of the Versa in the second quarter of 2022. That's down nearly 83% from the same period in 2021 when it sold 18,927 units. What could be the reasoning behind this sales slump for one of the most affordable cars on the market?

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What is causing this sales slump?

The Nissan Versa has a reputation as a fleet vehicle, with many car rental companies choosing the inexpensive subcompact Versa to pad their rental fleets.

Unfortunately for the Versa and many lower-tier economy vehicles, overall rental industry fleet sales were down 32% for the first half of 2022.

The pandemic and its long-reaching effects on supply chains and new vehicle inventories have likely had a major impact on fleet vehicle demand and availability. Compared with the first half of 2019, rental fleet sales saw a 68.4% decline.

Even at its low starting price—$15,580 for base models and up to $18,990 for higher trims—it's difficult to sell a vehicle when there's little demand.

A refreshed Versa

The Nissan Versa last received a much-needed redesign in 2020 to help it shake its reputation as a fleet vehicle.

Car and Driver

reports, the Nissan Versa was "the epitome of affordable transportation," and at the time was the cheapest new car in the U.S., but it was pretty plain-looking for many.

The refreshed styling completely revamped the Versa's front end, angled its windshield more drastically, and essentially made it longer, lower and wider, with a larger wheelbase compared with the 2019 model.

The interior was refreshed as well, shedding the previous model year's boring interior for better materials and an improved look to give it a more premium feel than its price would suggest.

It's possible that sales for the Versa spiked in the years following this redesign, with demand drawing down as the model enters what's effectively its third year of production.

"New" only looks new for a limited time in the eyes of consumers, and it's likely no different for the humble Versa.

Critical response to the Nissan Versa

Consumer Reports

notes that the Nissan Versa is a pretty decent vehicle, awarding it the title of best subcompact sedan in 2022.

Being the best of the few mediocre small-car offerings on the market isn't that high of praise—it's not a crowded segment anymore as automakers switch from budget cars to pricier SUVs.

The publication wrote in its road test report that the latest redesign of the Versa added some "pizzazz" to a very affordable if not spartan vehicle, but knocked its interior quality, slow ride, and less-than-stellar steering.

Will it recover?

It might if people start buying subcompact sedans again or it gets another mid-cycle refresh. But as consumers flock to SUVs and trucks (with some electrified options), it's going to be an uphill battle for the humble Nissan Versa to regain any significant footing on the market.

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