The US' most affordable new car is gone, signaling shifting tides in the auto industry
Published on Jun 03, 2025 at 4:21 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Jun 03, 2025 at 4:21 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Fenton
It’s a sad day because it’s time to say goodbye to the US’ most affordable new car, in what is a clear sign of the shifting tides in the auto industry.
Nissan is pulling the plug on its manual Nissan Versa, which also ends the reign as the US’ most affordable new car.
It has been a mix of new tariffs and disappointing sales, which put the nail in the coffin of what once was a guarantee on the roads.
It’s disappointing not only for Nissan and regular consumers, but it shows a shifting tide when it comes to the auto industry and consumers looking for a manual transmission will have to go bigger and more expensive.
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The auto industry is always changing and many unshakeable car models that we thought would last forever have had the plug pulled on them, and it looks like the next car to go is the Nissan Versa.
The five-speed manual Nissan Versa was known as the US’ most affordable new car, and the 2025 model came with a starting price of just $17,190.
Despite this, Nissan is finishing production of the Nissan Versa, because sales haven’t been as good as they once were and new challenging tariffs have made it more difficult to produce them.
Nissan recently also made a shock reveal that the Nissan GT-R is stopping production as well, so this is another sad page in the story of Nissan’s financial issues.
Consumers now wanting a new car with a manual transmission, will have to look towards models like the Ford Bronco or the Toyota GR Corolla, which will set them back over $30K.
It’s a sign of the ever-shifting tides of the auto industry that a move away from what was once one of the most popular vehicles is now coming off production lines, but affordable manual transmission cars are just not financially viable for automakers anymore.
The auto industry has seen a move towards hybrid vehicles and EVs, and it looks like a lot of the classic manuals that we know and love will sadly be lost to innovation.
RIP Nissan Versa, you will be missed.
Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
