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 rented one of those overseas a couple years back. A nice little car that drives well and i’m sure it is plenty reliable. Personally I like a lot of the small cars out. The Mini is an absolute riot to drive and the Fit handles really well.
“Another lawn mower with windows ...”
Modern small cars are nothing like the ones of old. Most are well constructed, reliable, surprisingly comfortable, and will cruise at 85 easily all day long.
You need a Honda Element. You can let them in/out of the rear seat with you, and the neoprene and plastic interior can be wiped clean of dog hair.
Plus you’ll get 27mpg around town.
Most versatile and hardest working car I’ve ever had, and it runs like a top.
“And from the Big Three? Nothing but crickets. “
And JUNK. You’d think these folks would have caught a clue by now.
I drive '92 Metro. 1000cc, 3 cylinder. 50+ mpg all day long, and it's been paid for for 16 years. Still here.
(Manual transmissions rule.)"
I just sold my '68 Coronet with a manual shift on the tree. My kids friends couldn't get over the fact that I had to use a clutch and shift like that, none of them have ever seen it done before. Hell, I clicked the bright lights off one time while both my hands were on the wheel and they didn't believe me at first that the switch was actually located on the floor. Kids are so spoiled these days...
Three on the tree blows, too. :P
Thank you!!! I have been looking out for 06/07 Escape/Mariners (lease returns). I still haul around two boys (and their sports equipment) and I don’t think I am ready for a sedan yet. Still need a ute. My husband has a Focus (great mileage, great car...but too small for all of us and our ‘stuff.’) Loved my Explorer...but it got hit, and that is how I got the Trailblazer (which I like...but bigger than what I need right now). Again, thx for the input :)PaMom
Chrysler will soon be as well, your point is?
We have a Toyota Matrix (built in Canada - close cousin to the Vibe.) 81k so far; absolutely no problems. Bought it used (on eBay!) with 40k on it. Mileage is not quite as good as stated, but, it has amazing cargo space for it’s size, with the rear seat(s) folded down flat. Before that I had a Mazda MX-3 GS (GREAT blend of sporty handling and utility) and before that (only car I ever bought new) a Honda CRX 1.3. Now, that last one was the mileage king: If held the CRX down to 55 mph I’d get 65 mpg or better — literally got 70 mpg on a couple 95%+ highway trips. After it had over 200k on it mileage was not quite so good, but I don’t know if I ever dropped below 45 mpg “combined” — granted that my “combined mileage” was probably about 2/3 highway.
Oops, that’s “If I held the CRX down to 55 mph I’d get 65 mpg or better”. (I forgot the driver!)
I’ve bought two Vibes. The 2003 model went to college with my daughter. I replaced it with a 2007 Vibe. Plenty of leg space, good cargo space, great gas mileage and Toyota dependability. If I watch my tendency to have a lead foot I get 30 mpg in town, about 37 on the highway.
And if you toss it in the water and it sinks, it would be "Das Boot".
Sorry, but some of us found it the best of both worlds back when, especially when we had girlfriends sitting up close to us, unlike the guys with bucket seats and console shifters. (your elbow did bump into some nice places when it made that long shift up and over into second... :-))
Sorry, the free market doesn't care about your opinions.
Most have decided that it’s a better idea to get a room, instead. :P
You can get a Fusion for about $16,000. A used one in good shape is less. EPA changed their ratings last year to be more conservative. I can easily get 23 mpg city and 34 highway. The car is much bigger too. It can hold 5 people or 4 comfortably and the trunk can handle 3 sets of golf clubs and maybe even 4. I filled it up with about 8 bankers boxes once. My Honda Accord could hold about 5.
I won’t buy anything but Toyota’s anymore. I bought a used 2004 Toyota Highlander an year and a half ago, and haven’t had any repair expense — zip zero nada. It drives, sounds and looks like a new car at 60,000 miles now. I finally got sick of paying for repairs, and also the unreliability of that. I have friends who have driven their Toyotas 200,000+ miles with excellent reliability.
Ford,Lincoln and Mercury quality is now right up there, not close but there, with Honda and Toyota. H & T have always been better than Nissan in quality and H & T have always been the most reliable Japanese marques along with Toyo’s Lexus brand.
This sound pretty good! Looks good. I had a Nissan 210. Bought it new in 1981. Gave it to my daughter in 1986. She sold it to a freind. It’s still going at 225,000 miles.
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