2023 Nissan Versa | Can a $20k Car Actually be Good?

This here is a feelgood story about buying a sub-$20,000 new car. Do you know how many of them still exist? Only six: Rio, Forte, Venue, Soul, Mirage and this Versa – the least expensive new car sold in America with a starting MSRP of $16,925 including destination. It’s also only one of three within that group offered with a manual transmission, if that’s important to you. When I started this gig in 1998, cheap cars were really cheap – not necessarily bad, but barren, harsh, zero fun kind of transportation with questionable safety resumes. Thankfully, that’s not the case anymore.

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2023 Nissan Versa SR

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[KrissKross]

Such a refreshing review, something that isn’t a crossover or a high end luxury/sports car. Accessible cars like these are going the way of the dodo which is a shame. Far from a modern Nissan fan but kudos to them for making something like this.

[bassandtrebleclef]

Steve, I LOVE this review. So much respect to you for keeping in mind that a 22k car is something many people aspire to. I have a soft spot for Nissan as it was my first and only new car purchase - the old jellybean Altima in 1994 dollars for 15.5k. That this is 22k and appears to be slightly bigger with a ton more features safety and otherwise, and I can't help but feel happy this car exists. Even though I hate CVTs, Nissan STILL offers the stick. Interesting that other than the Z, this is the car Nissan should be most proud of making.

[joepeach]

I still have my 2009 Versa, and I love it!!! This new one looks so fine. I'm older, much more practical, and understand that thought out always wins in the end. I'm going looking at the new 2024 Versa or I just might find a new 2023 hiding on a lot!

[Tinrs]

Everytime i see one of these on the road i say " oh look at that fast lookin " Cause it truly does have a nice design & " looks " fast.

[kevinthant]

Last year I drove a Nissan Versa rental car while traveling. This car is a lot nicer than what its price tag might have suggested. Though the engine is small, it has good enough passing power and acceleration for its size, and decent interior with good gas mileage. Definitely one of the best options available for a cheap and new but still decent car for a basic transportation. 👍

[antonymu]

Nissan is a good company. I used Nissan vehicle more than 10 years without big problems.

[RedNekLvr]

I just bought a 2023 Versa SR in Electric Blue and I love it. Everything you said is accurate concerning the features you get for the money.

The best part is that it's so cheap, I was able to get a 3-year loan for it! I'm really happy with my purchase.

[bob]

That's a fantastic little car! I was looking for a cheap car for my Mum (here in Australia), and only the Koreans came close to this level of kit for a reasonable price. However the cabins didn't look this good. Well done Nissan USA!

[forest_gamingredux]

To think my 2017 Nissan Sentra (Which I just paid off) has the same features if not more costed me 22, 453.00 dollars before tax title and destination fee really shows how expensive cars have gotten. It even IMO had a much nicer interior than this car does.

[YODAddyLIVE]

I guess we will have to see an actual comparison between the base <$17K to the fully loaded as tested >$22K model. I always compared the top end with all the features to the model below and what it would cost to add on those features. If you can add everything you want for <$5K then you really can get something great for cheap. I'm happy to see new cars that could be had for less but it's also sad to think that there are people out there that would buy this car with a 72-month loan....

[AhmedAhmed-yumz]

th problem with nissan is their CVT. they broke half the time and that is expensive to fix them.

[SibRevs]

It was either this or a 992 Porsche 911 Turbo S. I chose the Versa.

[bosse]

Impressive, from what you said. Would love to own one.

[cisky]

@Steve: is the Driver assistant package standard on all trims?

[Andrew]

Does the Major Deegan Edition come with steelies, brush bars and bumper protectors?

[callmegorgeouos]

What I care most is how safe it is when in accident; does it protect the children/adult from being smash up?

[raymondcanessa]

looks like a nice little car. corolla is more problem free over the long term long term is over 10 years

[honestlysarcastic]

I have heard the Nissans CVT transmission breaks down quite often.. is that true?

[JasPlun]

The manual transmission version will probably be ok, I would not touch a Nissan with a CVT transmission. Personally I would look for a good used low miles grandma car before I would buy one of those. I could find a better used car for less money than that, but for somebody wanting a brand new car I like it better than any Kia comparison.

[jdm]

If taken in proper perspective yes a new $20k car can be good.