Top 10 Cars That Need An Extra Gear (or two)

Toyota Corolla and Nissan Versa.

These cars share a spot because it’s very unlikely you will ever see one of them on a dealer lot.The most basic models of the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Versa sedan come with four-speed automatics, despite the fact that more modern and fuel efficient transmissions exist elsewhere in the model lineup.

In the $14,300 (including destination) Versa S automatic and the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with the four-speed nets 30 MPG combined. Opt to get the CVT in the $14,800 Versa S Plus, and that number jumps to 35 MPG. You also get a slick rear spoiler and cruise control. What value!

If you want the cheapest model of the Corolla, you’re stuck with a four-speed automatic in the L trim level. While you can upgrade from an L to an LE model and get a CVT for an extra $1,015. C’mon guys, just make the CVT standard by now and save customers the trouble of having to live with that ancient four-speed, which in the Toyota is two MPG less efficient on the highway and in the city.