2010 Nissan Cube San Diego CA

December 9, 2009   By Jon Alain Guzik, DriverSide Editor-in-Chief

2009 Nissan cube


2009 Nissan cube
DriverSide Overview
There’s a whole new wave of smart people movers sweeping manufacturers these days. Quirky, spacious and inexpensive, these vehicles offer the kind of variety and customization buyers in the sub $15,000 price point have been missing in the past. Nissan is no stranger to boxy rides, as the company has sold its Cube in Japan since 1998. With the success of vehicles like the Scion xB here in the states, Nissan is finally ready to unleash the Cube on American buyers. It’s not coming to the fight unarmed. With genuinely interesting looks, a baffling amount of interior space and enough pep to scoot through town or down the highway, the Cube has all of the traits of a small box favorite. Starting at just $13,990, this Cube has a surprising amount to offer – from power locks to power windows and cruise control. At this price point, really, it’s hard to ask for more.

What's to Like
Despite its relatively low stature, the Cube boasts plenty of head and legroom. Seats are supportive and comfortable and there’s plenty of storage with the rear bench folded flat. The exterior is loaded with eye-catching details like recessed port-hole windows and unique wrap-around rear glass, too.
 
What's Not to Like
While the area just inside the rear hatch offers a deep well for stashing a few bags of groceries, with the seats upright there isn’t room for much else. Also, while the six-speed manual transmission gives the Cube a little extra bounce in its step, both the manual and CVT gearboxes are a little noisy. That’s not something we would usually gripe about in a car priced so low, but when the rest of the vehicle is so quiet, the racket stands out.
 
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Admittedly, our expectations are fairly low when it comes to a vehicle this inexpensive. Usually we’re thrilled if a car priced in this neighborhood can simply keep up with traffic. Nissan has put a surprising amount of effort into the U.S. Cube, and thanks to its drivetrain borrowed from the Versa, the little box manages to do more than keep up, it excels. Even when equipped with the continuously-variable transmission, putting your foot down on the accelerator results in a happy chirp of the front tires before speeding off. The brakes are firm and capable and the suspension is precise without being too jarring on your molars. In short, it’s a not a bad car for the money. Think of it as a Versa with a minivan top hat.
 
Engine and Drivetrain
Nissan supplied the Cube with the same 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that resides under the hood of the Versa. With 122 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, the engine is more than enough to move the lightweight Cube around the block. The base Cube is equipped with a capa...

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