Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Cube is a whimsically styled compact hatchback with an emphasis on versatility and value. Thanks to a profile that perfectly matches its name, the Cube has plenty of room for adults in its backseat. And if you fold the rear seatbacks down, it can haul a lot of stuff, too. Nonetheless, the Cube's pricing is typical for a compact car, so even a new one won't break the bank, and a used one could be a great deal.

Offered with a manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic (CVT) paired to a small four-cylinder engine, the four-door Cube won't win many races. Moreover, its fuel economy is disappointing for a car in this class. But if the Cube's funky styling speaks to you, perhaps you're willing to live with these shortcomings. Just be sure to check out capable rivals like the Honda Fit and Kia Soul before making your final decision.

Current Nissan Cube
The Nissan Cube is a compact four-door hatchback wagon. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine sends 122 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Fuel economy tops out around 30 mpg, a poor performance by segment standards.

The Cube is offered in two trim levels: S and SL. Base-level S models come standard with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power accessories, Bluetooth and a height-adjustable driver seat. The SL adds larger wheels, keyless ignition/entry and automatic climate control, and it's eligible for options like a navigation system, a rearview camera and a Rockford Fosgate sound system. Customizing Cubers can tempt themselves with a multitude of factory- and dealer-installed accessories that include body kits and interior styling mods.

Along with its attention-grabbing design and park-anywhere dimensions, the Nissan Cube boasts a tall, spacious cabin. Headroom and legroom are plentiful for all occupants, and the backseat both reclines and slides fore and aft. With the rear seatbacks folded down, the Cube can carry nearly 60 cubic feet of cargo, putting it on par with some small crossover SUVs. If you need to carry people and cargo at the same time, though, you may be out of luck, as there isn't much space behind the second row.

Driving a Nissan Cube is an underwhelming experience. While the ride is agreeably comfort-tuned, the car can feel overly soft and unwilling when going quickly around turns, an unusual trait in a compact car. Taller drivers may wish for a telescoping steering wheel, and all occupants would benefit from less wind noise at highway speeds. Under the hood, the 1.8-liter four provides average acceleration, but its subpar fuel economy is disappointing. There are certainly some good reasons to buy a Cube -- they're just not readily apparent from the driver seat.

Used Nissan Cube Models
The current, first-generation Nissan Cube debuted for the 2009 model year with base, S, SL and Krom trim levels on tap. The base model came with rudimentary steel wheels but did enjoy air-conditioning and full power accessories; the Krom, meanwhile, featured exclusive styling enhancements like a chrome three-bar grille and two-tone upholstery, as well as Rockford Fosgate audio and other content upgrades. This was also the only model year in which the unforgettable Ginormous package was offered. You can look it up.

For 2010, Bluetooth became standard on every Cube, and the S received two additional audio speakers and an iPod interface. Also, the Krom got a color audio display and a couple other extras as standard. The 2011 Cube ditched the formerly available Garmin navigation unit in favor of an optional integrated touchscreen navigation system. For 2012, the Krom trim was discontinued, and the base trim bit the dust for 2013.

User Reviews:

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  Fantastic, Glad I Got It! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Rusty - August 15 - 12:56 pm

  The car is quiet and really fun to drive. I have had it over a month and I am averaging 33.6 mpg. I drive approx 84 miles per day to and from work. I use it as a commuter car and it is perfect. Driving in Atlanta traffic is terrible and this little car makes it fun. Excellent stereo,(I got the rocksford system), very comfortable, and quiet. Plenty of pep for what I need, I average 80 mph daily when traffic is moving. I strongly suggest you try one. If you are looking for a good gas mileage, comfortable, safe car, get a Cube. P.S. – your friends will make fun of you, however, you can laugh at them when gas hits $3.00 dollars + per gallon. O yeah, it only has an 11 gallon gas tank.

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  I got CUBED! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By mom0f3 - July 28 - 9:36 am

  This vehicle caught my eye when someone was driving one in town. I went to test drive one and feel in love. I really enjoy driving this car. I havent drove a manual in years and forgot how much fun this could be. I bought one that has a little less of the "frilly" features but all can be added at a much lower price than buying with the car.

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  Great little car - 2014 Nissan Cube
  By Stanley - July 8 - 2:41 pm

  This is my second Nissan Cube. Its a quirky car that get compliments and jokes from strangers for its appearance. It looks a bit like a childs drawing of a car. Best thing is that its the most comfortable car Ive driven. The seats are high up and solid. There is plenty of leg room for the rear seat. I have a bad back but have driven this from New Mexico to Washington State and back with no medical issues. It is easy to get into and out of...especially with my back problems. There is an amazing amount of headroom which friends over 66" have commented on. The windshield and windows are large and high giving ideal views. There is plenty of room to store things inside. The Bluetooth is excellent. The XM Radio is a great. A good selection of audio options Upgraded sound system with subwoofer. The Navigation system could only be improved if it were voice activated. Keyless ignition is a plus. The rearview camera is superb. The rear door opens to the side like a refrigerator door rather than lift up which I prefer as Im tall and dont hit my head on the door. Oh, and the car is a lot of fun to drive. Steering is accurate. Breaking is sure. Acceleration is poor from a stop. It accelerates fine on the open road. Fuel economy averages about 33 MPG between city and highway driving. It strains a bit on steep hills. Ive driven it up mountains, along deserts, on open roads, in congested city driving in Seattle, Portland, and Denver. In other words, I really enjoy driving this car. Storage is fine with the back seats down. Its a bit cramped with the seats up but I have added a rack and carrier for when I need more storage. Wind noise can be a problem at high speeds. Although I got it up over 110 driving through Wyoming and didnt notice any issues. Crosswinds can be a problem as the car is a boxy and a bit top heavy. It drives fine in the snow. The heater is excellent. The air conditioning has kept the car very comfortable in Phoenix heat. The car looks like a toy but its tricked out with serious car details and accessories. If anything, its my adult toy car. Ive had this car for two years now. In the past year, Ive driven from Albuquerque to Las Vegas driving a very large loop through Zion National Park on the way there and Phoenix on the way back. Also, just drove to Salt Lake City on a route through Moab, UT and back via Colorado Springs, CO. This car handles well. It can keep up with traffic. It is not a muscle car or a truck or a cruiser. It is just a practical car that reminds me how much fun it can be to drive. This car does just fine around town with plenty of room for groceries and other shopping. It holds its own on the open road. It wont win any prizes for speed but its gotten me everywhere I want to go. I am so sorry Nissan isnt importing this to the States any longer. I understand there is an AWD and an electric version in Japan. The AWD would be ideal here in Northern New Mexico.

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  Well-thought design - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Delirious Dan - June 29 - 8:23 pm

  We were seriously considering the Scion xB for over a year, but when the Cube came out, decided to give it a try, as well as the Kia Soul. We disliked the new body style of the Scion, as it made it look like a pint-sized Dodge Caravan, and we were unimpressed by the cheap feel and horrendous road noise of the Kia. The Cube was perfect for us. It seats ample-sized adults easily, with loads of head and legroom. The reclining/sliding rear seats are a great feature as well. We love the quirky styling, and we are stopped by strangers frequently who want to know more about the car. It handles well and is incredibly maneuverable! This car is more fun to drive than the 71 Beetle I had in college!

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  Love me some cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By mommymezzo - June 19 - 2:13 am

  We are so happy with our Cube--never expected this would be the car for our family (2 adults, one pre-preschooler.) But, it is the perfect fit. While all of our neighbors are toddling around in mini vans or gas-guzzling SUVs, we feel like weve got the secret car that no one ever thought to buy. Super fun styling, very roomy inside (the tall ceilings make it feel bigger than our small SUV did inside), and crazy-good gas mileage. Weve owned the car for about 6 months now with no major complaints. There have been 2 voluntary recalls, but no problem at all and pretty typical of first-year model cars. There are a few quirks wed change inter-wise, but no more than any other car weve had.

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  Feels like the Basilica inside! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By jlaven - April 28 - 4:55 am

  Getting in and out of the cube is complete different experience than other cars. So much space inside! Yes it feels spacious, yet it is a compact car. Mines is Bitter Chocolate. I figure why get just a normal color like grey or white for such an exceptional vehicle. This is a car I actually look forward to driving. Too bad my wife has it for most of the day.

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  Great car for the money! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Tallync - December 11 - 6:46 pm

  There are so many features that I love that anything bad is totally outweighed. The backseat moving forward and back has been a life saver in hauling things! It drives very smooth most of the time, although CVT is hard to get used to after always having an automatic. It has a tendency to rev up if you push the pedal down too fast, which can be irritating until youre used to it. The gas mileage has always been in the 28-30 range that they advertise, but never higher. Took a roadtrip 800 miles each way and seats were comfy. Overall, I still really love this car after 6500 miles. I have had no quality or reliability problems and Nissan has always addressed my concerns promptly.

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  Noisy: I want my money back - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jtttmaag - November 30 - 12:46 pm

  I am a big person, 68", 265 pounds and the interior provides adequate room. The seats are extremely comfortable. I bought the Krom with Blue Tooth, however the interior noise at 60+ mph makes it difficult to hear and to be heard. The noise is so loud it sounds like my windows are down. I no longer use the Blue Tooth. Mileage has been around 30-31 on the highway, a little less around town. The car is gutless so do not expect it to be snappy.

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  Zillas Bitter Chocolate Krom - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Zilla - November 3 - 7:30 am

  My husband and I looked at a lot of cars including the Kia Soul and Scion XB. I am 510" and he is 63" so it is very difficult to find a vehicle that is comfortable. Wanted good gas mileage, head room and off the ground. The first reaction to the CUBE was "that is one "UGLY" car. We took one for a test drive and my Husband said that was the happiest he had seen me test driving any car. I love this car! People actually turn around while driving to look at it. Makes me laugh every time! The gas mileage has not been consistent, it ranges from 29-34. But that is still not bad. What wind noise. I LUV this car.

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  Love my cube!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Lida - October 29 - 4:26 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had it for a few months and still have not found a single thing I dislike. I test drove nearly every vehicle in this class and am confident I made the right choice. The car is well built and designed extremely well. Everything has a very solid feel to it and reminds me more of driving my moms lexus than any of my friends cars. Drive this one after driving the Kia Soul or the Scion xB and you will never look back. The cube will offer you smooth pickup (the CVT is awesome!), great handling and suspension, and luxury at a fairly low price. I know I sound like an ad ... just go drive one!