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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  Love the gas mileage - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Steve Brooks - February 17 - 4:20 am

  Gave in to the wifes wishes to go for the quirky styling and better gas mileage. It sure gets its share of thumbs-ups and curious looks, which is good because we have sign graphics for our business on the back window. Unexpected 30.5mpg mileage for her daily 140-mile roundtrip to a new office, 50% better mileage than our Pathfinder. This alone will save us $200 a month. I like a lot of features, esp. with the SL package, and some I dont like, see below.

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  Love My Cube !!!!!!!so did a reindeer - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Neal - January 22 - 5:33 am

  Cant wait to get it back from body shop! Everybody stops me wants to know how I like it and everybody looks at it like what? Tell them im one laughing-at the gas tank Hate driving my 305 Hyundai since i got the Cube. it is a great ride and drive very comfortable for mid size people great power-

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  Cube alignment - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By tippyriver - January 17 - 5:11 pm

  A four wheel alignment can cost over $1000 if the rear is out of spec. Nissan Cube has a non adjustable rear axle and Nissan will Not warrant replacement if out of spec. Shims are Not approved. Rotating tires hides the factory problem and shortens tire life.

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  Real Time - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Ken - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. 31K miles and still love it! It does move in windy conditions at high speeds or is pushed by trucks on interstate. One push on the gas and I am passed that though. Gas is always 28-29 mpg highway or city. I am big and my son is 67" and we both have plenty of spare room front or back. I am totally satisfied.

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  endless recalls - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By tropicalcube - December 11 - 12:20 am

  less than a month of buying my Cube I hear of recalls tire sensor nuts (defective in cold weather) rear door handles need replacing according to a recall listed on the internet, rear brake drums defective recall, steering sensor gone bad on some Cubes, warning lights going off for no reason, I am sure the list will grow in the next few months and hopefully there will not be any fatal accidents due to defective parts from Japan. Makes me think the USA is involved in parts. Better yet why didnt Japan test the parts before exporting the Cubes. Are the ones in Japan also getting recalls?

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  One of a kind - something different - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By yetearlytoreview - December 5 - 3:40 am

  Just got it a week ago and getting more amazed at overall difference - which Id never known if I didnt drive it over a 100 miles. Especially different inside - feeling comfortable and even cozy. It literally keep dragging me to get inside. A feeling Ive never felt before even in more expensive luxury vehicles. Also, even it is under-power (just over 120 hp) and kinda noisy upon excel, the other standard features are just rocks(more than Hyundai or Kia except warranty)! Also considering 2010 record of top safety pick and reasonable price(same as Kia forte), how come there could be another choice? 100% Made in Japan is also a great add-on for a peace of mind watching TOYOTA crisis.

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  Great buy! - 2013 Nissan Cube
  By Caroline Rodriguez - November 22 - 12:01 am

  Roomy and easy to find! Great on fuel!

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  Almost perfect commuter car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Oregon Commuter - September 29 - 1:36 am

  I wanted something better for my mixed commute of ~55 miles RT everyday. I wanted to spend $15K. I looked at what I could get in the used market - 3-4 year old Civic/Camry/Corolla/Accord, out of warranty, generic, and boring! (So THATS where all the Oldsmobile drivers went!) Tried the Versa, but it felt small and wobbly. Dealer urged me to try the Cube. Wife described it as "The ugliest car Ive ever seen." Drove it, went home and researched it, then bought it. Been driving it for almost 3 months now (5500 mi). Huge interior, surprisingly good handling & acceleration (no sports car). Looking for performance? Wrong choice. Looking for great point A to point B transport? You found it!

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  Great Things From The "Cube!" - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Jim in Acworth, GA - September 11 - 7:40 pm

  I love this car! Its "snazzy," and fun to drive. Im getting 31+ mpg around town. I expect to do even better when I drive to D.C.

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  FUNNEST CAR EVER OWNED - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Sheila - August 15 - 12:56 pm

  I wanted a smaller car but not one of those little cars that you have to fall down to get in and a lift to get out of it. This car is GREAT! You just slide on to the seat and you dont have to pry yourself out. It is so fun to drive and you get alot of looks. People laugh, like, whats that! Best small car Ive ever owned.