Nissan Cube 2002-2008 used car review
The Nissan Cube is spacious and fun to look at.
The Nissan Cube is spacious and fun to look at. You have to like the looks, as it is otherwise not great to drive.
The Nissan Cube was launched in 1998 as a small, practical boxy hatchback. The second generation - reviewed here - took the idea further, turning the car into an actual cube, or two cubes joined together. It gained worldwide attention of its crazy design and was sold outside Japan for the first time. A slightly longer seven-seat model, called the Cube Cubic, is also available.
Inside and out
The Cube’s polarising styling is hard to miss. It is two rounded-off cubes joined together, one for the front engine compartment and one for the cabin. There are many special details in the car, like the road headlights, chunky b-pillar and asymmetrical rear design - it looks different from each size.
Get inside, and the unusual theme continues. You sit slightly higher than a normal hatchback and have a lot of headroom. The dash is squared off and upright, like the exterior, and is finished in hard plastic. While this looks tough, it may not wear well over time.
The gauges are red and black on white and are easy to read. The transmission shifter is mounted on the steering column. The stereo will require a band expander to receive local stations, while our review vehicle had a special system with an additional floor mounted unit.
Seats are normally covered in fabric, however, this vehicle has aftermarket synthetic covers. The front seat is a bench, although the centre section converts to an armrest with storage underneath and the driver’s seat slides independently. It is comfortable though there is not a lot of lateral support. Rear legroom is reasonable, while headroom and side room is great. Two adults will be more comfortable back here, although three will fit.
The boot is sizeable at 307 litres of capacity and with the sliding seat can be expanded to 460 litres. While tall items can be carried with relative ease, the sides of the boot are oddly shaped which could cause an issue for wider items. The rear seat folds 60/40 for additional space. The review vehicle came with special storage bags attached to the rear seat headrests.
The rear door of the Cube opens sideways, to the left. This may be awkward in small garages or parking spaces.
On the road
Initially, only one engine was available in the Cube, 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol, paired with either a four-speed automatic or an optional CVT automatic which can be shifted through five present ratios. In 2005 a larger 1.5-litre engine became available, with a CVT automatic the only option. Our review car has the larger engine, which produces 80kW and 148Nm.
In the real world, the Cube feels underpowered, even with the transmission in sports mode. It is also quite noisy, a common issue with CVT vehicles of this period. A four-wheel drive is an option, though rather than a traditional system it uses an electric motor to drive the rear wheels.
The transmission shifter may take a little time to get used to. To use, you pull the handle towards you, then up and down to the gear you wish to select.
The handling does not impress either. It corners flatly, but does not like bumps in the road - the car feels choppy and pitches forward and backwards. Some of this could be down to the firmer suspension fitted to the test car. Still, don’t expect any Cube to be sporty to drive. The brakes also felt a little odd and abrupt.
Reversing cameras and parking sensors were not standard and not commonly fitted. Nissan did not recommend towing with the Cube. While aftermarket towers are available, doing this is not something we can recommend - especially with the CVT transmission.
Safety
No official crash test rating exists for this generation Cube. Safety specifications are minimal, even for a car of this age. Expect driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes and little else.
There are no ISOFIX child seat mounts anywhere in the car. The centre rear position features a lap belt, which offers far less protection than a shoulder-type belt.
Reliability
The Cube is fairly reliable, particularly the engines, which use a timing chain that does not need regular replacement. They are prone to oil sludge build-up, which can cause premature wear if the car isn’t serviced regularly.
In rare cases, the CVT automatic has been known to fail in cars that have driven over 100,000km, especially if the car hasn't been serviced enough, or incorrect fluids were used (and there are no early warning signs).
Nissan NZ sells the special NS1 CVT fluid recommended. If it does fail, it will need a full rebuild or replacement with a second-hand unit. Either way, expect to spend between $1500 and $2500 in parts and labour.
The keyless entry and start system fitted to some cars can be problematic and is not easy to fix. Make sure it works when you purchase and do not lose the keys. If the system does fail, the car can - usually - be operated with just the metal key. If your battery frequently fails, this system could also be the cause.
Interior plastics are hard and can break, particularly handles and storage cubby lids.
Cost of ownership
Nissan recommends the Cube is serviced every 12 months or 15,000km. Our local Nissan dealer says each service could cost up to $380. Every two years, brake fluid and the pollen filter need to be done. Every three to four years the air filter needs a change.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, the Cube will cost $1,710 to fuel - this is not bad considering the space on offer and non-aerodynamic shape of the vehicle. To fill the 45-litre tank from empty will cost $90 at $2 a litre, and you could travel up to 655km before the fuel light comes on.
The Cube is in the cheapest ACC levy band, and its annual licensing fee (registration) is $76.92.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Cube worth $5440 will cost $46.09* per month. This is $1 cheaper than the equivalent Toyota BB.
Buyers’ guide
The Nissan Cube is available on Trade Me priced from $3,000 to $8,500. There are Cubes advertised for more than this, though they are usually wheelchair adapted models.
When shopping, note that there were some special models that add extra features. These include the common Axis and Rider models with chrome trim and unique interior finishes. Cubes were also very popular with people who liked to personalise their vehicle so that you may find additional features like stereos, body kits, seat covers and graphics.
Variants
- S (SX) - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, CD player stereo and remote central locking.
- RS - Adds keyless entry, tinted windows and fog lights.
- M - Adds 1.5-litre engine.
- RX - Adds alloy wheels, dark interior trim and touchscreen infotainment system.
- E (EX) - As per RS, adds leather steering wheel and climate control.
Timeline
- 2002 - Launched in Japan
- 2005 - Updated, with the option of a new 1.5-litre engine
- 2008 - Replaced with a new model
Details
2007 Nissan Cube 15E
$3,500 to $8,500 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.5-litre, four-cylinder, 80kW/148Nm (claimed)
CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
15,000km or 12 months
Space saver
6.1-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
3720mm
1610mm
1625mm
Not recommended
4.4m (radius)
This review covers the Nissan Cube for model years, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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