I'll let my boys ride up front with you...
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.
I recently had a new Honda Civic coupe and got rid of it due to quality issues. The fuel economy wasn't all that hot, either. I'm not familiar with Nissan's car, but I wasn't too impressed by the Honda Fit. Maybe the newest version of the Fit is better, though.
Wonder how it does w/a Logtruck??
Pray for W, McCuda and Our Troops
Is it still assembled in Japan?
If so, that makes my current favorite still the Pontiac Vibe.
“Let me know when you come across something in 4WD for less than $10K.”
Uh, let me sell you a bridge in NYC if you think this tin can in a 4 wheel drive version is less than $10k.
The ford escort was the best small car ever built.
2.3 engine with a 5 speed manual would get over 40mpg highway and would tow a boat!
I saw a head on collision with a nissan SUV and a Humvee.
The Humvee lost
My 2007 Ford Fusion S gets mileage in that range and is roomy and much better looking. I get about 23 city (with AC) and 34 hwy. If Ford had geared the 5th gear higher, I would get about 37 mpg. The cost is only marginally higher. The car is incredibly safe and very reliable. Two kids got hit in a head on collision with a older Ford F150 and kids had scratches. The guy in the pickup had no seat belt on and died.
For young people just starting out on their first jobs a nice car to save money
“I recently had a new Honda Civic coupe and got rid of it due to quality issues. The fuel economy wasn’t all that hot, either. I’m not familiar with Nissan’s car, but I wasn’t too impressed by the Honda Fit. Maybe the newest version of the Fit is better, though. “
Really? The 09 Civic Coupe is rated at a similar 26/34 MPG.
I used to like the little Ford Fiesta.
No, I was asking you to come off the highhorse and start comparing apples to apples. I don’t care if you drive a Unimog.
Even at $1.99/gallon, that Civic's 35 MPG is nice. I will admit there have been times I wished I had something to haul cargo in, but those have been comparatively rare.
Anyone who wants to spend more for a large sedan or an SUV or pickup truck is welcome to. But it's asinine to pretend that everyone needs a big vehicle.
I agree.
On price maybe but my 2005 Focus gets 34 mph highway and at least 27 city. I commute 65 miles each way and this is my second Focus. Got over 200K on the first and am well on the way with this one at 133K. Never any major repairs and only one tune up at 100K. New model is so ugly I won’t buy another though, so the Nissan might win on style.
10K is cheap for any new car, but the best deal is always a used car. I recently got a nice clean 2003 Ford Taurus for 5K. There are lots of them to choose from and I was very surprised at how much I have driven this beater, bought for my teenage son to drive, compared with our Ford Expedition and BMW 325i.
The Taurus is a really nice, comfortable car. Mechanics and fleet geeks tell me it is bulletproof as long as the tranny fluid is maintained. This car is about the same size and comfort level as a BMW 5 series for one tenth the price.
Want something better than a Taurus? Here in So Cal you can buy a three or four year old MB E350 for not much over 20K. Not bad for a car that stickers well above 50K and is a very comfy and stylish ride.
People are misled by the price of gas. For the difference in price between a new Versa and a used Taurus you can pay for a lot of gas.
Appreciate this news very much. Thanks for the info Spktyr.
A Honda Civic starts at half again the price. Civic’s base price is $15,205, and it gets either 25/34 or 25/36 depending on the transmission - not all that much better if you drive freeway, and worse if you drive city.
The Versa also gets four stars in all four NHTSA categories:
http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.db847bd57e3dc1f885dfc38c35a67789/?vgnextoid=c95df2905bf54110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD
So it’s not a deathtrap, either.
I'll let my boys ride up front with you...
My Civic coupe had the “old “ EPA numbers and was rated at 30/40. I never saw higher than 26 in combined driving.
If mileage is comparable, one should be better off with a larger engine, since it won't need to be working as hard.
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