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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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By ann50 - December 16 - 3:53 pm

  Have owned for about a month, so far, I love this vehicle. Decided to downsize from CRV for better gas mileage. I am so far averaging about 26mpg. I do have a lead foot, so this may affect the numbers. Love the sound system, keyless starter. Very roomy. Some wind noise at higher speeds on hwy. This car is so much fun to drive that the small negatives are outweighed.

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  54 Year old Guy with a cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By grem55 - November 15 - 12:36 am

  I clunked a 1996 Dodge longbed with extended cab for my cube. Best move I ever made. I travel daily in my work and have cut my expense by 66%. It gives me personality and comfort. Little but practical and fun to drive. Discovered the diso light by accident; love em. The wife and I will take it on vacation in 2 months; she loves the panoramic view. Best car Ive owned in 15 years!

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  Take the leap, you will love it! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Brady - November 1 - 10:26 pm

  I was looking for a car that would be economical, yet something that had personality...boy did I find it! Some will laugh, some will stare, and others will beg you for a peek inside. I love every square inch of this cube.

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  Cubing - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Greta427 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  I recently purchased the new Nissan Cube for my 1.5 hour each way commuter vehicle. The Cube replaced my much loved VW New Beetle. I had researched quite a few smaller commuter cars and this is the only one I found that had any SPUNK! Spending 3 hours a day in my car it has to be something that I like to drive. I looked at so many other small car entrys and the all lacked personality, they were all very boring. My first reaction to this was, eew...what is that? But then, it grew on me. I decided it deserved a test drive. I got so many looks on the test drive and the car held its own on the highway passing easily and nimble handling. Auto tranny kept up fine. Love this car!!! SL Pref pack A+.

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  No place for admissions test - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By nonie - September 18 - 5:46 pm

  The first problem I had was with the switch under the brake pedal to start my cube burnt out so they had to replace that. today 06-21-2100 after sitting in 98 degree heat to get my admission test my cube failed, just because the Nissan manufacturers in "japan" failed to do a better "quality control" before this cube left the final line. this was poor quality control. your people left the plug in to do this test off my car. I just retired from Nissan of North America Smyrna, Tennessee, this was my retirement car. I paid 15,000.00 dollars of my retirement lump sum for this car, it hurt me so bad to know that japan is building a car like this and leaving parts off it.

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  This car drives terrible on the highway especially with any wind. - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By portcitycoin - September 14 - 8:54 pm

  This car is good for local driving and thats about it. I dont know where all the good reviews are coming from however my Nissan Cube is terrible driving on the highway if there is wind and I mean terrible. Also wind noise from highway driving is aweful sounds like window is partly open.

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  Fun head turning car! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By flyboiadam - August 30 - 5:46 pm

  I purchased my cube in oct 2009 and I have 8800 miles on it and its July 22. So far Ive had 1 recall w the rear door handles, at 2k miles my check engine light came on turned out to need a new purge valve, thats the only thing thats happened. Im very happy with my cube and wouldnt trade it for another car ever! Lots of ppl look and stare but love the attention! Drove a few times 500 miles on road trip been getting 32 on hwy and 26 city. The seats are probably the most comfortable I have ever sat in, in any car! Only thing I am mad about is the 2010 model of the same thing I got comes standard with bluetooth and audio controls on steering wheel. But thats it! Go test drive 1!

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  My favorite little Bull Dog! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By sacchef - August 27 - 11:21 am

  Got a Great deal at Dirito Brothers in Concord, Ca.! Love my Golden Ginger color. So far gas mileage has been awesome! first tank 37.5 second tank 36, mixed driving, light foot. My other car is a Mustang G.T. convertible, and I been using my Cube more! Looked at the Kia Soul, nice but rough ride and poor gas mileage, Looked at Honda Fit, more expensive and couldnt get comfortable in it ( I am 511 240 and 47y.o.) I kind of like the looks, really tired that most cars all look a like today.But I am really into Ikea too.Used to have a Chevy H.H.R., more cargo room, but only got 25 m.p.g., and really bad,front visibility & blind spots!

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  Its Hip To Be A Cube - 2013 Nissan Cube
  By lynpossible - August 2 - 6:56 am

  I love my Cube, I got an all souped up SL, with a navigation system. My friends love being in the car, Im 53, and I feel like Im bigger than most cars because the seats pump up and offer a great view. Okay gas compared to its competitors - The Soul, Element, and XB - it beats them all. There is so much space for passengers, not so much in the back, but it will handle a trip to Costco with two people just fine. Its not a race car, it has no guts, but comfy for long trips, unless its very windy it can make a lot of noise because the car is a non-aerodynamic cube. Going up a steep mountain isnt the best, I went to Big Bear with it, people passed me, but it made it. Overall B, good price.

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  Cube is Good & Safe. I Dont Mind It. - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By CubeIsSexy!^_^ - April 21 - 3:06 pm

  Got my car 5 months ago & have put 13+k miles on it. Great drive and reliable at braking (especially with crazy drivers). I drive from LA to OC everyday. You dont hear any wind noise if you blast on the music when driving on the fwy. Great acceleration but makes noise when going too fast. Get sunglasses (youll need them!). Youll get used to the window reflections after a while. Nice air conditioning-good thing it has one because youll need it if you dont like wind noise. Shakes a lot during very hard windy seasons. At first driving, small winds make the car move and shake (youll get used to that, too). Stay away from road cracks-tire traction grips them all! Back is roomy for lunch naps.