The Cheapest Car in America: 2009 Nissan Versa
The 2008 Chevrolet Aveo5 had few trophies to its name, but one was the dubious distinction of being the cheapest (or most affordable) new car in America. But 2009 brings many new contenders; up until this morning the Hyundai Accent was the cheapest car, but now Nissan has announced its rock-bottom entry. The new Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan is the cheapest new car in the States, with an MSRP of $9,990. That beats the Accent by around $1,000 and the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and Chevy Aveo by $2,000. The price excludes a $695 destination charge.
The new Versa is powered by a 107-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder. That’s 15 hp less than the regular Versa 1.8, but it’s still competitive. The new Versa comes with a standard five-speed manual and has an optional four-speed automatic for $11,990. Gas mileage is up from the regular model, to 26/34 mpg city/highway in the manual and 26/33 with the automatic. That’s competitive with everything in the economy segment except the Yaris and the Smart ForTwo.
At this price, Nissan makes air conditioning optional, for $1,000. It’s standard on the other Versas, as well as on the 1.6 Versa with the automatic transmission. There are manual windows, as well.
Not only is this now the cheapest car, but with total passenger volume exceeding its competition, plus decent power and mileage ratings, you’re getting what appears on paper to be a high-value deal, with fewer compromises than the Aveo5.
