2009 Nissan Cube Delivers 30 MPG

By: Andy Hodges
Published: Jun 22, 2009
Updated: Mar 15, 2010

Articles - Nissan Cube Pricing, MPG Information

The 2009 Nissan Cube is a funny looking vehicle at first glance. However, Cube owners will tell you not to judge a book by its cover, and this Nissan automobile is no exception. While it is not a hybrid or electric car, it does deliver 30 miles per gallon.

The 2009 Cube launched with an incredible Nissan marketing campaign. The automaker promotes the car as a social automobile and provides consumers with a Mobile Hub for information. This vehicle might become a cult for this generation, as the Volkswagon mini-bus was the hippy icon during the 1960s.

Nissan Cube has a starting MSRP of $13,990. The car is affordable and delivers a projected fuel-economy of 30 mpg on the highway. This vehicle is powered by a 1.8L DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower with a maximum torque of 127 lb-feet.

The automobile has a Nissan Xtronic CVT transmission. The automobile seats up to five passengers and the driver has a 6-way manual adjustable seat. The passenger seats come with 4-way manual seats.

The Cube wheelbase is only 156.7 inches but provides comfortable seating. The back-seat passengers get what's called a "lounge sofa" style sliding rear bench seat. This is a small alternative for consumers who only travel around town to work or for errands.

We spoke with James Feeney, who owns a 2009 Nissan Cube, and he seems to enjoy it. "It gets me from point A to point B, and I haven't needed a refuel in about two weeks," Feeney said. Feeney also said that he used his Cube over the weekend to haul plywood from Home Depot for a house project.

The Nissan Cube comes in three different trim-levels including Cube 1.8, Cube 1.8 S and Cube 1.8 SL. Just so you know, Feeney was using the standard 1.8 model. All models are available in eight exterior colors including Chrome Silver, Steel Gray, Bitter Chocolate, Scarlet Red, Caribbean Blue, Moss Green, Super Black and White Pearl.

While the Chrome Silver and Steel Gray seem similar, I have personally seen more of the White Pearl and Scarlet Red on the roads than any other color. The Nissan car seems to be a hit, with six standard air bags and a full catalog of innovative accessories. Nissan is already working on a hybrid and electric version of the model.

If you're in the market to buy a new car, but don't want a hybrid, the 2009 Nissan Cube is probably one of the best alternatives.