Nissan Cube; Do you like it?

[BBISHOPPCM]

A visit to nissanusa.com has informed me that the new Cube is finally being actualized in the United States. Like the Versa, this vehicle has been available overseas for a few years now. The Cube is based on the Versa, and looks a bit like the Honda Element, only with better styling and functionality. Had the Cube been available when I bought the Versa, I would have bought one of those instead (it would work better for me, as it is designed as a multipurpose utility vehicle). I know the Scion xB has turned most people off small, van-like vehicles, as the Scion is absolutely hideous. I like the Nissan Cube for its rounded corners, Datsun-like grill, utilitarian design, and the fact that it's based on the "B" platform. So, what do the rest of you think of the Cube? It should be available in early-mid 2009. My plan is to keep the Versa, but when the time comes to replace it, I'm definitely getting the Cube. One gripe is the awkward side-opening rear door, that appears to open into the curb. Take a look at some of the photos online, it really does look like something from the Datsun era.

[1_Sleek_Versa]

Well, not for me.

Still looks better than the Element though.

[fjwagner]

ugh. The Element is infinitely better looking than that.

[blindsnyper]

versa owner hate it, and versa hater love it. there was a thread about it in gen chat a few days ago and all the people that give me crap for driving a V want a cube, wtf?

[reyes1212]

I thought the comments were mostly positive....I would like one.Very Japanesque

[VersaMG08]

I haven't seen too many pictures of the Cube. I'd like to like it, but does anyone have some clean pictures of the Cube to post? Driving the Cube would be my alternative vehicle to my Versa.

[blindsnyper]

I haven't seen too many pictures of the Cube. I'd like to like it, but does anyone have some clean pictures of the Cube to post? Driving the Cube would be my alternative vehicle to my Versa.

[Nismo V]

Cube pics and a video link here -----> http://www.cars.com/go/video/p...Cube.

[shiryu0]

its UGLY........

on the brightside, since it shares the same chassis as the Versa, maybe itll get more aftermarket parts that can used on the Versa.........cause the Versa aftermarket is pretty small, heck the aftermarket for my Lincoln is bigger

[feloniousmonk]

One gripe is the awkward side-opening rear door, that appears to open into the curb.

It won't... and you were probably looking at a Japanese right hand drive model (curb is on the left).

Also, all of the pictures posted so far do not represent what will be coming in 2009. As reported, the car will probably be shown in LA in Nov.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/0...-cool/ ... 0...-cube/

[Rand0m0sityxX]

I really honestly dont like it.. but I hate any car thats purely a box shape.. I dont know why, it just doesnt appeal to me..

[Woody64]

some of the pics of those that have been modified look okay, but the stock versions just are as said before "infinitely worse than the element"

I'll definitely stick with my V

[Johniboi]

"I'll definitely stick with my V"

same here lol.

[reyes1212]

"I'll definitely stick with my V"

same here lol.

Did you ever sell it?

[srellim234]

In our family we don't mind the look if it's functional. Don't hate it; don't love it. It would be a car to consider in a sufficiently high enough mileage hybrid or electric as the "in the city, running errands, etc." type car. Unfortunately the Versa has put enough doubt in our minds about Nissan that we wouldn't buy it simply because it is a Nissan.

[ddgsxr504]

I love them, and I have since the first time I saw them in 2001 in Okinawa. I am getting one so that I can take my S14 off the streets as a daily driver.

[Slither]

I wonder about Cube highway mileage - being so tall & boxy and being blown around by X-winds.

I've read Element owners not too thrilled by their 4-bangers mileage either and lots wind noise on the highway. And cracked shields due to upright flange design.

[somdamon]

Let me first say...I love my 08 Versa HB SL. Just reaching 1300 miles and it runs perfectly and is a pleasure to drive and ride in. Mileage has been averaging mixed at 29 mpg. I have always been a fan of hatchback type vehicles so was over-joyed when my favorite car company gave the US the Versa Hatchback.

Ok, the Cube...looks very interesting to me. I believe it has a real possibility of winning me over. I will refrain from any definite asessments at this time since we don't really know what the US version will be like. I would also want to drive it and see it in person before a final judgement. I do like what I have seen so far, particularly features like: moving backseat forward and the back of the backseat can recline, front benchseats as an option?, looks very roomy and comfortable for its size, wrap around window on one side - very cool, and the size of the hatch opening.

Yes, I am looking forward to investigating it further and perhaps it will be a future replacement for the Versa. We will see...Go Nissan!

[BBISHOPPCM]

If Nissan builds THAT ugly heap, I won't buy one. I love the current model, but that thing? jeez. Why redesign something that works??. As for those of you who don't like square vehicles; the reason it is square is purely a functional thing, and not intended to compete with anything design-wise. I mean, there's a reason vans are shaped like vans, and race cars shaped like race cars. Trucks would be useless if they were shaped like spheres with wheels...

[feloniousmonk]

Why redesign something that works??

I agree. Panel per panel it really didn't change a lot, just more rounded. But, the overall cumulative effect is different enough for me to be disappointed. It went from turn of the century modern to 1970s chic... logical progression I suppose. I'll hold off final judgement until I see it in person. Majority of recent car designs just don't photograph well... or the quality of photographic talent being used has gone downhill. The GT-R, for example, looks far better in person than it does in the official photographs.

Despite reactions here, I think it will still sell well as the market has shifted towards efficiency, practicality and value. Styling is still unique enough to set it apart from the field... especially that asymmetrical rear.

[TheClevelandSound]

Man are people dumb. I mean, I like the creativity of it, but one, its gonna get made fun of for its name for a long time, and two, the demand for the element and the scion are extremely low, so why would you make something so similar???????

I do have to say that I like the one Cube thats dark blue/Black with the chrome rims. It does look sweet if u pimp it out, and im sure u could fit bigger rims on a cube than a versa. I also see a dual exhaust system in a few of the pics. Idk if thats stock or not, but its getting me to wonder if it tops the Versas 122hp, which is a very easy thing to do.

Chances are, you will be seeing alot of old retired golfing people driving these. Just like the Matrix haha.

[superskunk]

i think the only way it will copete with scion or honda is if they have a really big aftermarket.... i think it looks better than the XD and the element.....

[feloniousmonk]

Chances are, you will be seeing alot of old retired golfing people driving these. Just like the Matrix haha.

Given the current economy, any practical/economic car is going to be bought by the "unintended" target. They are the ones with money, regardless of the recession.

i think the only way it will copete with scion or honda is if they have a really big aftermarket.... i think it looks better than the XD and the element.....

It will be competitive. The design is unique and I think it will be priced lower. It won't be bloated like the current xB. As for the aftermarket, there's nothing Nissan can do about that. High gas prices and the economy has done a lot of harm to it. Enough to cause NOPI to cancel their tour indefinitely.

[kcourtad]

hate it... probley sell good in japan...

[mcheddadi]

soooo hot

[1unar3clipse]

I'd drive it.

I look at it this way... what better car than to break up an all scion xB-Fest?

[HasteTheMoment]

yeah but if you look around online, it says there working on a new gen,(3rd gen) to be released in the us. So the new one is going to be USDM configured and is going to suck.

[feloniousmonk]

yeah but if you look around online, it says there working on a new gen,(3rd gen) to be released in the us. So the new one is going to be USDM configured and is going to suck.

Ugh... read much? Sheesh.

[MinisterofDOOM]

I've always liked the Cube. Great looking car. Nice proportions. Aside from the overall look, there are a lot of little details I like, like the wraparound look of the glass, the way the rear door overlaps and transitions into the rear bumper and the face-only (no wrapping to the sides) headlight design.

The interior needs work before it comes here, though. The square theme looses it's charm inside the car where it begins to evoke early 1990s American cars:



Those seats look terrible (comfort and support-wise)

I like the original xB a lot as well. The new one can die in a fire, but the old one was great.

[RobsPages]

I looks like my wife's Scion xB (2006) but sleeker somehow. I'm not a fan of the side-open rear door or light bar across the rear bumper but otherwise its not bad.

As for people questioning the mileage and such, our xB gets 32-34 mpg. Tire noise from the OEM rubber drown out any wind noise, and highway rocks can do serious damage to your windshield.

Stickin' to the V till I can afford a Porshe