Nissan Versa Note

Overview: Is the Nissan Versa Note a Good Car?

The subcompact Nissan Versa Note hatchback combines ample cargo space with a modest price tag. Offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback, the Versa Note seats five passengers with frugal four-cylinder power. Despite all this practicality, the Versa Note was sold in the U.S. for only the 2014-2019 model years. However, the standard Versa was available as a hatchback in prior years. Confusing? Yes. A look at CoPilot’s national listings shows Nissan Versa Note prices to be very affordable, with some examples starting under $3,000.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Nissan Versa Note cars for sale.

Find a used Nissan Versa Note near me.

Related: The Nissan Versa Note Years to Avoid

Key Features

The Nissan Versa Note offers:

• Five-door hatchback body style
• 1.6L four-cylinder engine
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Front-wheel drive

Trims

Initially available in the S, S Plus, and SV trims, Nissan later added the sporty SR and premium SL editions to the Versa Note lineup.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Standard features like air conditioning, Bluetooth, and a sound system handle basics, while available upgrades include navigation, satellite radio, and other niceties. The rear seat folds to enable larger items, supported by the hatchback body style. However, plastics feel cheap, and the car lacks active safety gear. On the plus side, a tall greenhouse translates into a surprisingly roomy cabin with acceptable second-row legroom.

How It Drives

The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission provide adequate motivation for the light Versa Note. Direct steering and a tidy size enable it to zip around town easily. But this powertrain can make a driver want more on highways and fast suburban boulevards.

Safety

Small proportions challenge the Versa Note’s crash protection capabilities. This is reflected in mixed performance—two to five stars out of five—in tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA did not test the Versa Note after 2016.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Nissan Versa Note reviews are subpar, 3.9 out of 5.0. Owners cited quality, performance, and styling as areas for improvement.

Learn More: Which Years of Used Nissan Versa Notes Are Most Reliable?

FAQs

Why was the Nissan Versa Note discontinued?

Slowing sales prompted Nissan (really a Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership) to drop the Versa Note and sedan after the 2018 model year. The all-new 2020 Nissan Versa returned as a sedan-only model, with hatchback duties assumed by the related Kicks crossover.

Is the Nissan Versa the same as the Note (Nissan Versa vs Versa Note)?

No. The Versa Note was sold alongside the Versa sedan from 2014 to 2019. Both rode on the same platform, but the Versa Note features a larger, more practical hatchback body style versus the trunk-equipped Versa sedan.

Is the Nissan Versa Note a small car?

Yes. With an overall length under 12.5 feet, the subcompact Nissan Note is among the smallest new cars sold during its tenure. Larger compact models like the Sentra offer more interior room.

Is a Nissan Versa Note a good first car?

Yes. The Versa Note hatchback combines an easy-to-drive nature, excellent fuel economy, and an affordable purchase price, making it an ideal first vehicle for newer drivers on a budget. Just don’t expect much acceleration, and understand that crash protection isn’t always top-notch.

Check out used Nissan Versa Notes for sale.