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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  Coolest Ride under 20,000 - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Davism37 - October 10 - 3:16 pm

  My wife and I are looking for a second car because were having our first baby. We saw the cube at the Nissan dealership and fell in love instantly. There is not a car out there with a cooler combination of interior and exterior styling and its really fun to drive.

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  Loving this car - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By pianotunertech - October 9 - 9:51 pm

  I had a 2008 Nissan crewcab Titan which was sideswiped by a high school student, I drove a rental Honda Civic for three weeks while the truck was in the bodyshop. Though I love trucks, and always have to have one around (Im buying my son a smaller truck, hes 17) I absolutely loved the freedom of the better gas mileage of the Honda--$20 a week vs. $80 just minimal around town. But it felt cramped and uncomfortable to me, the ride wasnt great, etc. So I checked out and bought an 11 Cube steel grey Krom loaded with bluetooth, Nav, Xm, the works. It is a very comfortable car--it is a BLAST to drive, it has a very nice ride, and the CVT wrings quite a bit of performance out of the engine.

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  What a great little ride! - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By cubedriver - September 15 - 1:28 pm

  We just got our cube a couple of weeks ago. We could not possibly be more pleased. For the price, this is the best car on the market. If you can live with the styling, you get so much comfort, ease of access, mpg, and functionality in a well-designed package.

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  Easy to maneuver. - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Cube control. - August 12 - 10:00 am

  My 80-yr-old mother bought a Cube. She loves it. Easy to maneuver, super simple to park, fits nicely in the 2- car garage. Back door opens from the side - easy for her to open/close as she has shoulder replacements. Although not much storage room, it works for her lifestyle. Gets lots of compliments, an eye-catcher. I drive it more than she does. We took it from TN to FL, had a wonderful trip. So far, its been reliable. Wheel covers are plain. I would like a sunroof, although the car gets hot in the sun, lets a lot of sunlight in through those big windows. Window visors are huge, not to my liking. Overall, I love it.

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  I love it! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By tatoo60 - June 17 - 5:00 am

  We just purchased the Cube in March 2010. We love the handling, the comfort, and leg room for my husband who is 6ft. The mileage at 29.1 mpg is soooo.. much better than our Town and Country at 19 mpg. We get many stares but dont care!!! My husband was a little skeptic about the "look" but he laughs every time were on the highway and people point at the Cube. It has enough pickup when were trying to merge onto the highway as well. And its great to maneuver when changing lanes.

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  cube is sweet - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By joe - June 16 - 7:03 pm

  The best car in its segment! It has the most interior space, rides great, good power and CVT trans is awesome. Everyone loves it once they get in it! Would buy more if I needed another family car

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  Love it! Looking for another one! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Stephiehawk - June 15 - 6:10 am

  I never thought we would own anything that looks like this, but wow! We are now looking for the color I want so I can have one too! We bought the Krom in steel grey. Its gorgeous! It turns on a dime and you dont feel like youre in a box. You really cannot fully appreciate it until you sit in it. Its relaxing and smooth riding to me. I havent noticed any excessive outside wind noise yet. Gets a lot of attention thats for sure. I also feel you get a lot for the price.

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  Love the Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Qbert - March 10 - 4:53 am

  I purchased this car with help from the CARS program. I fell in love with it the first time I drove it and I had to have it. I went from a super powered V8 truck to this little touring car and what it lacks in power it makes up in fun-ability. It drives like a go cart and it handles great on my curvy- mountain drive. Inside: Bluetooth, ipod connectivity, sat. radio, cool 20 led lites, cup holders in the right spots, ROOOOOMY and comfortable making my 32 mile commute (dare i say) FUN! Back seats flip down and my dog loves riding back there. Cool design is a head turner and ppl stop me daily or get the thumbs up from strangers. If you like the way it looks, you will love the way it drives..

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  I love my krom edition Nissan cube - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By KROMBEE - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Love cube at first sight! I love its unique design wrapped with many glasses! I chose between the sl model and krom. My favorite color is scarlet red but they dont have it in krom edition. Finally, I picked my steel Grey krom edition instead because its fully loaded. I would say that I made a good decision even though I paid more $ but it comes with push button ignition, rear view monitor, front fascia and grille, & rear roof spoiler, aluminum-trimmed pedals and usb connectivity (iPod®- compatible)! It looks very unique & cute. The cube is so roomy and the performance was better than my old matrix xr esp. The tight turning radius. Its fun to drive with and I got many compliments.

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  Fun & Practical! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By pheonixunc - January 1 - 1:36 am

  The greatest car I ever owned in terms of practicality and fun to drive. This vehicle was purchased under the program of car for clunkers by trading 95 Lexus sc400. Since the adoption of the car, I have been stunned every day by 1.8 liter engines peppy performance on free way. I couldnt figure out how the small engine has the great power, compared to my previous 8 cylinder coupe. Last week, my four family took Cube to LasVegas trip rather than on my wifes mini van. All felt great through overnight round-trip because it has roomy and cushy seats with pretty good speakers. So, Every morning is pleasure itself.