Cars with manual windows, mirrors, and locks

Today we say farewell to our 2012 Nissan Versa 1.6 S sedan review vehicle. This Spartan car proved to be good in many respects, although basic. No power windows, now power locks, no power mirrors, etc. Frankly, I didn’t know there were any cars left on the U.S. market without these three power items. This prompted me to see which other new vehicles are available without power features:

Chevrolet Sonic: Manual windows and mirrors (LS)

Chevrolet Spark: Manual windows and locks (LS)

Ford Fiesta: Manual windows and locks (S)

Honda Civic: Manual windows (DX)

Jeep Patriot: Manual windows and mirrors (Sport)

Kia Rio: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Kia Soul: Manual mirrors (Base)

Kia Forte: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (LX)

Nissan Versa: Manual windows, mirrors, and locks (1.6 S)

Smart ForTwo: Manual windows and mirrors (Pure)

Toyota Yaris: Manual windows and mirrors (LE)

I think I hit almost all of them. Are there any 2012 or 2013 models that I missed? If so, let me know. Are you in a different country that the U.S.? Which cars don't have power locks, windows, or doors where you are?

Review: 2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4: A compact crossover from an off-road legend

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot 4x4 has more ground clearance than many other small SUVs. Photo by Curtis Reesor.

No brand is more synonymous with life off the pavement, the outdoors, and four-wheel drive than Jeep. When most people think of Jeep, they likely think of the iconic Wrangler—a living off-road legend that can go through (and over) terrain most people would never dream of. I say this out of experience, as I’ve done quite a bit of off-roading in them. However, back in 2007, Jeep decided to try another avenue with its vehicles, and it introduced a car-based SUV with fully independent suspension. Gasp! Shunned by purists for its car-like features and less-aggressive off-road ability, the compact Jeep Patriot (and its cousins the Jeep Compass and Dodge Caliber) is based on a front-wheel-drive platform. Double gasp! The Patriot offers available all-wheel drive, and even the coveted Trail Rated badge, meaning the vehicle meets a certain level of off-road credibility. And while Jeep purists may scoff at the Patriot, I look at it as a good thing. See, if Jeep can sell more vehicles as a whole, it allows more money to be set aside to continue building vehicles such as the Wrangler. Plus, it brings in new blood to the brand.

In 2011, the Patriot got a slight exterior freshening and an interior retooling, both of which added nice touches to the vehicle, and those continue into 2012. There are several trim levels for the Patriot ranging from the base 2.0-liter front-drive model with crank windows and no air conditioning (well, it is a Jeep), to all-wheel drive versions with a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, a CVT with an off-road gear allowing for a pseudo crawl mode, and a suspension system with more ground clearance. There’s no transfer case like a true 4x4, but rather the CVT and center differential lock allow for slow going when you’d want it.