!

[@knightmarel]

Got to drive one around for a week as a loaner. It's really mediocre. The Honda Fit is indefinitely better though.

[@TinLeadHammer]

You've got three shots of the car moving, albeit on the same road, this is a start. Now, when you describe features like cupholders or transmission tunnel - or absence of it - you need to show it. I understand this is a budget video with no cameraman, and you do not feel cool enough to use a smartphone on a selfie stick, so you need to shoot relevant B-roll and edit it in. Better yet, watch Tom Voelk's videos, whenever he can show ("this, this and this") he shows it, not talks about it. Video is a visual medium, this is not radio. If all I see is you talking, I would rather read it and look at still shots. Otherwise, a decent second effort, visually. A great effort in terms of presentation. Unless you learned all you lines by heart - which I doubt - you are very good talking off the cuff into a camera. Props! P.S. Do not use fake zoom/pan over still images, looks cheap. P.P.S. In-house navi instead of CarPlay/AndroidAuto? Nah.

[@palebeachbum]

The ergonomics in this car are TERRIBLE. I owned the sedan variant for 2yrs and I had the exact same problem getting a comfortable driving position, even though I'm short. The CVT was also awful and i mean AWFUL. My first brand-new car that I planned on keeping until the wheels fell off, but I traded in after 2yrs. It was falling apart way too quickly. Just a bad quality car all around. Sad because I like Nissan. The redeeming features of this car were the price, spacious interior, and fantastic fuel economy.

[@kmckenzie2461]

palebeachbum I have heard the Versas have major Reliability and Quality issues. Thats why I went with my 2015 Mirage when I bought it new and my 2017 Mirage G4 when I just bought it new.

[@palebeachbum]

You heard correctly. In the 56k miles that I owned mine, the paint was peeling, the catalytic converter heat shield was replaced twice, the CVT was slipping, the front suspension was squeaking, not to mention all of the interior squeaks and rattles. Funny you mention your Mirages because I traded the Versa in for a new 2014 Mirage. Not that it's a perfect car, but it's proving to be a much better quality car overall, now with 47k miles on mine. I'm really enjoying mine.

[@xoJM]

the speed is great unless youre trying to go to the moon or time travel but hey we have to be practical sometimes

[@jf8461]

I completely agree! I think some people are expecting a rocket of a car for a subcompact car price!

[@ganariagente8958]

im loving the new hire but.... bro, DYEL?

[@hiramrosajr8231]

But the Sentra is like 16k and new 2018 altimas are 17k

[@ThreeSixFour]

Get Zach to buy you a nice Swiss watch as a welcome to the team. Tudor blackbay bronze

[@user-hs2hd7wp9g]

Why a Tudor when he could get an AP, PP, Vacheron, etc... ;)

[@Motormouth...]

+Simon Vuille how about a Seiko SKX.

[@user-hs2hd7wp9g]

Reliable brand too, but if you want to really gift him a tool/diver-watch, I'd go for a Tissot (T-Touch, for the high-tech side of it) ;)

[@davidjamgochian]

Hey Mikiey !!!

[@Mum2William]

Review Nissan Kicks please.

[@SuperOkkas]

I hate CVT´s they are slow, loud, and you can´t predict the behavior of the power, i drove here in Mexico a Nissan Kicks, and a Note and i prefer a manual transmission, the equipment and security are fine but in general view there are bad quality cars... greetings from Mexico!

[@trebors386]

Now will Nissan will make a Nismo version as they like to overuse the Nismo name

[@Doubleyou115]

I'll be reviewing a Sentra Nismo next week!

[@jsiszero]

this is better than Zack's reviews

[@nickr3441]

Its a car review, my god calm down....

[@smackroscoe]

“The CVT transmission has been...” I stopped video & that will be enough of that, Sir.

[@iLikeTigerz101]

Haha. It’s the highest trim level and it still doesn’t have any leather seats.

[@minniesaab7255]

❤❤❤

[@DJUltimate]

that's why it's a sub compact vehicle bro....it's for sub compact people duhh

[@SevericK_BooM]

In other words, ur getting this car cause it’s cheap with great mileage

[@jf8461]

Absolutely!

[@vicenteacero371]

The anckerman is very handsome

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

No optional factory installed sunroof on the top of the line version of the Note? Nissan: Please wake up to the fact that some of us potentjal customers for this machine would want a sunroof, even if it does boost the vehicle's cost!!! Peace...♐

[@kn7gez]

Use a shorter more normal height person to test sub compacts.

[@anarky4321]

its so messed up they get all these other colors overseas...orange...brown.... yellow

[@myaccount__7269]

Your shoes look like you are wearing Sandles, get some dress shoes or black sneakers. But good review, clear, easy to understand, and good voice. But try to get more personality in your videos, you are def smart so show some more fun and personality. Also please review something cool and not the POS.

[@terrydavis6519]

Cvt burn it!