Posted on 11/01/2008 10:18:06 AM PDT by Spktyr
Nissan has just announced a new version of its entry level Versa sedan today, along with an MSRP that will make that car the lowest priced in the country—$9990 before destination and handling ($10,685 after).
The new base model Versa replaces the standard 1.8-liter four with a 1.6-liter unit, an engine that produces 107 horsepower and can deliver 34 miles per gallon on the highway (26 city) when paired with the standard five-speed manual transmission. The optional four-speed automatic delivers a slightly lower 26/33 mpg rating.
As you might expect, Nissan has decontented the Versa somewhat to be able to hit that magical four-digit price tag, though the company has yet to detail what, exactly, will come standard on the least expensive car in the U.S. The company does boast that Versa now combines “the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan.” A powerful argument in difficult financial times. Read the full press release below.
Nissan Announces Lowest-Priced New Car in the U.S.*
- New, 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 Features $,9,990 MSRP, Excellent Fuel Economy, Design, Quality and Reliability; Available at Dealers November 18 -
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (October 31, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced a new 2009 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 model, which features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* of $9,990* (excluding Destination and Handling). The new Versa focuses squarely on value and fuel economy, with its standard 107-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering responsive performance and a 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating (with the 5-speed manual transmission).
The Versa Sedan 1.6 goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide beginning November 18, 2008.
"Starting under $10,000, this new Versa Sedan 1.6 has the lowest new-car MSRP in the United States," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. "It combines the low price of a used car with the dependability, high quality and full factory warranty of every new Nissan. It's our way of saying that in tough economic times, Nissan is here to help."
Since its introduction in 2006, Nissan Versa has enjoyed strong appeal in the marketplace among buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance or roominess. Versa offers one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings and the largest interior in the entry-level segment – along with excellent quality, reliability and durability.
The new high-value Versa Sedan 1.6 model features a smaller displacement 1.6-liter engine (versus the standard 1.8-liter), standard 5-speed manual transmission and simplified content. It is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual and 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the 4-speed automatic.
"The new Versa Sedan 1.6 is another way in which Nissan is taking a leadership role in reassuring consumers that now is a great time to consider a new car," said Carolin.
* Based on Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $9,990 for the new, 2009 model year Versa 1.6 Sedan. Claim based on competitive MSRP's in the Lower-Small segment for new, model year 2009 vehicles. MSRP excludes applicable tax, title and license fees. Dealer sets actual price. Prices and specs are subject to change without notice. Destination and Handling $695.
You got a lot of life left in that Tacoma. A friend of mine drove his Toy pickup 185K before he sold it, but it was still running great.
Minor maintenance I do on my cars myself — saves a lot of money. If it gets to be significant, then I take it to a repair shop I trust, which does not include dealerships. I hate dealerships & don’t trust them — never take my cars to them. Just me, I guess.
Fair enough- but when I lived in CA, the dealership where I bought my Tacoma had a high-up senior management guy who was a personal friend. I had great luck with them, and reviewing my service with him- never had to invoke his name. It legitimately cost a little more, but they did treat me right.
In general- I’ll agree with you about service at dealerships. This one however, was pretty good.
Thanks to all the safety regs and mandatory this that and the other, this Versa probably weighs about twice what your Chevette did.
Versas are okay to drive on the freeway, Smarts are just deathly slow on the freeway.
Don’t care about that. I’ll keep my pickup truck for the weekends and for hauling stuff. As for my daily commute to work, a “lawn mower with windows” is all I need...with Sirius radio.
I haven't read one report that says that's true but if you have a source I'll be glad to look at it.
It tops out at 90mph.... but it takes forever to get there and they seem to have problems holding speed on even slight hills.
The terrified looks of the few Smart drivers I’ve seen on Dallas highways seems bear that out.
I was an Escort wagon guy too.
Egads. We had one and it was a lemon. It was in the shop so much we thought Ford was an acronym for "fix or repair daily." We bought it because we wanted to buy American. The final straw was when it died while my wife was taking the kids to school. We took it to the dealer for repair. We called to see if it was done and they said yes, "but it don't run so good." When we arrived to pick it up, we discovered that meant they had to push it out of the service bay.
Then and there we decide we would never buy another Ford. Bought Hondas ever since. Will continue to look at them and Toyotas. My daughter just bought a Corolla - we did a road trip from Rochester, NY to Tallahassee, FL on just a bit over 2 tanks of gas. It was surprisingly roomy and peppy - but a tad underpowered on asteep hill. Still, I am quite impressed.
Another problem with the Smart is 1) my motorcycle has more cargo space and 2) the ForTwo, the only model sold here, only seats two.
The Ford 500 has been renamed the Taurus. It is based on a Volvo because Ford owns Volvo.
I have the slighty smaller Ford Fusion which also comes as the Mercury Milan (same car). The prices on both are very good. It is a great car. It comes in a V6 or 4. I have the 4 and it is great. Pickup is fine and the gas mileage is very good.
WRONG. Nissan has safer cars than Honda, and the Versa is highly rated for it’s safety. I own a ford so I’m not pimping the Versa for personal reasons, but I’ve been looking to get a new smaller economical car that’s safe, and I’ve done the comparison.
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