The Nissan Versa was once notorious for stripping out the air conditioning and the stereo so ads could proclaim a brand-new car for around $10,000. Power mirrors, power locks, and power windows also went missing. Nissan added back most of that equipment a couple years ago when it realized Kia and Mitsubishi weren’t stooping that low, yet the Versa is still America’s cheapest new car. For 2017, a base Versa sedan starts at just $12,825, unchanged from 2016.
Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Versa S comes standard with crank windows. The locks must be pushed and pulled by hand. But there is a four-speaker stereo, A/C, Bluetooth, power mirrors, and a proper glovebox, which is something the Mazda Miata doesn’t have. A five-speed manual is available but only on the S, while the other three trim levels have a CVT. Nissan dropped the automatic S for 2017. Buyers who want one must step up to the S Plus at $14,825 ($50 less than last year), which also adds cruise control, a trunk lip spoiler, and 60/40-split fold-down rear seats. The SV is $16,415 and packs power windows, power locks, chrome door handles rather than black plastic, faux-metal interior trim, a USB port, a second 12-volt power outlet, front map lights, front armrests, upgraded cloth seats, an outside temperature gauge, and remote keyless entry. At $17,975, the Versa SL adds 16-inch alloy wheels, turn signals on the mirror caps, variable intermittent wipers, fog lamps, a 5.8-inch touchscreen, a backup camer...