Small cars won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency

The tiny Nissan Versa

Amidst the financial crisis facing America and the inability of a significant percent of Americans to afford, or at least qualify, for a new car loan, a move towards cheaper cars appears necessary. Thus, Nissan has announced that it has reduced the price of its Versa to just $10,685.

For gas-guzzler haters, moving auto buyers into small cars seems like a great idea. Yet, what does it really accomplish?

According to Fueleconomy.gov the Versa achieves only 24 - 27 mpg in the city depending on the version. On the highway, where most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy, the Versa achieves just 31 - 33 mpg.

With the future of transportation a vision of slow, emission-spewing congestion, 27 mpg is not going to cut it. And, even if all Americans drove a Versa, the US would still be heavily dependent on foreign oil.

Sure the Versa is cheap, but that's about it. It might be a small band aide for Nissan in these turbulent times, but it offers nothing for the future.