The 2023 Nissan Versa SR is Inexpensive, But Not Cheap | MotorWeek Road Test

[@tyler9703]

I rented one of these a couple years back and was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Comfortable, easy to get along with in daily use and genuienly fun to drive. The Versa is an underrated option for sure, I wish it got more attention.

[@senseicorey9979]

I feel sorry for you

[@retroguy1976]

i rented one and I felt the cvt slipping

[@daveheel]

I rented one a few months ago and while it drive nicely and had a nice interior and good safety features driving it was very uncomfortable. My back ached in the seat. I was glad to get rid of it.

[@devinbiz]

While this segment isn’t substantially in demand at the moment, I think there is still a case to be made for buyers to consider this as simple transportation with the features that many buyers expect nowadays

[@markhealey9409]

​​@@thomasfoster2EXACTLY.....only the proper wealthy people will be able to drive anything but the cheapest cars,soon, the way the prices of EVERYTHING are going!! 🙄🙄😡😡

[@GeeEm1313]

I remember when you could theoretically get a brand new Versa for $9,995.

[@senseicorey9979]

Now you pay that to replace the transmission every 8 months

[@RockandrollNegro]

@@senseicorey9979 I've never heard of anyone having to replace a manual transmission in a Versa. I guess if you're a teenage girl or you only have one leg, I could maybe see getting the automatic/CVT option, but I'm not here to judge them for their deficiencies.

[@LaszloGaspar-s3x]

@@senseicorey9979😂😂😂

[@dohc1067]

It's not a bad looking car for the budget minded. At least Nissan provides an entry-level car for the market. Long-term reliability is my only concern, but at least the tune-up will be easy though.

[@jbar_85]

That braking distance is very admirable for the class and for other classes!

[@palebeachbum]

I enjoy little cheap cars like this. I wish more Americans did. I bought a new Versa SV sedan in 2012. I loved the car, except the CVT was completely junk and soured my perception of Nissan, which had been favorable in the past. The CVT made weird crunching noises and started slipping at just 38k miles. If it weren't for Nissan's horrendous CVTs, I'd be interested in the Versa.

[@christianobrien4465]

I’m a diehard NISSAN man and so glad to see this great company getting back on track!!!

[@KeithSchwerin]

Nissan is killing the Vera and Altima to make a new SUV.

[@Yormsane]

The base trim with the 5-speed stick-shift transmission is where the real value is. That transmission will last a lot longer than the godawful CVT, too.

[@tempestsquall5882]

​@@thomasfoster2 last year had a manual

[@markhealey9409]

EXACTLY!! So sad to see manuals disappearing! I have only had one automatic l car in my 40 years of driving....and only had that one as i was carless for a few months at that time & a friend sold me an old car of his to me VERY cheap that happened to be automatic, until i could afford a better one!

[@epicraptorman]

Id honestly would consider one of these, in manual, if i needed a new car and didnt have much cash

[@BReal-10EC]

Only a 5 speed manual though. Odd because the 1st gen had a close ratio 6 speed + 1.8, then 2nd gen was 5 speed + 1.6. I think this car being popular in Mexico with the 5 speed is why we (still) have it in the US. The Versa is now the #1 selling car in Mexico fwiw. Also sold in a higher trim with the 5 speed. But the Mexican market is looking for the new Tsuru - which was a 3rd gen Sentra sold in Mexico for until 2017(!) as a cheap durable car for taxis and other- they used more durable interior materials too.

[@markhealey9409]

Oh! Good to hear they still offer a manual! 👍

[@johninama585]

That Nissan won't make the manual transmission available on a "sport" trim is criminal. Then again, Toyota dropped the manual from their "sport" Corollas too. I think manufacturers want to kill of the manual. They could move more if they put them on the trims people want to buy.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Less changeover time on the mfg line.

[@ohguy1991]

No it's because no one wants manuals anymore. Same as no one want's sedans anymore. Everyone wants an SUV. Which is a shame

[@markhealey9409]

EXACTLY!!

[@LyleBialk]

@@ohguy1991 Not sure I agree. I got a manual Versa. Took me two months, 4 dealerships, and 100 mile drive to find one. People are watching the "in transit" listing at dealerships and jumping on the manuals as soon as they are available.

[@mbox314]

The world needs more cars like this! Small, inexpensive, fun to drive and cheap to operate.

[@seannewman8542]

Until that CVT goes out.

[@palebeachbum]

@@seannewman8542 For real. I bought a 2012 Versa and the CVT started slipping at 38k miles.

[@automotivetv9861]

​@@seannewman8542it's been proven to never be a problem if you drain and refill just once every 30 000 miles!

[@senseicorey9979]

%100 not fun to drive

[@stevemcgowen]

The world has them. Americans, on the other hand, feel they need huge trucks and SUVs and at least 300 Hp in any car...

[@juschill7]

A six speed manual would wake this car up and make it feel so much better. 38 AVG/MPG is excellent for a non hybrid.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

I had a 2011 Ford Fiesta hatchback with the 1.6L 120 hp and a 6 speed DCT. 0-60 was 9.5 secs and I once hit 42 mpg on an out of state trip on the interstate. Don't see why the 0-60 time is so slow on this Nissan with the same engine displacement and 2 more hp. Other than that though, props to Nissan for still offering a small car in the US. The SR trim is something I wouldn't be embarrassed to be driving. Quite nice for the price actually.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I’ve never really liked or cared for that model Nissan! But this one sure looks a million times better looking!

[@davidparkin9017]

I think that the dashboard layout is the best feature. The spaciousness and mpgs are good points. But those three little letters are the kiss of death..... C V T. Why couldn't they have made a six speed automatic or manual and we'd ALL be happy??

[@ohguy1991]

They do offer a manual in the base trim

[@faeinthebay]

This is a new generation, so the parts should be tweaked. Hopefully they've fixed the issues.

[@markhealey9409]

​@@ohguy1991good to hear,but ridiculous to not offer manuals on the sport model! Clearly people who like sportier cars often prefer manuals,or they wouldn't still keep making Mustangs,Corvettes & Camaros w/ manuals!

[@KeithSchwerin]

Id like to see this with the turbo 1.6 and a 6spd. Would be really fun.

[@digitaldoc100]

Agreed. Unfortunately Nissan has forgotten the idea for an "Optional engine" which is what the Versa and Sentra desperately need to get enthusiasts excited in the brand.

[@KeithSchwerin]

@@digitaldoc100 So has Toyota really.

[@MrValy128]

Ya it's called the Hyundai Elantra Sport. 1.6 Turbo and most importantly it takes 87 Octane and it's 201hp. Picked up a 2018 last week and it's all the smiles per gallon but they made them until 2021 or 2022

[@Suchayoutuber]

They lost me at Cvt, now if you get the higher option model with a 5-speed now that would be something worth consideration

[@markarnold5898]

The next video on my list was John Davis reviewing a similar ‘23 Versa SR. On acceleration he said, “the small four really sounds like it’s working overtime just to provide the moderate acceleration that it does.”

[@digitaldoc100]

The engine is dangerously underpowered. Had one as a rental some years back, and it had no power to acceleration to get on the highway. Would never own one.

[@lindsaydouros7850]

I have a 2021 Versa and I love it

[@saintsubie6661]

Kudos to Nissan for selling a sharp, normal looking car at an affordable price. $21k for the top trim is excellent in today’s market

[@pauldrapiewski6761]

I have a 2023 and I think it's great. $20,000 including taxes and fees. That is what I call "affordable". It's all I can afford - not $30,000, let alone $50,000. Yet I hear it may be discontinued after 2025, leaving NO truly affordable cars at all. Why? They have no competition now. I can't be the only one who wants this kind of car. Cars keep you poor!

[@markhealey9409]

Exactly! The way the prices of EVERYTHING are going,average people will be too poor to have anything but the cheapest used cars! It's all part of the plan to control the average people,and make more money for the FILTHY rich FCCCs! 😡😡🙄🙄

[@josephstarnes8747]

I had a 2012 model and it was great! It had 185,000 miles on it when I had a collision with 2 deers. Just watch out for deers and I think your little Versa will live a long life. :))

[@DoSum4Me]

I also don’t mind driving them, if you only do city driving it’s a great option. If I had to do highway driving I’d probably spend a bit more money for a Jetta or a Corolla. 11.2 seconds 0-60 is ridiculous.

[@davidparkin9017]

I think having the headunit integrated into the dashboard is much better than having it stick up on top. If it came with a choice of manual transmission or torque converter six or eight speed automatic transmission, I would recommend it.

[@sneakerfreak2002]

Video was uploaded the exact same time as RCR’s Sentra vid 😂😂😂

[@TinaEvans-vr1rl]

Nissan Versa SR is a nice car. Good on gas. They are known after ten years transmissions can go out and their coolant fan. Dealers will get you to buy another car from the Nissan dealer fast so watch for that!

[@BabyBugBug]

I like this actually. Just change the CVT fluid every 30-40k miles and you’ll be good.

[@Paul-cx4gm]

They really are decent little cars. Being used to mid size and SUV though I found it to be a tad small for my likes though. 🙂

[@bobbykhan4699]

It has more features than my 2018 Camry XSE

[@93remix]

I remember when everyone wanted an SE-R SENTRA.... IMO NISSAN CAN KEEP THIS.

[@Richard-Bullock]

Nissan should sell this in the UK, instead of the line up of crap it actually does try to sell to us.

[@MeliorIlle]

It would be fantastic if they brought back the turbo version with a manual. I have no problems with a CVT but 122 HP is no bueno.

[@senseicorey9979]

Cvt is death

[@jammerDNA]

Definitely looks a helluva lot better than the last generation.

[@ljmorris6496]

Acceleration some 80's compacts could beat and match, otherwise decently loaded..

[@cgreenfield6655]

Can't wait to see all the fantastic driving sub-prime buyers behind the wheels of these with all windows tinted riding my ass while going 60 in a 45.

[@senseicorey9979]

You could of had one for %27 apr for 87 months

[@douglasb.1203]

Only for 90 days before repossession.

[@anthonylee2566]

@@douglasb.1203😂

[@Trance88]

I want to test drive one of these in base S model with the 5 speed manual. It would probably run for 100k miles more than the CVT version. I have a feeling the manual option is not long for this world, unfortunately. Young people need to stop being so scared and lazy towards manuals. Another trend that seems to be occurring is manufacturers re-designating manual transmissions as part of an upscale "high performance" pro-driver package.

[@johninama585]

I also just drove a Kia Soul for a few weeks as a rental while my car was being fixed, and it's a much better car for the same money.

[@LyleBialk]

Drove a Kia Soul for a few weeks. Have you ever driven a Versa? Are you really qualified to make this type of statement?

[@johninama585]

@@LyleBialk I'm just talking about features for money, but I'd take a manual Versa over a Soul just because.

[@johninama585]

@@LyleBialk Also, you can't hack a Versa through the Nissan website! :D

[@LyleBialk]

@@johninama585 Fair enough.

[@tomjanowski8584]

Nice they still over a manual transmission, but the gas mileage with the manual is no where near as good as the CVT. And I wouldn't buy a Nissan with a CVT.

[@Moistnmeaty90]

Considering that Nissan hasn’t had a widespread cvt issue since 2013, I guess it’s your choice. I’m still boycotting GM for the diesel engine failures of the 80s. I have a long memory.

[@tomjanowski8584]

@@Moistnmeaty90 Nissan was stilling having CVT issues a year ago. The Nissans are very popular where I work and people I work with have 2019 to 2023 Nissans and 2 have had major CVT issues/repairs and one replacement.

[@Moistnmeaty90]

@@tomjanowski8584 Honda is still having oil dilution issues despite having “fixed” the issue. However, despite isolated incidents, that does not make the problem widespread. I see no evidence in the form of TSB’s or recalls that Jatco is having cvt issues today on any cvt models they produce.

[@anthonylee2566]

@@tomjanowski8584great info, thanks for your input!

[@tomjanowski8584]

@@Moistnmeaty90 Apple meet orange

[@andrenj1970]

Crap box for the $, add little more and get corolla, night and day difference with reliability and also more power. Test drive it to believe it;)

[@bvedant]

I would get it in S trim with the 5-speed. The total stripper model. And run it to the ground.

[@senseicorey9979]

My old prius smokes this thing to 60.....holy crap

[@mervinprone]

If you’re going to buy this car, learn how to drive a stick and get the 5 speed.

[@KeithSchwerin]

Not available anymore

[@blaknoizee]

This is still actually holding onto the "old car" setup. A true automatic?

[@davidparkin9017]

How about a wagon version with fold flat second row seats?

[@senseicorey9979]

That's the slowest I've ever seen a car go through those cones

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

Yea. Ever.

[@carfo]

haha i love how the driver has a helmet on. it's ok, dude. you'll be fine.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Continues to be one of the cars that people regret buying most after one year of ownership, based on trade ins. Add in the 'hope you get one that wasn't built on a Monday, weekend, or Friday" build quality and you've got a real winner

[@milfordcivic6755]

I had one as a loaner. What a pile. Underpowered, buzzy, noisy and a rubbery CVT

[@markhealey9409]

​@@milfordcivic6755i hate automatics anyway...although modern ones with bigger engines are better than back in the day,of course! Small engined automatics have always been awful!

[@msmith2654]

Bring back the versa note

[@jeepthing98]

why was the slalom driven in slow motion?

[@solarflare1008]

17 inches tires are too much for that tiny engine….

[@aaronbehindbars]

Small Altima Energy or BAE in Training?

[@jbar_85]

Once gas hit 5 dollars again and/or the true economy finally shows, these will sell like hotcakes! Better get ‘em while you can.

[@cgreenfield6655]

Anyone still mad at Audi for making the giant front grill a thing?

[@glovedcop69]

0-60...sure why not 😂

[@ohguy1991]

Eventually

[@toronado455]

I'm surprised the Versa priced below the KIA Rio. However, it tops out above the Rio. Either way it's much better than a Rio.

[@raderator]

I want a manual and a hatch. The world is against me.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Buy a civic then

[@roadtripboy]

I want a hatch too. But if I had to replace my 2018 Fiesta I would probably buy this car. I know someone gonna say SUVs have hatches. But I don't want and station wagon with a hatch and that's what SUVs are.

[@markhealey9409]

No manual option?? If not,that's a shame,as many poor people like me still prefer to drive manuals,& when you're on a budget,manuals have less to go wrong typically,& are cheaper to repair! I will continue to seek out used manual cars,& even if I could afford a new car,i would seek out a manual!

[@craigster1234]

In Canada the manual transmission is gone for 2024. Grr.... Does everyone drink Soy milk?

[@milfordcivic6755]

Everyone is too busy playing with their phone

[@cubdukat]

Definitely better looking than that first-gen Renault styling reject. I’m glad Nissan seems to have gotten over that entire period.

[@jimmbobb]

It performs about as well as my mom's 93 Sentra 🙄

[@Nickoboss29]

Why can't Europe get Nissan's sedans??

[@henryovalles1163]

I remember when 20k bought you a maxima se. 😢

[@devinbiz]

Yeah, I even remember when Versa came out for just under $10K and had no radio, manual everything. Times have changed

[@CalvinHikes]

Yeeeah but it's a Nissan.

[@Moistnmeaty90]

What’s your point?

[@OllieCat7]

Don't buy it unless you can possibly get your hands on a manual transmission option which I believe still exists on the base model. Otherwise say bye-bye to their crappy CVT transmission at about 60,000 miles

[@mryeahisaidit]

Buddy had to wait for weeks to get a brand new 2023 and its already been back to the dealership twice 🤣🤣🤣🤣 and when you see it reality it screams im a cheap car Shutting the door sounds like the whole car is hollow and paper thin 😒🙄 no thanks nissan , this really is a cheap car and i mean cheap in a bad way

[@TinaEvans-vr1rl]

No car is cheap now of days!

[@erich84502ify]

11.2

[@senseicorey9979]

My prius is low 10s.....

[@bjsimon802]

These cars dont last, buy a corolla or Civic.

[@toronado455]

Don't forget the Subaru Impreza. I like it better than either Corolla or Civic.

[@roberthoyt7921]

Nissan may consider killing off the Versa outright as subcompact sedans are doomed for extinction in favor of small SUVs.

[@KeithSchwerin]

They are killing Versa and Altima

[@automotivetv9861]

Excellent Uber car 🤣

[@Stigz34]

18 second 1/4 Would not want to be on the interstate trying to merge with this

[@mbox314]

My first car did a 18 second 1/4 mile and I got by just fine.

[@RedNekLvr22]

​@mbox314 Everyone thinks their car should go from zero-to-the-grocery-store in 3 seconds. I have a 2023 Versa SR and I love it. It's a perfect car for me. How many people can claim they have a 3-year loan (not a lease) on their car? Mine will be paid off long before most other people will pay their's off.

[@senseicorey9979]

That thing will explode before payments are over

[@RedNekLvr22]

@@senseicorey9979 No. It will last because I will maintain it properly.

[@senseicorey9979]

@@RedNekLvr22 that's what owners of tons of Nissan in junkyards with blown cvts thought. But hey, it's your bank account.....

[@broeheemed32]

An SR model with 120 HP and a CVT? Shameful.

[@akr01364]

Is it going to be Nissan, non reliable, however?

[@hellboundTX333]

C....V....T!!!!! 😢😢😢

[@성태김-c1w]

Bargain Banger

[@senseicorey9979]

Junked by 2025

[@daivietnguyen7289]

Since our “beloved” FED printed too much money nowadays, things will never be the so called “cheap” ever again !!!

[@KeithSchwerin]

That's a global problem. Not US specific.

[@milfordcivic6755]

Too bad it's a Nissan. Renault ruined them

[@KeithSchwerin]

Renault owned less than 51%. That's not a controlling share. They also just dropped to 15% so they are even more separate now.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes

[@moejr1974]

troll

[@chriskrueger8225]

Yes it will sell to those with a 580 credit score that can't qualify for anything else, and even those people will hate this P.O.S!

[@Moistnmeaty90]

@@chriskrueger8225subprime financing is available on all makes and models if you have the cash.