The automotive industry has witnessed the end of an era as Nissan discontinues the base model Versa equipped with a five-speed manual transmission in the United States.

The decision marks the departure of what was reportedly the last new car available with a five-speed manual gearbox in the American market, a significant shift in a landscape increasingly dominated by automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). As reported by The Drive, the Versa S, with its incredibly low starting price of around $17,000, offered an affordable entry point for manual transmission enthusiasts, but economic pressures have ultimately led to its demise.

The primary drivers behind Nissan’s decision include a combination of low sales figures and the impact of new import tariffs. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the manual Versa accounted for a minuscule fraction of total sales, with fewer than 5% of Versas sold in the U.S. in 2024 equipped with the stick shift, according to data cited by The Drive. This lack of consumer demand, coupled with rising costs due to tariffs on imported vehicles and components, has eroded the business case for maintaining this configuration in the lineup.

Economic Realities and Market Trends

For industry insiders, this move by Nissan underscores broader trends in the automotive sector where cost efficiency and consumer preference reign supreme. The Versa, assembled in Mexico, has been subject to increasing import tariffs that have squeezed profit margins on low-cost models like the base S trim. The Drive notes that these tariffs have made it financially unfeasible to continue offering the manual option, especially when the majority of buyers opt for the CVT-equipped versions that promise greater ease of use and fuel efficiency.

Moreover, the decline of manual transmissions in the U.S. market is not a new phenomenon. Over the past two decades, automakers have steadily phased out stick shifts as automatic transmissions became more advanced and cost-effective to produce. The Versa’s manual variant was a rare holdout, a relic of a bygone era when driving engagement was a priority for a niche segment of buyers. Yet, as The Drive highlights, even this small bastion of enthusiasts could not sustain the model against the tide of automation.

A Cultural Shift in Driving Preferences

The discontinuation of the manual Versa also reflects a cultural shift in how Americans interact with their vehicles. Younger generations, accustomed to the convenience of automatics and distracted by in-car technology, show little interest in learning to drive a manual. This generational pivot, combined with the industry’s push toward electrification—where manuals are largely incompatible with electric powertrains—signals a future where three-pedal cars may become museum pieces.

Nissan’s decision, while pragmatic, closes a chapter for purists who valued the tactile connection of a manual gearbox. As reported by The Drive, the Versa S was not just a car; it was a symbol of affordability and simplicity in an increasingly complex automotive world. For now, the CVT-equipped Versa continues production, but the loss of the five-speed manual serves as a poignant reminder of an industry in relentless transition, leaving enthusiasts to scour used car lots for the last vestiges of a once-common driving experience.