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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  Retro-Modern - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By JR - November 5 - 6:23 am

  Eye catching, smooth riding, comfortable, amazing headroom and visibility, consistently over 31 mpg. Loads of cargo space, comfortably seats 5 adults. many features available as much higher priced cars.

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  New Krom is Rad - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By doctormac83 - October 28 - 6:28 am

  Traded my Ridgeline for a 2011 Krom to conserve fuel and because I no longer need a "big" car. I wanted something a bit different. And while I only have a thousand miles on the Nissan, I could not be happier. I also wanted to give Japan some business in light of the recent calamity. I got good value and feel that I did a good deed.

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  Great big/little ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By lcourtney - September 29 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this about 3 weeks ago and am very happy. After researching, I thought I would try the Cube. Very nice. I would recommend this car for anyone who wants a smooth ride combined with great mpg. I am getting about 32-33. My husband who is blessed with long legs and big feet, found his 6 foot 2 inch frame fits fine. He can move his foot from gas pedal to brake without problem. People are surprised at the roomy interior. For such a small car it makes a powerful statement.

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  Nissan should be ashamed of itself! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By shogun17 - September 26 - 7:40 am

  I had a reservation for a mid-size car with National at Sarasota airport. When my flight arrived, I was told all they had for me was a Nissan Cube. Well, it certainly did not look like a mid-size car, but I had no choice. I used it for a week and put on over 600 miles. First impression was that it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. It looked like an aquarium on wheels. The car had a cvt transmission which nissan does a good job with as car is grossly underpowered. Wind noise at 75mph is unbelievable, no power on tap for passing, no feedback from steering and a confusing and illogical dash. It is the worst nissan vehicle I have ever driven and I have always liked and owned their products.

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  the BEST car out there! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By colbs - September 20 - 10:33 am

  I just got my new cube today! ABSOLUTELY in love. Its so fun, easy, comfortable, cutesy... all the good things you want in a car can be found in the CUBE. I admit at first, it looked a bit odd, but when I "discovered" all the different features that it comes with, my jaw dropped. It has a lot of features in such a small car. Im 6 feet tall and I can fit in the front and back seat, comfortably. I love all the storage in the back and in the glove compartment. Plus, all the extra lighting is awesome. You dont expect much from it, but it surprises me as each minute passes.

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  Could be better, but I love my Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Fridgemobile - August 7 - 11:56 am

  Well I purchased my Cube with the help of the Clunkers program as well as with the help from a local TX clunkers program. Great discount. I love my cube. Spacious, Fun to drive, economic, great turning radius too. Even though it is 100x better then the 95 Jimmy I threw away, ( God awful vehicle) the interior design could be better. Cup holders are too close to the gear shift, glove compartment opens right into passengers legs.If you want to slide forward/move the seat up, your arm barely fits, have to open the door. Even though these things are a little annoying, The Cube,in my opinion, is a great buy. Nothing else on the road looks and feels like the Cube.Fun to drive.6,200 mi. in 2 mo.=D

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  Squeaky Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By My Cube - May 11 - 2:13 am

  I love the look. Everyone has said, "that car is so you." its very comfy. I fit two surfboards inside when a part of the back seat is folded, as well as two surfers (my son and his friend) and me (mom). It feels spacious inside, even though its actually quite compact. It has, however, had problems even in the first couple of months. There were some minor things and very squeaky brakes. I have had it for 5 months and have had to take it to the dealer 4 times! Its a bit disappointing. Other than that, its lovely.

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  I got the Box, He got the Cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Skiekitty - April 29 - 11:26 pm

  We own an 06 Scion xB and when it was time to replace my car, we got the Cube. I wanted a Silver KROM, but the dealership (who was very unhelpful) couldnt (wouldnt) get a silver, so we got the black. I love it! Its so fun to drive, even though the transmission is a bit strange. Sound system is awesome, love the interior LED lighting, cubbyholes everywhere; the glove box is a bottomless pit! Were not in the "target age" they were going for when Nissan brought this car over, but who cares, *were* the ones with the money! If youre tall or big, DEFINITELY GET THIS CAR! DH is 64, Im 6 and we fit great! Love it!

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  So far, so good - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Bill T - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Cube for nearly a year. Highway mileage is around 32 mpg and city is around 26. It handles well for a small car. Ive made one long trip of 2300 miles and everything went fine. Im a big guy and the room inside this car is amazing for its size.

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  Transmission sudden death! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By spirittwo - February 13 - 6:36 pm

  I bought a brand new 2009 cube, sl, 1.8 cvt, auto, with the intention of having a little fun and no maintenance headaches. At 15,000 miles, the transmission gives out! Coming out of a MiniCooper. Boy, do I miss the no hassles maintenance and service from Mini! The Cube is easy to drive, handles well, very roomy and comfortable, but I would not recommend it for its high-maintenance needs and this very major problem. Just unlucky? I dont know. Tried to search the web for others with similar problem, but found little info. Hmm.