Think you can’t afford an electric car? Think again …
The Nissan LEAF’s price has been set at an eye-opening $32,780. A Federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit of $7,500 knocks the cost down to just $25,280. Individual state tax and local credits should ensure that the LEAF sells out in EV-crazed areas. Given the EV frenzy in California, we expect that dealers in the state will tack on a host of premiums.
MPG-o-Matic Nissan Cube Review Summary: The Nissan Cube merges polarizing design with practical functionality. With a base price in the low teens, the Cube appeals to drivers looking for something that’s completely different, yet affordable.
The 2009 Nissan Cube is fitted with a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Cube’s DOHC inline four, which is shared with the Nissan Versa, produces 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque.
MPG-o-Matic Nissan Altima Review Summary: The four-door Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan provides a winning combination of ride, comfort, style, and fuel economy.
The 2009 Altima is available in five models, with three different drive trains. Our test unit was equipped with the base 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine which produces 175 horsepower (HP) and 180 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to a Xtronic CVT transmission or six-speed manual transmission (in the S version).
MPG-o-Matic Nissan Sentra Review Summary: . The Sentra slots in between the entry-level Versa and more stylish Altima in Nissan’s lineup. The Sentra is a well-proven commuter that takes it all in stride, with MPGs that hit the mark.
With the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as primary competition, the 2009 Nissan Sentra is marketed as being “powerful enough to keep up with your life.” The Sentra is available in three levels of trim: Base, S, and SL. The sporting Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V models round out the range.
All Sentras other then the more powerful SE-R models are equipped with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual or Xtronic continuous variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra’s inline four produces 140 horsepower (HP) and 147 foot pounds of torque.
Update: Hyundai has lowered the MSRP on the entry-level Accent GS to $9,970 … making it the cheapest new car in America … for now …
A new version of Nissan Versa is the second cheapest new car in America today. With a starting price tag just under $10,000 ($9,990 to be exact), the Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Base sits atop the chart of 2009’s Cheapest Cars, delivering the goods with a roomy interior and very good gas mileage.
Folks looking for the cheapest car on the market need look no further than this value-priced four-door. While we haven’t had the chance to spend time with the 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 yet, we did spend a week with its five-door hatchback sibling earlier this fall. It’s a pleasant little car. Our Versa review clearly shows the car’s strengths.
