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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Getting "Cubed" isnt just in geometry - 2009 Nissan Cube
By RDK - February 15 - 1:56 pmI test drove the Soul Sport and the Soul+. There was no comparison with the Cube, The Soul had a choppy ride and was less nimble than the Cube. The Soul looked like every other car. The Cube is comfortable..the rear seat is like a couch/recliner. Nissan used the Maximas foam rubber in all the seats. Controls are easy to use and if you cant see the top 1/4 of the dash (in an earlier review) there is seat height adjustment. I have found minimal road noise at speed. The BEST part of the Cube is the MPG. I have consistently been getting 34-36 mpg combined city/hwy mileage. The engine has a timing chain instead of the rubber ones that need replacing at 60,000 miles. I couldnt be happier!
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Cube is pain relief - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Phyllis - November 26 - 8:03 amI have arthritis in multiple joints and have been suffering from hip pain for a year. I started looking for a car that was the right height and fit, because I realized that my Van was causing the hip pain. I was looking at Yahoo when I saw the Cube ad, so I checked it out on line first. I went to see the Cube and test drove it; I left with the one I test drove. I have had my Cube since July and I am having no more hip pain at all. Not only is it easy to get in and out of it is comfortable to sit in and drive. It handles beautifully and my brother who is large like me fit nicely in the back seat. I use a seated walker and it fits in the back easily. I am very glad I bought my Cube
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CUBE POWER - 2009 Nissan Cube
By BILL D - October 29 - 5:13 pmI have purchased the cube about 4 weeks ago one drive is all it took. Im 63" big build type of guy and i slid right in very roomy interior super easy to drive the visibility is awesome and this car in bitter chocolate is a head turner. Everywhere I go people stop me and ask me about the CUBE. I love this design so easy to get in and out of. A lot better than the new cars today, every car seems to be aero dynamic forcing tall people into Suvs or Trucks. Thanks Nissan for making a economical roomy vehicle.
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Cube Krom Excellence - 2009 Nissan Cube
By The First - August 26 - 11:36 pmHandles bumps in the road with ease. plenty of power for merging on highway.Tight turn radius easy to park.Large mirrors and no right side blind spot. To new for accurate mpg rating
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18, 20, and 46 year old drivers love it! - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Tim B - May 17 - 6:26 amWe purchased our Nissan Cube on July 3rd as a replacement third vehicle for our 18 and 20 year old daughters. We used the CARS program turning over our 1996 Cadillac in the process. However, now I cant get my wife out of it leaving the 08 Caravan for my daughters. This is a fun car to drive and it turns plenty of heads. Theres an amazing amount of room for the driver and passengers, and visibility is fantastic. The pick up is more than adequate and the gas mileage has been better than expected: averaging over 32 mpg combined. Downside: road noise on the highway, but what do you expect for a car in this price range? Std air, power, ABS, and much more makes this easy to recommend.
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Fun Cute Fun Cute Fun Cute Fun and Roomy - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Bob - April 30 - 7:43 amI am 65" the wife is 5" both over 40 This is our first new car. The drive home was great. It has 100 miles now. There is SO MUCH ROOM! And drivers seat fits us both. We got the 6sp. manual to save $$$. The only thing so far is "Wind noise" at interstate speeds. Pearl white and black interior.
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better than what even good reviews say - 2011 Nissan Cube
By kawolve - February 19 - 12:49 amWe only buy Nissan in our family. Currently own a pathfinder, I traded in a fully loaded altima only 3 years old & completely paid off for the cube, there was no room in the altima for me, carseats and a 63 husband. Best decision to date. I have owned my Krom 10 months & room is great for groceries and car seats. Back seat adjusts, bonus. Gas mileage I was only getting about 25 city, until I hit about 8 k miles and rotate tires. I drive backroads daily for work, no highways. I get 30/31 now city and 36 when I drive the occasional highway, seriously. I fill my tank every 10-14 days, which is great. Downfall little compartment storage & not speedy, but I have adjusted. If it fits u buy it.
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Utilize the MPG technology - 2011 Nissan Cube
By rick119 - January 31 - 11:37 pmThis is a great car! I have 34000 miles and it drives very good and quite comfortable. You must deduct about 2.2 mpg from the instant dash meter to get an accurate mpg est. that being said if I put my cruise control on 59-60 for a 55 mile stretch I get 41 mpg one way and 42 mpg back. That is after deducting the 2.2 mpg. I use syntheitic oil, I went to 9.9 pound wheels with a 35 oz spacer on all 4 wheels. In a week or so I will put on new oem size rubber but they weigh 2 pounds less than the oem tires. I use a light weight crank pulley as well. If you find a place that sells ethanol free gas it may help slightly. One pound of turning weight equals 4 pounds of static weight.
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havent regretted it one bit! - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Combusto - January 27 - 3:00 pmSince I was replacing an old small pickup I wanted something with space that wasnt an SUV and it had to be comfortable. The cube is EXACTLY what I wanted. I used the cash for clunkers program so I had to go with the CVT but it works wonderfully, better than any auto could dream of. It did take some getting used to but the smoothness it returns is worth it. You dont climb into a cube, you sort of slide into it. The low flat floor and wide doors make ingress/egress drama free, even for grandparents and our greyhound. I cant say theres really anything wrong with the car, a few niggles maybe but thats it. The price tag might hint at "budget car" but the car itself screams "DRIVE ME!"
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My Drive - 2009 Nissan Cube
By lars - December 16 - 10:33 pmAll in all a very good first effort the interior layout is nice and very roomy Im 62 400 pounds and it felt o.k. the controls are nicely laid out but some of the options are pure gimmick so keep them to a minimum .
