2013 Nissan Versa vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The Nissan Versa used to share its claim as the cheapest car on the U.S.

market with the Hyundai Accent, but in recent years the Accent has gone a little more upmarket.

As it is, the Accent is now priced several thousand higher but it does impress as a little more upscale than the Versa, especially in its base form, and its interior materials and switchgear feel a step above.

The Chevrolet Sonic was all-new last year and is at the other end of the subcompact market; it's a serious, far more refined small sedan or hatchback, with a more refined driving feel, great interior comfort, top-notch safety, and better interior materials than the Versa.

Otherwise, both the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta cost significantly more than the Versa yet are more fun to drive.

The Fit stands out especially for its very low cargo floor and a seat-folding arrangement that's better than all others in this class.

While the latest Toyota Yaris was redesigned last year and is attractive inside and out from a design standpoint, it's not a standout in other respects.