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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  When you drive a box... - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By dashofpepper - October 22 - 9:57 pm

  I think that most people take aerodynamic vehicles for granted these days. With a Cube, youre driving a box. A square box. When highway driving, road debris doesnt bounce off a Cubes windshield, it impacts. On a windy day, your cube shakes around the road because its a box. Ive had my cube for three years now, ever since my wife insisted on buying it, then refusing to drive it anymore and bequeathing it on me. The interior is comfortable, the car is roomy, but the things that matter dont deliver. Gas mileage tops out at 29-30mpg on the highway, a stiff breeze will blow my cube off the road, and every tiny pebble kicked up from the road is a crack in my Cubes windshield.

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  Soft Paint Job - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By marty81 - October 11 - 6:22 pm

  I recently purchased a Nissan Cube from a dealer in Toms River, New Jersey. My Cube is parked in my garage each night. I have had the Cube five months now. After a few weeks I noticed scratches by the front left wheel, then some scratches on the hood, and in the back, and so on. Then I got stuck in the recent snow storm here in the northeast (October 2011). My car was covered with several inches of snow and I only had a plastic shovel to clear my car off with. Needless to say my car now has scratches from getting the snow off. There are also several more scratches I cannot attribute to the shovel that I assume were from the highway ride home thru the storm. Unfortunately, the warranty state

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  very awesome car - 2012 Nissan Cube
  By starwishes13 - October 11 - 5:22 am

  Like many, when i first saw the cube i though it looked a little odd, like a shoebox. But once you step inside, the deisign is amazing and the interior is suprisingly spacious. I thought it would be a bad idea to get a brand new car as my first car, but with this car, its not. Its short so its easy to park, u-turns are a breeze, and it has excellent visibility, making this an excellent choice for a new driver like me. The safety features are also a great bonus. I HIGHLY recommend this car for any one who wants an eye-catching car thats fun to drive.

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  Good Car with some issues - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Livin in my Cube - October 6 - 9:00 pm

  So far the Cube has lived up to expectations (which were not all that high to begin with considering the price). The road noise gets a little annoying on the freeway. The heater fan went out within the first 6 months. But biggest negative was having to replace the brakes after only 16,000 highway miles. Didnt see that coming. The service tech said that lighter cars come with ligher brakes, so it can be an issue, so beware! Cool car though, and lots of people staring wondering what it is!

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  ijustlovemycube - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By KCsMom - September 2 - 2:00 am

  After doing some researched, comparing with Scion XB & Kia Soul, I thought I didnt like the shape of the Cubes back/butt, I thought of a bumble bee. But when I test drove it,I couldnt stop thinking about it when I got home. The next day went back to the dealer & decided to purchased the Cube for better gas mileage, design/style, price & lower APR, durability & reliability, I hope-since this is our 1st Nissan (like our 2 other dependable Toyotas)to mention some advantages over the other 2 I considered. I am very happy w/ this car, it feels like Im driving a small SUV, smooth ride & handling. My son loves to ride it,too as he can recline the back seat.

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  Hip to be square - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By sr007 - August 31 - 1:47 am

  Cube is different, huge interior, comfortable seats and features, and hip and cool. If you have to explain the cube, you will never get it. I just got mine 1800 miles ago and I absolutely love it. Traded in my mini cooper convertible with a terrible rough ride. Getting over 32 miles per gallon and hatchback and drop down rear seat makes storage very strong. Cube is a winner. Its hip to be square

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  2013 Nissan Cube SL - 2013 Nissan Cube
  By RuS - August 25 - 3:51 pm

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  impressive car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By WER - August 21 - 1:40 pm

  I had initial doubts about it. But, seeing is different than driving - it is quite roomy from inside, performs very well in city and high way. I love this rounded cube!

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  Dont let the looks fool you !!!!! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By DN - August 16 - 4:36 am

  I have to say, I have never taken the time to do a review on anything. But after purchasing my 2010 CUBE and having some time to really get a feel for the car, I could not help from expressing what a pleasure it is to drive. I traded in my 2007 Nissan Sentra and was actually going to buy a NEW Sentra, but something told me to take a look at the CUBE. YES...it has a funky look to it, YES..I might be having a mid life crisis..But I have to tell you that this car does not drive anyway that it looks. What I mean is that at first glance, you would think very light, lots of road noise, not stable on the highway at high speed...NOT TRUE....I love this Car....

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  Unbelievable Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By bordick - July 1 - 2:20 pm

  Just purchased this weekend and it is an unbelievable vehicle. I traded in my Murano because of the gas mileage and this car has all the bells and whistles of the Murano....CVT, VDC, Intelli-key, Blue-tooth, rear sonar,steering wheel controls,XM radio, Ipod docking, Rockford Fosgate sound system with sub woofer...actually better than the Bose system in the Murano. Comfortable seating, roomy, panoramic views and the handling is superb.