2011 Nissan Versa Review – Radiant Reliability
Nissan’s Versa lineup is currently in its third generation of production and has remained popular with consumers. The 2011 Versa was the last model released as part of the first generation. If you’re wondering whether this model has stood the test of time, this is what you need to know!
The 2011 Nissan Versa is a five-seater car available as a hatchback or sedan, with two engine choices for buyers. Front-wheel drive is standard, but there is a choice of transmission. While connectivity features are limited, 2011 models have been praised for their reliability and value for money.
Throughout our review of the 2011 Nissan Versa, the radiant reliability of this vehicle will truly shine through. From what sets this vehicle apart from others to how much it will cost today; we’ll break down everything you want to know about the 2011 models!
What Sets 2011 Nissan Versa Apart?
Since 2004 when the first-generation Nissan Versa was released, this versatile car has remained popular with consumers. In fact, the car’s name is derived from “versatile space,” – which already tells you a lot about this vehicle. In other markets, the car was known by different names, including the Nissan Tiida and Latio.
The Nissan Versa is still manufactured today, with the 2022 Versa currently available to consumers. Of course, this current generation was preceded by many fantastic year models. However, you might be wondering whether the 2011 Nissan Versa is one of those impressive models that has stood the test of time.
One aspect that truly sets the 2011 Nissan Versa apart is the fact that it was released at the end of the first Versa generation. Between 2012 and 2019, second-generation models were released. The current 2022-year models, of course, form part of the third generation of Versa vehicles from Nissan.
As the culmination of upgrades and changes made throughout the first generation, the 2011 Nissan Versa is a truly impressive vehicle – regardless of whether you choose the sedan or hatchback! This will be evident throughout the article as we discuss everything you want to know about this vehicle and its sheer reliability.
Available Trim Levels For 2011 Nissan Versa
Factoring in trim levels and your choice of body style, there were nine total configurations available for 2011 models from Nissan. The three available trim levels are Base, S, and SL. Over the generations, this has largely remained the same, with additional trim levels being added by the manufacturer.
With the base 1.6L four-cylinder engine, only the Sedan body style was available for consumers. For the S trim levels, customers could choose between the Sedan and Hatchback body styles. For the SL trim level, the Versa was also available in both body styles, with fewer transmission options. We’ll look at this in the following section!
Driving 2011 Nissan Versa – Engine, Transmission, And Performance
For the 2011 Nissan Versa, Nissan gave buyers the choice of two engines. Firstly, there was the base 1.6L four-cylinder engine that had a modest horsepower of 107. As we mentioned above, this engine was only available paired with the sedan body style. Of course, this means you won’t be able to purchase a 2011 Nissan Versa hatchback with the 1.6L engine.
Instead, all Hatchback models come standard with the second engine choice: a 1.8L four-cylinder that delivers 122 horsepower. This engine choice, which increases the horsepower by 14%, was reserved for the S and SL trim levels. Buyers also had a choice of body style with this engine. However, which transmissions were available?
Regardless of trim, front-wheel drive is standard for all 2011 Nissan Versa models. For the 2011 sedan models with the base 1.6L engine, a choice between automatic and manual was given. For S trim 2011 models, which utilize the 1.8L engine, a choice between manual and automatic was also given.
For the SL trim level, there are only two configurations available, both powered by the 1.8L engine. For the SL sedan, only an automatic transmission is available. For the SL Hatchback, a CVT transmission is used – the only model with this type of transmission. Now that we’ve outlined these specs let’s consider the performance of these models.
Overall, the 2011 Nissan Versa models provide reliable performance. In a speed test between two manual 2011 models, one powered by the 1.6L and the other by the 1.8L, both vehicles were able to go from 0 to 60 mph in just over 9 seconds.
From more than 60 reviews on Cars.com, the 2011 Nissan Versa holds a rating of 4.4/5. When you consider the breakdown of this rating, you’ll notice the highest scores come from reliability (4.5) and value for money (4.6). For performance, the Versa scored a 4.2/5.
These reviews also praised the styling and comfort of these models, which we’ll get to. However, another aspect of performance to consider is the fuel economy of these models. Could the fuel economy of the 2011 models be one of the reasons the reliability and value for money scores were so high?
2011 Nissan Versa Fuel Economy
Regardless of the specific configuration of the vehicle, 2011 Nissan Versa models were acclaimed for their fuel efficiency. Depending on your selected trim level, body style, and engine, the combined MPG would range between 27 and 30. The SL hatchback Versa is the most fuel-efficient Versa, with a combined city and highway MPG of 30.
For manual sedan models with the base 1.6L engine, the combined MPG is 29. For the automatic sedan 2011 models, the combined MPG drops slightly to 28. The manual hatchback and sedan S models also have a combined MPG of 28. For the remaining automatic models with the 1.8L engine, the combined MPG is 27, making these the least fuel-efficient models.
Inside 2011 Nissan Versa – Cabin, Cargo, And Connectivity
Regardless of trim level or configuration, all 2011 Nissan Versa models can seat five passengers across two rows. As we mentioned earlier, this model name is derived from the phrase “versatile space,” – which is truly reflected in the spacious interiors of these models. There is plenty of headroom in the well-designed interior.
With hatchback models, the rear seats can be folded down but not fully. When these are lowered, there is a total of 50 cubic feet of cargo space available. With the rear seats in use, 17.8 cubic feet are available in the trunk. The sedan offers less cargo space, with only 13.8 cubic feet available. In terms of space versatility, hatchback models truly shine.
In terms of connectivity features, consumers may find the Versa rather basic. Standard features include powered windows and a rear-window defroster. For S trim level models, a four-speaker CD and radio are included. For the SL trim level, a six-speaker system with a six-disc changer is included.
In terms of modern connectivity features drivers have come to expect from vehicles, the 2011 Nissan Versa models can feel underwhelming. If you’re looking for more features, the S and SL models will be a better fit. However, there are also safety features to consider!
How Safe Is A 2011 Nissan Versa?
Nissan has been praised for the safety of its 2011 Nissan Versa models. For the 2011 models, Nissan made front side and side curtain airbags are standard across all models. While antilock brakes are optional for base models, they are standard on all other models.
After it was released, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Versa their highest rating for their safety. In both front- and side-impact collisions, passengers inside the vehicle were adequately protected. Very few 2011 Nissan Versa owners have had issues with their vehicles since purchasing them.
The most common issue cited by owners is broken coil springs in the vehicle’s front suspension. However, Nissan recalled many of the vehicles with these coil spring issues. Overall, however, these models are truly reliable vehicles – even today. However, how much will you pay today?
How Much Will 2011 Nissan Versa Cost Today?
Even when it was released, the 2011 Nissan Versa was one of the most affordable cars available on the market. For the base level manual Sedan, the price started at $9900. For the SL models, which is the highest trim level, prices start at $16,500.
Given that this vehicle was released more than a decade ago, you will not be able to purchase it new. Due to this, you’ll need to look for secondhand models. Of course, this can somewhat limit which configurations will be available; you’ll be able to find great deals for this reliable vehicle.
Our Verdict on the 2011 Nissan Versa
2011 Nissan Versa truly highlights why consumers fell in love with the first generation of these vehicles. The 2011 model has been widely praised for its reliability and affordability. With few issues and a timeless design, the 2011 Nissan Versa remains a fantastic vehicle, even ten years after it was first released.
