America has become a nation of truck drivers, enamored with the thought of driving a 2-ton, all-wheel drive monstrosity with all the visual grace of a large appliance box.
Automakers are delighted, of course, as they’ve always been able to charge more for SUVs, even though it cost them little more to manufacture than cars. This has brought in the massive profits needed to develop electric vehicles, something dictated by the world’s governments, not consumer desire. In the interim, truly affordable sedans have withered to a meager few, of which the 2023 Nissan Versa is the least-expensive in America, starting at $15,830. That’s more than 67% less than the average new vehicle price of $48,528, according to Cox Automotive.
Offered in ascending S, SV and SR trim, opting for a ride in the cheap seats doesn’t mean that you can’t have a bit of automotive fast fashion. Just don’t expect it to be fast. Lacking the dowdiness of its predecessor, Nissan’s cheapest ride wears standard LED headlights and the brand’s signature V-motion grille, floating roof, and C-pillar design cues. Sharing its fashion sense with its pricier siblings means you won’t be embarrassed while parking at the Piggly Wiggly.
