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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  Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By tIgHtLiLbOx - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  Checked out a couple other makes of cars, saw the cube on the lot and was turned off by its odd style. Came back to the dealer later, test drove it and FELL IN LOVE! Special ordered a 6 speed as my dealer only had CVT auto transmissions which I didnt want. I have since driven over 3000 miles and LOVE IT! Rides beautifully, comfortable (seats could use a little more support but livable). I have sound deadened the whole car and hence removed the whole interior, this car is a well compact car. Interesting design that everyone looks at twice. I would buy a cube again if I had it to do over!

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  Noisy engine during acceleration. - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By confidential - May 31 - 6:46 am

  The day after I got my new Cube, I drove it and noticed the acceleration was not smooth and engine is loud. I got a bad feeling about this new car of mine. This engine is not consistent, it drives normal and sometimes loud engine with lesser power during acceleration as if engine is struggling. I brought it to the dealership but they said it is in normal condition, just try to observe it. Mileage now is only 1,450.

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  Nice little/big ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By MarvinWv - May 13 - 8:43 am

  it is like a mini mini van. seats sit tall and there is all kinds of space.. if you also wish to get attention in a car this is the one.. it is like the VW of the 2000s. It also does well in the snow with the traction control device.. it is almost like having 4wd. packed full of safety features.. five star rated.. and for the money you cant beat it. My oldest boy has room in the back seat and he is 6ft (15yrs old) leg and head room.. no problem. try it you will like it.. oh and the modern transmission is something to get used to.. i keep waiting for it to change gears...it is a constraint change you never feel it.

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  Fun, fuel efficient. Limited cargo. - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Dan1 - March 7 - 6:36 pm

  Our experience while we owned our Cube Krom was a good one. We purchased the vehicle while my wife was pregnant and it was extremely easy to get in and out of. Unfortunately once the little guy was born it made the space feel limited. I was more concerned about safety once he was born.Does not have lots of power but sufficient considering the fuel efficiency. Averaged 28 city, 33 hwy. Surprisingly spacious for 4 passengers, seating 5 adults might be a little tight. Very tight on both sides if placing car seat in middle. Trunk space can also limit the amount of cargo you bring along. Ipod interface was not very user friendly. Lots of cup holders. Will catch lots of attention. Male 26 yrs.

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  Pretty Cool! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By gonzalez101306 - February 13 - 11:23 am

  I have only had this a week and I really like it I dont see to many on the street so I feel like I have a unique advantage. My favorite is bluetooth and I like the color

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  Quirky and Cute. Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By Ra - February 5 - 1:00 am

  Ive loved my cube since I picked it up from the dealership. I was originally interested in the similar Versa, but I couldnt get the cube out of my head and when I compared them side by side and discovered they were much the same, my decision was made. Driving it is a blast. Its easy to drive, control is good. The interior is surprisingly roomy for a car of its size. It does get some funny looks driving down the road, but I cant say I mind. The audio quality is really good for a car in this price range. I love the standard iPod and Bluetooth integration. Ive had my cube for about two months now, and Im completely in love with it! (mileage is just an estimate)

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  Maggie Mae - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Mam - January 14 - 4:46 pm

  I have spent months reviewing cars like Mercedes, Cadillac, Element, Prius. Saw the Cube one day on the road. Decided to investigate. My significant other could not understand what I saw in this little car. I was concerned that the transition of going from a Mercedes that I have driven for the past 10 years to this little car might be a challange. But with everything so serious these days I decided it was time to have some fun. Be different. It is a great little car. So comfortable inside. The ride is smooth. It handles well. I get 32 mpg. It may not be as quite as my Mercedes but it is fine. It is so roomy inside. Even my SO loves it. We call her the "Happy" car. We are having fun

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  Fun car to drive, Awesome looks - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By dan-d - December 17 - 9:10 pm

  At 60 years old Ive owned and driven many new cars. Driving the cube is like sitting in a chair at home looking out a window. Its so easy to get in and out of and very roomy. The 6 speed is smooth and makes the car feel like it has more then 122 HP. The engine in this car idles so smooth and quiet you have to look at the tach to make sure its still running. Much less wind noise at highway speeds than I expected from a square car, rides much smoother than I expected as well. Has more standard features than you usually find in an entry level car. Takes a little getting used to the absence of road feel (feedback).

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  cube truth - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By cube truth - September 4 - 6:16 am

  I am 49, 6ft.1, and this is a super roomy, and comfortable ride. I get 32 mpg on every tank. The engine is fairly quiet, except when you need the power. Then it can get a little louder than average, but not without a payback. Smooth ride. I dont know why people would say at 60 mph the wind noise is loud. It gets a little noisy above 70 mph, but is pretty quiet til then. [Unless there is a wind storm]I also meet a lot of new people with this cars curious looks.

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  WE LOVE IT! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Romero - September 4 - 6:13 am

  My husband finally had to give up his Nissan Frontier for commuting (265,000 miles on it). We started looking at other Nissans, even a Pathfinder, when we saw the Cube sitting on the lot. I begged him to test drive it, he got out and said, "Lets do it." Hes been like a kid in a candy shop ever since!! Every day he finds something new he likes about it. Its a lot of fun.