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New car reviews » 2010 Nissan Cube 1.8 SL

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Better than: Mitsubishi LRV?
But not as good as: Kia Soul
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 67.16  

For those who say that an ‘80s-era Volvo is too sleek and slippery, we present the Nissan Cube. We first encountered the vehicle during our early trips to Japan, and it finally came to our land in 2009.

The Cube follows a trail blazed by the Scion xB, a fellow rolling party space. Comfort and style trump g-loads and zero-to-60 times. This is a vehicle designed to transport the crew to the movies, serve as a blank canvas, or become a place to escape Mom and Dad.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

You have to salute a car that stands out from the crowd. No, the Cube probably isn’t aimed at our market, but it’s a good alternative to the typically boring econobox. Does everything aimed at the people mover market have to sport the usual shape?

Personally, though, the Soul still does more for me. The Cube feels more like a novelty where I could drive the Kia every day and be happy with it.

Tom Heath :

I have to admit it…I like the Cube. The Cube shows a lot of personality in what would otherwise be a hopeless little box without making a spectacle of itself. Subtle details like the kitschy carpet dash pad and asymmetrical wraparound rear glass appeal to the sensitive artist type in me. This combination of utility shape with artsy details hits the mark in my book. Thankfully the Cube does so on its own merit and not because some (very clever) ad agency hired dancing hip-hop hamsters for the commercials.

Direct competitors like the Scion Xb and Kia Soul may or may not do some things better. They’re certainly close in terms of efficiency, performance, and price so I wouldn’t start a war over my favorite funky appliance car. In my eyes, though, the Cube makes a terrific kid-hauling, gas-saving appliance that punches above its weight in appeal without trying to hard. If I were shopping this market segment it would be my pick.

Scott Lear Production Editor:

The Cube’s quirky styling still makes me happy, and I grin even more when I see how upset some people get over the asymmetry of the design. It’s very functional as a compact transporter to carry people or stuff, and it’s even a little bit of fun to push in the corners. One big complaint: even with the upgraded subwoofer package, the Cube has the weakest factory stereo I’ve heard in many years. If you’re going to get a slow little city box, it should at least be able to bump some tunes.

Reader comments:

1. pinchvalve: — Sep 28, 2011 8:39 a.m.
   

   “But not as good as: Kia Soul”

   Nuff said.

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