Nissan Versa 1.6

As-tested price: $12,090Drivetrain: 1.6-liter I4; FWD, five-speed manualOutput: 107 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 111 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpmCurb weight: 2,521 lbFuel economy (EPA): 29 mpgOptions: ABS package ($250); five-piece floor mat set ($155)
OUR TAKE: There are two basic reasons for de-contenting a vehicle. You have the performance reasons, as with the Dodge Viper ACR and the Honda S2000 CR, to save weight and eke out a few extra tenths per lap. People will notice that you don't have a radio or air conditioning and think you are a hardcore racer.
Then there is de-contenting as in this Versa (and the Hyundai Accent GS), which people will notice and most likely just feel sorry for you. We do understand the reason for these cars, which give people the option of having a new car with a factory warranty at a bargain-basement price. But most would be better served taking the money, finding a good-condition used Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, and purchasing an extended warranty.
As for the good about this car in particular, it is frugal on gas and will help owners feel like they are reducing our country's dependency on foreign oil. And it comes with a factory warranty.
Driving without a radio definitely makes you easily realize you are slogging around on budget wheels. The engine is buzzy, the ride at 80 mph is choppy and the car was all over the road on regular commutes. Keeping the car going straight required constant sawing of the steering wheel.
We also never thought it was possible to find a worse Bridgestone tire than the RE92, but we have and they are on this car. The compound is extremely hard and the sidewalls feel like they are made from Jell-O, causing the car to suffer massive understeer. Wet-weather performance is also poor; we hydroplaned through even tiny puddles. The tires are probably mostly to blame for the vague steering feel as well.