Nissan Versa

 The Nissan Versa is built to be America’s cheapest car, and it succeeds in every respect. Reported here in sedan form (the Versa Note is its hatchback twin), the Versa has insultingly flimsy materials and a pathetic instrument pod. Its wimpy 1.6-liter engine makes for slow acceleration but is reasonably fuel efficient, with models equipped with the continuously variable transmission now rated for 40 mpg on the highway.