2012 Nissan Versa review

The 2012 Nissan Versa sedan is about as compelling as an old dishwasher, but its fuel efficiency, roominess and unrivaled value will get a lot of shoppers to overlook that.

Economy cars boast sharper looks and more features than ever, but they're inching up in price — frustrating anyone who wants cheap wheels above all else. There's still hope: Redesigned for 2012, the Versa sedan starts at $10,990, making it the least-expensive 2012 model in the U.S. For around $14,500, it's the least expensive car with an automatic transmission, air conditioning and power windows. If a low car payment matters most, mark your calendar. The Versa goes on sale in August.

The sedan comes in S, SV and SL trims. All but the S have an automatic transmission. At a media preview, I tested the SV and SL. The Versa hatchback carries over from the previous generation for 2012, with a redesign on the way. This review covers the sedan, but if you want to learn more about the hatchback, our 2011 Versa overview gives a closer look.

See also:

Front and rear view
Guiding lines, which indicate the vehicle width and distances to objects with reference to the vehicle body line A , are displayed on the monitor. Distance guide lines: Indicate distances from ...

Parking brake break-in
Break in the parking brake shoes whenever the stopping effect of the parking brake is weakened or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums/rotors are replaced, in order to assure the best ...

Engine compartment check locations
QR25DE engine 1. Power steering fluid reservoir (P. 8-14) 2. Engine oil filler cap (P. 8-10) 3. Brake fluid reservoir/Clutch fluid reservoir (M/T model) (P. 8-15, 8-15) 4. Air cleaner (P. 8-20) ...