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! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By dlackey - August 4 - 4:50 am

  We got a Super Black SL w/Preferred Package. For those of you who are trying decide between the Box Cars, keep the Cube on your list. I feel the reviews by the "pros" are forgetting who the real-world drivers are or something, but the Cube is really a pretty nice vehicle, especially for under $20k. The car is plenty powerful enough to get off the line and into traffic on the freeway. Body roll is not as bad as the reviewers led me think and visibility is amazing. Additionally, it turns on a dime. We dont like the currently styling of the xB or the Soul compared to the Cube. Were wrapping the Cube for advertising purposes and we feel the styling of the Cube will an attention getter.

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  hate this car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By eileen15 - July 31 - 7:12 pm

  I have had this car for 14 month and have had the transmission replaced,new catalytic converter,air filter,fuel pump,wheel bearings,engine control module and as of Nov. 21,2012 the rear muffler and gasket has broke off and due to the fact that it will cost 400.00 to repair i am unable to have the repairs done at this point. been in touch with dealer,bbb,nissian of north america, no one is able to help with with this.

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  Transmission problem - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jloth - July 15 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Cube in July of 2009. I now have 10,500 miles on it. Recently, on a trip to view the Fall colors, I noticed a surging feeling when going over 50 mph. It was like every 10 seconds, the RPMs would rev between the 2 and 3 on the dial. Called the dealer and took it in for service. Diagnosis, a solenoid was not working properly. I have to have a brand new transmission put in the car. Yes it is under warranty, but still, this concerns me. So to everyone considering the Cube, do your research. It is a fun car to drive, you wont see yourself coming and going,it is good on gas, a piece of cake to park.. but this transmission issue had taken the glimmer off of it for me.

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  Solid Choice - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By EZCruiser - July 13 - 1:56 am

  This vehicle is huge on the inside and is so easy to park that it almost does it on its own. It offers a great view of the road and a comfortable seating position. Short hops are easy and long trips a pleasure with lots of room for luggage and pets. The upgraded sound system makes all types of music sound great and will rock whenever you want to. Wind noise is fair (for a box) and the car feels stable at highway speeds. The CVT is great for smooth sailing and the brakes are smooth and capable. I came out of a Smart car (BIG mistake) and love this cube--more power on regular gas and almost the same mileage. . . but this Cube offers so much more FUN!

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  Buy It - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By cube love - June 24 - 3:40 am

  Purchased for reliability and gas mileage. thought I wouldnt like the design but now I love it. I can see from all angles, it drives, corners and parks very well! Im at 33.8 mpg avg. The sound system is great. Some reviews had 3 bad issues. 1. engine noise on acceleration is no worse than any other 4 cyl engine Ive had. 2. highway noise at 45 mpg is true and I have not driven in strong wind. ( turn up the radio and its gone) 3. reflection is true and very freaky, still trying to get used to it but it doesnt bother my husband so maybe its personal. It is very comfortable and the 64" husband has at least 8" of head room. Yes I get the "what the H?" looks but oh well!

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  Quirky and fun! - 2012 Nissan Cube
  By hippiedippie4 - June 22 - 4:04 am

  The cube won out against the Kia Soul. My cube is so spacious. With the rear seats down, I fit a dresser and 2 boxes of clothes in the back! Does not handle great in the snow, but I cant be too judgmental on that piece since my previous car was an SUV. Also disappointed in the audio system. Imports usually have high quality speakers as stock, not Nissan. Overall, I grade this car as a solid B. The quirky and fun design makes driving it a blast and I have never had anything go wrong with it.

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  love my CUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By tom - May 20 - 4:16 pm

  Bottom line: this is an econobox so dont expect infiniti luxury. However, what this car does offer is unique headturning design (people will point/look all the time), great mileage (28 so far, but only first tank), decent build quality, great features in certain packages (bluetooth, auto climate, intell key), and unusual roominess inside. This car does its job for me... Daily drive, good mileage, can load up on stuff when seats are folded, bt syncing, and above average stereo. What more can you ask for in this price range. CVT takes some getting use to. Suspension and steering is a little floaty at times. Bought the sl b/c krom doesnt have intellikey (very weird) conclusion: love my cube

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  So Sad! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Sad cuber - April 25 - 5:43 am

  As a first-time Nissan buyer, I was thrilled to own this new car! Loved everything about it and was its best advertisement ... until at just 1,200 miles, the transmission stopped working. Its been at a dealer for a week now, with no ETA of a replacement transmission.

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  Loved my cube - 2013 Nissan Cube
  By Wes - April 22 - 10:44 pm

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  great ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jeff - April 12 - 10:30 am

  I have had this car for 2 weeks and put 1400 miles on it. It is fun to drive, very comfortable, takes up very little space, has a ton of curb appeal, more power than I expected, lots of features and makes you laugh when you look at it. I talk to myself more in this car than any other one I have owned. The auto trans works great and the engine is nice and quiet. If something happened to this car, I would get another Cube right away. Love this car!