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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  My Red Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bari - May 4 - 3:36 pm

  I found this car to be so much fun to drive. I have only had it 2 weeks, but love it. I am 52" and with the seat all the way up, I can see the front hood. I get stopped all the time. It is great on the highway and very nimble. I like that the rear door opens like a door. Being 62 years old, I have never enjoyed a car more. It is all that I need.

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  Solid Car with style - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Paul - April 17 - 12:03 pm

  I have traded in my 06 Acura TL w/ Navi. Since I was sick of driving TL (Dont get me wrong. TL is a nice car), I wanted to get infiniti G37x or Nissan 370 Z. However, my wife liked the look of Cube, and she liked it because of high gas mileage compared to our 06 TL and 07 MDX. I had this car for 4 days. So far, this car gives me a good gas mileage, and I get a lot of attention from people because of its unique appearance. Cube is roomier than it looks and 1.8 SL with SL package gives you many useful features. Interior lighting features and luminating kick plate add an accent to the car as well. Driving is not as powerful as TL, however, it serves its purpose with decency. Very nice car

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  Fun - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By mthay - February 20 - 7:56 pm

  We bought the Cube yesterday and my husband has a seeing eye dog and he has plenty of room in the back seat. I have had several people ask me about the car and I tell them try one you will like it. I love it we also have a Honda Odessay but use the Cube in town and have a ball.

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  Love my Cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Jen - February 7 - 8:06 pm

  I went from a huge van to the Cube a couple weeks ago. I was getting 14 MPG and my first tank was 22 MPG..all city driving. I am hoping this increases in time. I am 6 tall and large and the fit is good..plenty of leg room in the front. Not sure how tall people would do in the back. LOTS of looks from others and comments. It is a real novelty at this point. I also looked at Kia Soul and Scion. I am hot natured and both of those interiors came only in black. I like the white exterior and light grey interior I got. Plus, I feel Nissan is a better quality product. ( I sure hope so!)

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  Most Fun Mobile Device Weve Ever Had - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Ira - January 22 - 6:36 pm

  I never submit reviews. Never. But, this car (mobile device) is such a revelation that I felt it warranted my two cents. One week in and were getting stopped daily by people who just want to stare at it or sit in it or want to find out more about it. And, weve been happy to answer their questions. Actually, I think we sold 2 or 3 based on how people respond to the roominess, styling and just coolness of it. The ride is wonderful. Soooo smoooth. The CVT transmission is great. And, with the Ginormous package on our S, it is a real head turner.

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  you need a warranty! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jmorri0283 - December 26 - 12:50 am

  I bought this car in may 2013 and after having it in the shop twice for the transmission they replaced it in August. My issue happened on the interstate after a few hours of driving which is why it took the dealer so long to diagnose. Its February 2014 and same issue on a road trip with the car. was in the shop for almost a week and no luck.

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  Dynamic vehicle in a unique package - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By stapleface - December 3 - 10:49 pm

  Ive owned this car about 6 months now, and I feel I can now make an informed decision on it. When I was shopping for this vehicle, I considered the Xb, Soul, Fiesta/Mazda 2, Suzuki SX4 and the Matrix/Vibe. What sold me on this one was the overall value the cube represents. The vehicle is deceptively big inside. Im 61 and have about 8 inches of headroom. The interior can swallow a lot of stuff. The available features for the money are impressive. Traction control, wheel mounted stereo controls, bluetooth, iPod connectivity. The car gets fairly decent gas mileage. The biggest holdup is its shape. A brick isnt very aerodynamic. If I had to do it over, I would buy this car again.

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  A fridge or washing machine? - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By OfficeCube - November 11 - 11:53 am

  Coming from a Sequoia AWD to a Cube was not a difficult decision - felt super roomy with the vertical design. With 1600 miles on Odometer (I do 9 miles local and 9 miles fwy), I am avg 31-33 mpg on the trip computer. Love the bluetooth, only need to press 1 button and the rest are voice recognized. Although its slightly underpowered but the pick up is great from 0 to 45 mph, actually hardly any other cars pick up as fast as the Cube (just my experience on the road) - yes, a bit noise after 45 mph and on fwy do have wind noise. Suspension is above average for economy car - handles uneven paved road very well - very impressed. So far the best compact car ever owned! Go buy one!

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  Stirred Not Shaken - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By Rick - October 29 - 9:36 pm

  So far its been a love affair. I like being 64" and not knocking my hat off getting into the drivers seat. In fact, the car is very comfortable for four large adults. The ride is nice and supple. I like the cabin layout and the clear all around visibility. The first tank of gas netted me an averaged 33mpg. The Cube is well thought out and an exceptional value.

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  I love this little/big car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By CubemanRI - September 6 - 8:40 am

  I traded in my X-terra for the Cube. Have always liked the Nissan Quality, I fell in love with the look and was shocked at how big the interior was. I do not like the feel of driving a sedan which is why I had the X-terra (second one I have owned by the way. The car has the feel of a much bigger car and Love the look. The first day I drove to work there was a crowd checking out my new ride, Gas bill is now cut in half. Best car this 47 year old professional has ever owned. Take a walk on the freaky side, buy a cube now!!