2009 Nissan Cube S
Manufacturer: Nissan USA Part number: 101148877
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Although the 2009 Nissan Cube S features good design and performance for urban areas, it completely fails as a tech car. Move up to the SL trim, and useful cabin electronics become available.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com |  | | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
2009 Nissan Cube S price range: $15,690.00
- Reviewed by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 05/11/2009
The good: The 2009 Nissan Cube S's distinctive style combines with a very practical, spacious interior. Electronic road-holding technology is standard, and the car exhibits excellent urban driving characteristics.
The bad: Although the S trim is in the middle of the lineup, it has no cabin tech--not even MP3 CD playback. The best thing that can be said for it is the stock stereo should be easily replaceable.
The bottom line: Although the 2009 Nissan Cube S features good design and performance for urban areas, it completely fails as a tech car. Move up to the SL trim, and useful cabin electronics become available.
With its new Cube model, Nissan seems intent on outdoing the Honda Element and Scion xB for polarizing style. Some people are going to hate the 2009 Nissan Cube's looks, and some people are going to love it. But nobody can deny the practicality of the massive amount of space inside and the large load area made possible by the side-hinging rear hatch.
Although it's not big on horsepower, it is zippy enough for running around town, and it's economical. Our biggest complaints deal with cabin tech--there isn't any in the S trim model we tested, nor in the base model. You have to get the top-of-the-line SL trim version to get anything tech-related from the factory.
On the road
We discovered the tech-less nature of the 2009 Nissan Cube S when we first got in, and saw that it lacked the expected iPod port. So we slipped an MP3 CD into the stereo and were extremely disappointed to find that it wouldn't play. We were beginning to doubt Nissan's advertising phrase, Mobile Device.
Plan C involved hooking up an MP3 player to the stereo's faceplate-mounted auxiliary audio input, but our patch cable was short, and the Cube has no convenient pockets in the dashboard for personal electronics. We eventually secured a 3-foot patch cable so the MP3 player could sit in the floor-mounted cup-holder.
It took some work getting to a comfortable seating position, largely because of the strange proportions of the car. Fortunately, the driver's seat has height adjustment, which helped the cause. But don't expect any power seat controls at this price level.
Finally, out on the road, the Cube proved very responsive to the gas pedal. For city streets, it works great, as the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine gives it lots of low-end push to make quick lane changes. The Cube also gets plenty of attention from passers-by. We even had someone leaning out of a convertible Mustang to get a photo.
Taking it around corners with a little speed, the Cube feels squirrely, like its tires are scrambling around trying to keep it from tipping over. Nissan throws its roster of road-holding electronics in the Cube, such as a stability program and traction control, so it seems like a pretty safe car. We didn't feel like it was in any real danger of going wheels-up.
Hammering the throttle for a freeway entrance, the initial thrust was good, but power seemed to top out around 35 mph. The trip up to 60 mph was leisurely, but once up at freeway speeds, the Cube maintained 65 to 75 mph easily, with enough push to handle hills.
In the cabin
With the S trim, the 2009 Nissan Cube isn't really a tech car. The best thing we can say for it is the double-DIN stereo should come out easily. Consider replacing it with an all-in-one navigation and stereo unit such as the Eclipse AVN6620.
The audio system will also need replacement, as the Cube's stock door woofers and A-pillar tweeters are really inadequate. Highs sound tinny, while mids and bass come out muffled. As with the stereo, the Cube needs a good amp and better speakers. A subwoofer would be a nice addition.
If you move up to the SL trim, there is plenty of standard and optional cabin tech; for instance, an iPod port, MP3 CD capability, and automatic headlights all come standard. And in one option package you also get Bluetooth cell phone integration, a smart key, better speakers and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, and satellite radio. Considering the car's target demographic, we think some of these options should be offered on the two lower trims.
A number of dealer accessories will also be available for the Cube, with the goofiest being a round patch of shag carpet mounted on the center of the dashboard. Dealers will also offer a Garmin GPS navigation device for the Cube.
Under the hood
We already mentioned the Nissan Cube's surprisingly good low-end push. The thrust comes from an engine tuned for torque more than horsepower. The little, 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine cranks out 127 pound-feet of torque and 122 horsepower. It uses variable-valve timing to optimize efficiency. That engine is standard at all trim levels.
EPA mileage numbers have not been published as of this review, but the car is expected to achieve better than 30 mpg on the highway. In our testing, we got it above 29 mpg on the freeway at speeds over 70 mph.
Our S trim Cube had a continuously variable transmission (CVT), eliminating gear change bumps and improving mileage. We've been impressed with Nissan's CVT in other models, and it works well in the Cube, too, although it doesn't have as much power to play with as in those other cars.
A six-speed manual is also available in the S model, and is the only transmission at the base trim. At the SL trim, the CVT is the only transmission available.
Along with traction control and Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control, a stability program, the Nissan Cube S also comes standard with antilock brakes, brake-force distribution, and tire pressure monitoring. The Cube also contains a complete set of airbags, with front and side curtain providing all-around protection.
In sum
The 2009 Nissan Cube S trim we tested is priced at $15,690. We would have preferred the SL trim, which actually offers some cabin tech, and is priced at $16,790. We would also add the $1,600 Preferred package, which brings in Bluetooth and a subwoofer, among other options.
Because we rate cars at the trim level of our review unit, we have to give the 2009 Nissan Cube S a low score for cabin tech. But it does much better for performance. We like its around-town drivability. It also does well for design, as its exterior makes for a distinctive look and it offers lots of practical space.
User reviews
-
-
Finally, people hauler thats well built fun and cool.
by twogrim on June 22, 2009
Pros: You would never know your in a "small" car when your driving it. Decent driving, great mileage, handles like a small car and hauls like a van. Drive it you will buy it.
Cons: None, for the money its a great deal. Others need to quit gripping about how it is missing this and that, its cheap, well made and looks great. nuf said!
Summary: Nissan quality, years of proven sucess in Japan, meets needs of a very large pool of drivers and dosent suck gas. No wonder it was such a huge hit in ...
Summary: Nissan quality, years of proven sucess in Japan, meets needs of a very large pool of drivers and dosent suck gas. No wonder it was such a huge hit in Japan.
Some will call it a cult car due to its sytling, others will call it ugly, I kind of like it and as long as I can get one in my drive I don't care.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Just bought one. Rolling for about 2 weeks now...
by elrio531 on May 21, 2009
Pros: Bought S model, upgraded to gun metal Nissan wheels. I don't need the tech stuff on the SL or Crom. Great exterior styling, really shines through in the interior. Very room and comfortable. Handles nice, good power, 30+ MPG, fun to drive.
Cons: Dives a little up front on harder turns although stable. Rattle in door dealer will fix under warranty. Cool ride. We're 46 yrs old with 1 16 yr old, LOVE THE CAR..
Summary: Good buy. Fun Car. Forces you to be happy and smile when you drive it. Very comfortable, lots of space. Driving art.
Summary: Good buy. Fun Car. Forces you to be happy and smile when you drive it. Very comfortable, lots of space. Driving art.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Practical, efficient & tons of room. I'll take one.
Pros: Decent gas mileage, room for lots of cargo, highly practical rear door.
Cons: It ain't exactly pretty, 'eh?
Summary: I'll take a look at the SL model; the S & base models are a bit too barebones for me.
Summary: I'll take a look at the SL model; the S & base models are a bit too barebones for me.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Wonderful car if you get the SL package.
by ShaneYoung on October 28, 2009
Pros: I found the car to be zippy at 90% of the time. Plenty of room for 4 adults. Decent gas milage.
Cons: The iPod interface leaves something to be desired when you have 100's of artist. A storage area between the driver and passenger seat is needed.
Summary: Fun little car to drive; it has always had the power when I have needed it.
Gas mileage is decent, but my 2001 all-wheel drive was just as good. Wish ...Summary: Fun little car to drive; it has always had the power when I have needed it.
Gas mileage is decent, but my 2001 all-wheel drive was just as good. Wish they would have brought the all-wheel drive Cube to the states.
Steering wheel controls are nice, but why no pause or mute? Also the stereo is nice with Satellite but why no HD? -
A practical, economical car with funky good looks.
by kokomokid1 on September 27, 2009
Pros: Good price if not overloaded with options---excellent city gas mileage---probably the best CVT on the market---funky, but functional styling, inside and out.
Cons: No "colorful" interior options-only grey and black---rear seats don't fold flat---no sunroof option
Summary: I have the S model which has what I want, AC, cruise control, and a radio good enough to listen to NPR. Normally I would get a manual transmission in ...
Summary: I have the S model which has what I want, AC, cruise control, and a radio good enough to listen to NPR. Normally I would get a manual transmission in a smallish car with a smallish engine, but with the Cube, the CVT beats the manual in fuel economy, so that's what I got. I got a white car because it spends a lot of time parked outside in Florida, but I wish I could have gotten a red or red/black interior like you can get in a smart or Soul. In the end, the cube won me over the smart because it has a lot more space for only a little more money. Also, the cube's CVT works much better than the smart's 5-speed DSG. The cube won out over the Soul for me, mainly because of the better fuel economy.
-
Bought my Cube 2 months ago. Now have 7200 miles on it
by jfrawner on September 19, 2009
Pros: Purchased it for a work car. Been to Denver, Tombstone, and all over the place. Like the room and gas mileage. I am a big person and don't have to grease up to get in it.Definatly an attention grabber. We call it the "booger" because it's Moss Green.
Cons: Not really anything I don't like about it. Rides well and gets about 32 MPG. I would like to see a passenger arm rest.
Summary: If you are looking for a car that is economcal and roomy this is it. Handles well in and out of town. I have a Ford F-150 and got this ...
Summary: If you are looking for a car that is economcal and roomy this is it. Handles well in and out of town. I have a Ford F-150 and got this car because I was putting too many miles on the truck. With gas prices the way they were I needed something to lessen the mileage and cost of gas. I can fill up for about 25.00 at 2.50gal and travel the same distance the truck did for much less then half the price.
-
Roomy, Fuel efficient, Cool Looking, Has Get Up & Go
by strayspayz on August 25, 2009
Pros: We have had the Cube about a month and love it. We are retired and the easy of getting into and out of the car is phenomenal. We have gotten 32 mpg average.
Cons: the owners manual suggests not using gasoline with ethanol. We can't find that in our area, almost all gasoline has 10% ethanol.
Summary: Wouldn't trade it!
Summary: Wouldn't trade it!
-
review by editor complains lack of "pockets"-puhleeez
by ps24ever on July 18, 2009
Pros: styling; economy; space
Cons: an extra grand to get an auto tranny?
Summary: the editor complains about lack of "pockets" to put all those silly gadgets everyone has but doesn't really need? get a life!, bottom line is that it's a ...
Summary: the editor complains about lack of "pockets" to put all those silly gadgets everyone has but doesn't really need? get a life!, bottom line is that it's a great looking auto w/great economy and a great base price to get around town or a quick weekend getaway to the beach...it's a fun drive w/o having to worry how much you will have to plunk for a new set of tires comparted to the other autos in your garage...
-
Great Little Car For both City and Highway Driving
by dtawanda on July 15, 2009
Pros: Roomy, awesome fuel economy, comfortable ride, smooth handling. Cargo organizer gives you flat cargo space when rear seats are folded
Cons: Bluetooth not for someone with foreign accent. Cargo organizer can take away usable space. The visors are large enough to protect from sunlight, but too large to find any CD holder that can fit (have had to use velcro to attach mine to the visor)
Summary: I have the pleasure to give an account of two Cubes: My first Cube was an S with CVT, which I drove for 1850 miles before turning in for the ...
Summary: I have the pleasure to give an account of two Cubes: My first Cube was an S with CVT, which I drove for 1850 miles before turning in for the SL (it cost me $4000 to do the trade by the way, not cheap). The S was getting 30mpg in 50%city/50% highway driving. That was really nice, especially because I always have the A/C on (in case you don't know, EPA estimates are done with the A/C off, so don't expect to beat those estimates in hot Chicago weather unless you are easy on the gas pedal). My other trick is to use the cruise control. I had no problems on the highway. I took an 800 mile trip to test out the Cube. Turned out to be quite the test because it was pouring rain. I was going 80mph in heavy downpour with A/C on full blast (dangerous I know, but it was really hot that day and I really want to push the car to see what it can handle) and I got 27mpg. Not bad for a boxy car. Even the wind noise was not bad at all (I had 5 adults in the car and no-one complained).
Onto other things, the visibility is great from the sitting position, although you may need to lower your head sometimes when the street lights are too high (since the sitting position is a bit farther into the car than a typical sedan). Overall, street lights are located conveniently. The trip computer is a great device too. It gives you the mpg (although I prefer to double check my mpg using actual gallons used for the trip), distance travelled, average speed over the distance travelled, number of miles left before gas is out, and basically it's like the fancy hybrid computer showing you your driving habits, except that it doesn't have any leaves or colors.
Now, going onto the SL, I have less than 100 miles on it so far, so I haven't got the mpg rating but I hope it mirrors the S. The SL I got has lost two things from the S. I used to have te interior accent lighting + illuminated kickplates (which was awesome and fancy, but not necessary). I also lost the cargo organizer. I have read reviews about people complaining that when you fold down the seats you don't have a flat cargo area. Basically, what Nissan did is that they created space for a cargo organizer. With it, you can fold the seats and you get a flat surface. Without it, like in my SL, there is no flat space and that may be a problem, but I also found that the organizer takes away some usable space (yes, you are organized with it, but it only gives you two compartments that take small items). So I think I am happy to live without it. One added advantage of not having the organizer is that if you place suitcases behind the seats, they will be seating at the base and do not reach high behind the head restraints. That way, the occupants in the back seat can still recline their seat. With the cargo organizer, I found that the back seat loses any usable room for reclining when there are large items in the cargo area.
Of course the SL with SL preferred package comes with XM radio, bluetooth, automatic climate control, iPod connectivity, mp3 capability, fog lights, etc. I think overall the features are great. I have had trouble with the bluetooth not recognizing my voice sometimes, and basically it cannot hear me when I say "mobile" to store cell phone numbers. I am stuck with "home", "office", and "other" (which means instead of 4 numbers per contact, I can only save 3). I tried to train the system to hear my voice but the results are still the same.
The last thing is the tires. With the S I had dealer-installed package of gun-metal alloy wheels (which you cannot get if you customize an S online on the nissan website). However, my SL come with the standard alloy wheels. What I have noticed is that the gun-metal is cool looking than the standard alloys, but it comes with smaller tires. So my SL handles the road better than the S due to its larger tires, and I feel less bumps on the same roads that I have driven both cars. -
UNLIKE OTHERS I ACTUALLY TEST DROVE (AND BOUGHT ONE)
by misterdt on June 30, 2009
Pros: Visibility, CVT transmission, Inline 4 cyl engine, Japan built, bluetooth, Rockford Fosgate sound system, rear sonar sensors, 6 airbags, great handling, awesome on gas, intelligent key system....wish I had more room to type here!
Cons: Finding one in stock. They are going VERY fast. Better act quick.
Summary: Don't knock this car unless you have driven it. It is way bigger inside than you will expect and drives so much better than I was expecting. I have ...
Summary: Don't knock this car unless you have driven it. It is way bigger inside than you will expect and drives so much better than I was expecting. I have now sold our minivan and can't wait until ours gets in to start driving it. Way to go NISSAN.
Fantastic visibility, interior room, CVT handles very well, great stereo (on SL) and tons of ways to customize. Overall, great bang for the every precious dollar. Did anyone notice the vibration reducing circle that the inline 4cyl engine sits onto to eliminate any vibration inside the car... and all flat areas in the engine are covered with wax when built in Japan (yes not built in North America folks) to prevent standing water and potential for rust etc. SMART!!!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nissan USA
- Part number: 101148877
- Bottom Line: Although the 2009 Nissan Cube S features good design and performance for urban areas, it completely fails as a tech car. Move up to the SL trim, and useful cabin electronics become available.
Basic car properties
- Body style Wagon
- Trim levels Cube
- Available Engine Gas
Safety Features
- Smart airbags Standard
- Antilock brakes Standard
- Traction control Standard
- Stability control Standard
- Adaptive cruise control Standard
Entertainment
- Connection for portable MP3 sound system Standard
Climate/convenience
- Two-way security system Standard
- 12V power outlet Standard
Drivetrain Technology
- Drivetrain available Front-drive
Navigation
- Trip computer Standard
Manufacturer info
- Nissan USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nissan USA products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.nissanusa.com
- Address:
Nissan Consumer Affairs, Gardena, CA 90248 - Phone: 1-800-647-7261
