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When driving the compact 2009 Nissan Cube, you can't escape feeling like you're in a fish bowl. Everyone turns, stares, and points at you. It's right up there with the tiny Smart Car at generating gawks and guffaws.
No wonder since the Cube, while a common sight in Japan for over a decade, is brand new to the U.S., following the right-angle wave begun by the Scion xB and Honda Element.
One thing is for sure, our Cube isn't sitting on its sides. After only a month with us, the odometer already reads 2,500 miles. Our staff has been using it for both the city driving that the Cube was designed for, and quite a bit of freeway hopping as well. The Cube's flexible 1.8-liter, 122-horsepower engine, and front-drive CVT automatic, easily handles both. Cube's fuel economy is also treating us very well at 34.1 miles per gallon of regular.
But, the Cube really works best in the city. There, its maneuverability shines. There are no semi's to blow its boxy shape around like on the highway. There's plenty of room for 5 friends, and even the bulkiest cargo.
We like the bungee cords for keeping track of small items, but we still haven't come up with a use for the dash top shag rug. But, we'll keep working at it and the Nissan Cube.
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Recently we compared three trendy box cars to find out which one was the purest city car. Our pick was the Nissan Cube. But, as new to our long term fleet, this Cube Krom will have to endure all kinds of driving.
That includes interstate trips, where the Cube shows its limitations. As speeds rise above 65 miles per hour its tall stature gets shoved around by crosswinds and semis.
But, once speeds drop, you and up to four friends will love exploring in the Cube. Visibility is great. As for practicality, the rear cargo hole is deep-great for grocery bags. The folding rear seats then make way for as much cargo as some small utilities.
The 122-horsepower 1.8-liter and CVT transmission deliver good guts. And, after 2 months and 4,000 miles, our Cube's 34.1-mile-per-gallon economy is beating both ours and the government's expectations.
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Recently we picked the Nissan Cube as the best all-around city car. Our long term 2009 Cube Krom turns a lot of heads, although we're not sure that a laugh doesn't follow.
It is weird-looking, but also oh-so useful. It's easy to get into, easy to carry a full load of people and cargo, and a cinch to maneuver in even the tightest spots.
Even though its 122-horsepower 1.8-liter engine is willing, the Cube is less at home on the highway, where its tall shape meets lots of wind resistance. Still, with 4 months and 5,700 miles under its lid, the CVT automatic is averaging a most respectable 29.9 miles per gallon of regular. So, weird or not, the Nissan Cube delivers first class.
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