Nissan Versa

Nissan's entry-level Versa sedan isn't any better than the previous model that was among our top-rated subcompact sedan. The changes made were still lagging behind other subcompact cars and dropped it to the bottom of its category. On the positive side, this Versa gets much better fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall vs. 27 -- and it provides a roomy rear seat. But it's slow, noisy, and handles clumsily. Even considering its low sticker price, Nissan's small car also feels low-rent, especially compared with other subcompacts that are getting more refined with nicer interiors. The Versa scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.