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.
Latest issue of Consumer Reports listed Versa as “Least Reliable” among small cars.
Won’t find me buying one.
Some of them are, some are made in Nissan’s new robotic plant in Mexico.
I don't know why they quit making them.
I think these are assembled in Tennessee
“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.”
Wrong again. Your exact statement was “Let me know when you come across something in 4WD for less than $10K.”
Nissan won’t be selling this car in 4WD for less than $10k - closer to $13k, and the gas mileage will be less than the FWD variant. You cannot find any published details from Nissan to the contrary.
Since Toyota ruined the Scion xB, I’m waiting to check out the Nissan Cube.
Hey, I don’t have a problem with this little car. I think it’s great depending on a persons’ needs. I’m stuck in a ‘07 Silverado that I’m happy with and can’t do without.
Your Ford Fusion’s base model MSRP, today, is $19,035 with an invoice price of $17,707. The MSRP is almost twice as much.
Its EPA rating is 20/29.
Double the price is “marginally higher”?
/smarta$$ remark
You should have typed, that this car is "just another tin can with wheels, but different." LOL
My Mom has a Vibe. Roomy, comfortable, good gas mileage - never had a problem and it’s been 3 years. She loves it.
Behold the new soviet car of the USSA!!!
“Death trap. A Honda Civic gets better gas mileage and is safer (scores well in crash tests), and isn’t that much more money.”
Correct. The Civic is an excellent car. Even larger cars like a Toyota Camry can gets 32 MPG, seats 5 comfortably, has a trunk where you can put luggage and in a real world crash test will provide more protection.
If folks want a micro car, more power to them.
“Wouldn’t A rollerskate without wheels be a boot. “
If it’s wrecked and repaired, I suppose that makes it a “reboot” ?
;)
I was an Escort wagon guy too. I loved that car. If they still made them, I would get another. It was great on gas, great in the snow and maintenance was cheap. I could even carry 2 canoes on the top with an add on rack. I have an Escape now but I miss my Escort.
Same thing here - I wouldn’t buy an econobox but realize that there is a significant portion of the population that wants them.
For what most people would use this econobox for, I have a Honda motorcycle.
I remember when I paid $3700 for a 1988 Ford Crown Victoria with 107,000 miles. It drove like new and got 30 MPG highway, which is where I drove it exclusively. That car floated down the highway like a big soft boat. I put another 120,000 miles on it, then sold it for $700.
I miss my Crown Vic.
Some in Mexico, some in Japan, I believe. I think they’re also looking at setting up yet another plant here in the US to make them.
My old Datsun 810 was, by far, the worst car I've ever owned. I haven't bought a foreign car in about 18 years, and if I did so again, it would NOT be a Nissan.
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