America’s Cheapest Car Still Lets You Drive Stick

Manual transmissions disappear and quickly. Less and less cars allow you to row your own gears, in particular at the affordable end of the market. Motor manufacturers believe that most people just want the convenience of an automatic, so that’s where they put their money.
But there is a small aberrant value which refuses to abandon the clutch. For 2025, the new cheapest car in America is always delivered with a manual – and it starts at only $ 17,190. Even more crazy is that its price has actually dropped while everyone continues to increase it.
This makes him a real unicorn in the world of cars today. Most of the low-budget brands abandoned the stick years ago, but it bets that there are still drivers who want more pleasure behind the wheel, even if it means abandoning modern frills.
To give you the most up -to -date and the most precise information as possible, the data used to compile this article from Nissan and other sources, including Toppeed.
The Nissan Versa 2025 is always the cheapest stick that you can buy
The Nissan Versa held the crown as a cheapest car in America for years, whether you choose the manual or the automatic. It is almost always much $ 20,000, making it a show on the current market.
The manuals disappearing quickly, especially among the sedans – the 2025 Versa feels like a rare discovery. For low -budget buyers who always want to row their own gears, it ticks a lot of boxes.
2025 Nissan Versa Trimes and Price
|
Trim |
Pdsfp |
|---|---|
|
Versa s (5 -speed manual) |
$ 17,190 |
|
Versa s (Xtronic) |
$ 18,990 |
|
Versa SV |
$ 20,490 |
|
Versa sr |
$ 21,190 |
If you want a stick, you will need to stick to the entry level Versa S – it is the only 2025 version that offers a manual.
2025 Nissan Versa: Specifications and fuel economy
The Nissan Versa 2025 contains a four-cylinder natural suction engine of 1.6 liter which is 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm, sent to the front wheels by a five-speed manual.
The manual performance numbers are not official, but the tests suggest a time from 0 to 60 MPH of approximately 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of around 115 MPH. It is very fast for daily driving, while the CVT automatic version reaches 0 to 60 in 9.5 seconds.

- Basic
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In line of 1.6 liter-4
- Basic filling transmission
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5 -speed manual
- Basic filling transmission
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Front traction
- Basic Horse Power
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122 hp at 6,300 rpm
- Basic torque
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114 LB-PI at 4,000 rpm
- Basic fuel saving (city / highway / combined)
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10/27/30 MPG
- Do
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Nissan
- Model
-
Versa Sedan
- Segment
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Sub-compact sedan
Now for one of the biggest questions: is the Nissan Versa 2025 sufficiently effective? The manual version provides 35 mi / gal in town, 35 mi / gal motorway and 30 mi / gal combined, all on a regular unleaded.
This puts him up there with more expensive rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. If the energy efficiency is important, the 2025 Versa manual has covered you.
You get a good deal, but there are compromises
The list of Versa’s features is a question of practice without frills, but some surprises sneak up for buyers while waiting for bare equipment. Outside, it sticks to the essentials: 15 -inch steel wheels, LED headlights and black grille. The function wins on a flashy style, keeping the low base price.
Inside, history is the same. Fabric seats, manual climate controls and a multifunction steering wheel cover the basics, while a 7 -inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto hold up -to -date technology.
Voice control via Siri and Google Assistant, plus three USB ports, complete the digital configuration, proving that even a budget sedan can remain connected without breaking the bank.
Best safety equipment you expect
Versa’s safety equipment is more robust than the business price suggests. The standard characteristics include the front, side and curtains, plus the dynamic vehicle control and a reversing camera.
The most impressive is standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Even as a new cheapest car in America, Versa proves that essential safety technology is no longer just for high prices models.
Large value packed in small dimensions
The dimensions of the Versa show intelligent packaging in an undercompet imprint. 177 inches long and 68.5 inches wide, it is easy to maneuver in the city while pulling the best part of the interior space.
The loading capacity strikes 14.7 cubic feet and the rear passengers obtain 31 inches of leg space. Nissan focused on the space usable on a flashy design, giving a cabin that feels more spacious than its size – and its price – it is possible.
Budget to own and drive
For buyers with a budgetary spirit, operating costs are essential – and Nissan facilitates it with a free maintenance care program of two years or 24,000 miles. This includes three free oil changes and more.
Insurance varies, of course, but Versa 2025 costs an average of $ 180 per month, or about $ 2190 per year. Not bad to keep a new car on the road.
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Pros |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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Should you stay stick or pass the Nissan Versa 2025 manual?
Opt for the 2025 Versa manual if you want a small reliable sedan and the pleasure of moving your own gears, all well below the competition.
It also comes with solid safety equipment, although you will abandon interior functionality and advanced performance. For budget buyers who appreciate the practical aspect and commitment, it is an intelligent choice.




