2010 Nissan Versa S

The Versa is Nissan's entry-level subcompact, offered as a sedan or a hatchback for budget-minded buyers. It's light and nimble around town, with a willing engine that keeps up in traffic, though acceleration on the highway takes patience. Inside, the Versa surprises with generous rear legroom and a tall roofline, making it feel roomier than its footprint suggests. With simple mechanics and cheap parts, the Versa is inexpensive to maintain and easy on fuel, which is why many owners keep them for years. The S is the base Versa, skipping the sedan body and some convenience items to hit the lowest price point. Its 1.8L I4 makes 122 horsepower and works with a four-speed automatic, which is fine for city errands but feels strained on long highway climbs. The hatchback body gives you 50.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, more than most subcompacts offer.