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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The rounded cube! - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Cube lover - December 21 - 9:30 pmI purchased the car two weeks ago. While having initial doubts, I have to admit that I love this car. I have a combined city/HWY of 30.5 MPG. This is much better than I expected and what it is rated for. It is very comfortable and I like the bluetooth. It drives smoothly below the 70 miles. If you expect to drive at a higher speed, this is not for you.
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Toaster... Who cares! Ill take the laughs! - 2009 Nissan Cube
By lauraleiwhit - December 20 - 6:37 amI have laughed at all "toaster" cars since they came out. The low mileage and price were the only thing that even made me sit in it. But one trip around the block sold me. Smooth ride, responsive steering and acceleration. I laughed at the dash carpet and tossed it in the trunk, but the eye-pleasing interior is sweet and the most comfortable ever! My comment before buying was "Well I dont have to look at the outside and the inside is awesome." So far... 26.8 mpg city only. CVT tranny is great. If I have a lighter touch on acceleration I get quicker response... flooring it isnt the best idea. The toaster has won me over... I love it!
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MY first car review - 2009 Nissan Cube
By 1.8 S - November 24 - 11:43 amI love it!, I t is so much fun to drive and the turning radius is amazing! i love it! Easy to park and a blast to drive!
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Sun Visors Dangerous - 2010 Nissan Cube
By Sandra - October 29 - 10:00 amVisors are too big, they come down to low, blocking most of drivers front windshield view. Have to push all the way back towards window and still its hard to safely see out. Also they are not wide enough to help block sun through side window except for about 2" of very front area. Coming over Pacheco Pass with grand kids and we had sun directly through front window. Even my teenage grandson had a hard time maneuvering his visor. Plus trying to quickly adjust from front window to side was so dangerous, I almost wrecked into the guard rail a couple of times. I am very uncomfortable with these visors Now we have to find visors to buy that fit and do the job the right way. Anyone else agree?
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My car - 2009 Nissan Cube
By sugarmama3 - October 20 - 3:15 amIm very please with my 2009 cube. I have had it 2 months and still very happy. Its very roomy for me and my family. I have gotten so mannnnnnnny compliments on this car! excellent on gas , easy to keep clean. so if theres anyone wondering what this vehicle is like. I will glad to tell you. It is GREAT!
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CUBE N IT.. Memoirs from a CUBEAHOLIC... - 2009 Nissan Cube
By CUBISM - September 14 - 12:03 pmAbsolutely the most amazing Retro"Mini Van" this 50 yr old has ever driven with special thks to Cash4clunkers..Added all the toys to my Black SL..Gnormous,SL Preferred,Int Designer Packages,Rear cargo, 16"Alloys-Grey..Head turner at every corner,very comfortable to sit in and drive,handles corners with ease,tons of space, eager to leave them at the green light.Currently we have 3 trucks incl Element EX and Grand Caravan.Considered and researched Kia Soul,ScionXb Prirus,Element SC...One drive in the CUBE and I was sold..All the bells and whistles disco lights,shag rug Incredible stereo with all controls on steering wheel,feels like Im driving an Infinity/Lexus.. A must have for any AARPr!
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A must test drive: More than it seems - 2009 Nissan Cube
By Margie - August 24 - 12:50 amI didnt think I would like this car I traded in a 2010 Toyota Corrolla part of the recall. I was set on a Subaru. I saw this souped up Cube in the Showroom, I was passing by as I was headed out to the Subaru dealership across the street. The dealership had added a sunroof, Ostrich Leather seats that are heated racing stripes. I dont know how this got by me. I love the keyless entry and the no need for a key in the ignition. It drives great and the seats are so comfortable. It also handles well in snow which I would not have thought it would. I think this is an up and coming car. I also had a Yaris this is much better and lots of storage in the back with the added Cargo feature.
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Not perfect, but I love it - 2009 Nissan Cube
By DeeTee - July 7 - 6:10 pmWell I was the first one to write a review about this car. I have now been driving it for 5+ months, and I have 12,313 miles on it. It is a lot of fun to drive, sure it isnt fast but then again thats not the point of an econobox. I average about 31 mpg in mixed driving. Comfortable, ROOOOMY, and still gets a lot of attention both good and bad, I prefer the bad =D. I have had issues with the fuel gauge meter, had to be replaced, and it had to be realigned TWICE already. Brakes started screeching after 3,000 miles, but dealer will fix. All in all, it is a great buy, fun to drive, and am very pleased with my choice of car.
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Ice Cube - 2009 Nissan Cube
By D Malkmus - April 23 - 12:33 amI traded a civic hybrid for my cube. In my opinion Nissan has come up with a winner with this vehicle. It has more room to comfortably accommodate my 6 ft 7 in husband and two teenage boys than our 2007 Expedition. The seats are very comfortable and the illumination package is a must. My kids love it at night. It is a perfect vehicle for commuting around town. The wind noise at highway speeds is noticeable but not significantly higher than my civic. The road noise is less by far. All is all we are very comfortable in the cube. It is much easier to park than most vehicles and it is very easy to get in and out of as compared with most cars.
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Amazing!!!!! - 2011 Nissan Cube
By stevenejb - April 19 - 2:39 amI purchased my Nissan Cube in June 2010 from Lees Summit Nissan. I have enjoyed the vehicle ever since bringing it home, but recently you have won me over as a lifetime customer! I live in Kansas City and weve had two major winter storms recently with the latest being a blizzard that dumped over 12" of snow in my area. Everyone I work with was getting stuck and calling for friends with 4x4 vehicles to take them home. I got in my Cube and drove right home, up hills, through snow drifts, over ice, and on roads packed with several inches of snow. The Cube was amazing! The traction was outstanding and the vehicle felt secure on the roadway. This vehicle is awesome all around!
