Nissan Cube Review

2009 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL Station Wagon Shown

Cubism traditionally refers to an early 20th-century style of art, popularized by Picasso, in which traditional perspectives were abandoned in favor of the interplay among geometric shapes, interlocking planes and collage motifs. But now there's a new cube in town -- the Nissan Cube -- and it's one of the latest additions to a growing segment of compact block-shaped hatchback wagons. These vehicles tend to provide maximal space-efficiency and funky style in economical packages, and that's an appealing collection of virtues for many car shoppers. The question is whether Nissan's Cube is at the vanguard of this movement or just riding its coattails.

The Nissan Cube is dressed up with an eclectic blend of curved styling cues, an asymmetrical rear window and ovoid front-side windows. Offered in several different trim levels with a manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the four-door Cube offers a smooth four-cylinder engine and an airy cabin with ample headroom and legroom. Disappointingly, though, the Cube's real-world cargo-carrying ability is less impressive than the diminutive Honda Fit's. This foible plus the Cube's overly soft handling relegate it to also-ran status among compact wagons.

Current Nissan Cube

The Nissan Cube is a compact four-door hatchback wagon offered in several trim levels. The two available transmissions are a six-speed manual and a CVT. Base Cubes come standard with head curtain airbags, air-conditioning, power accessories, a 60/40-split sliding rear seat and a CD player. Higher trims offer frills like cruise control, upgraded audio, alloys, automatic climate control and iPod/MP3 capability. Customizing Cubers can head straight for the Krom model with its unique body pieces, polished wheels, two-tone interior and premium Rockford Fosgate audio. If that's a bit much pricewise, the Ginormous Package for the more affordable SL model features styling mods inside and out, and all Cubes can be outfitted with a mind-numbing multitude of dealer-installed Nissan accessories.

Along with its attention-grabbing exterior design and park-anywhere footprint, the Nissan Cube boasts a tall, spacious cabin. Headroom and legroom are plentiful for all occupants, and the rear seat slides fore and aft. If you need to carry people and cargo, though, note that the Cube won't hold as much out back as some rivals, particularly with the rear seat in its rearmost position, which is required for adult-grade rear legroom. Subpar dashboard plastics also cheapen the experience.

In reviews, our editors have commented favorably on the sprightly 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and the smooth and responsive CVT. Those are pretty much the only driving highlights, though, as the Cube's high center of gravity and soggy suspension can't keep up with an eager right foot, and its steering is numb and slow-witted. If you tend toward the slow and steady, you may not find much to complain about, but other competitors inspire far more confidence when changing directions. Overall, even for fans of these compact bricks-on-wheels, the basic Nissan Cube is an unremarkable effort.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.