The 2009 Nissan Cube Krom

The 2009 Nissan Cube Krom, an AW Drivers Log

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: I must say, this is one of the ugliest things on the road, but like an ugly mutt, I kind of like it. I guess I've liked all the rectangular boxes on wheels that have come along, from the Honda Element to the Scion xB to this. The reason comes down to seating position, I like sitting upright with tons of headroom and functionality. The big rear-access door and the ability to fold the seats down makes hauling stuff easy.

Toss in the cool little things--like the bungee cords on the door handles, the colorful accent lights, the unique design touches, numerous cupholders and the straightforward connection for iPods and other music devices--and the result is a fun, functional ride. Yes, it gets looks for its strangeness, but for $20,000, you're getting quite a versatile package.

I'd like to dump the CVT, as it gives the car a cheap overall feeling, but other than that, I came away actually liking the thing. I surprised myself.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: The funky styling either made people love or hate the Cube. I went to lunch with a large group of friends over the weekend, and everyone had to check it out. Several thought the curviness was sharp and loved the way the “hatch” (back door) opens to the side--including me, which allowed for very easy loading. During a monthly grocery run, we filled the back, and even though it doesn't look like there's much room from the back seat to the door, there is.

The extra height was great and allowed for plenty of headroom and good views when checking blind spots. And ditto for the wraparound part of the back windshield on the right side of the car.

The changing lights in the footwells and cupholders were a cool touch that everyone seemed to like. Bonus: The cupholder to the left of the steering wheel made it very convenient to keep a drink, the cell phone, etc. at easy reach.

The engine was quite buzzy and could definitely use more power. Granted, it wasn't bad getting up to speed and cruising along down the expressway, it did feel at times like there was some lag. But the brakes were great and stopping was solid.

As for the shag-carpet dash topper option, eh, I would have passed. It fits the Cube's whole retro vibe, but it doesn't serve a purpose. I guess you could put glasses/an iPod/whatever there, but it still might slide across the dash in a turn or otherwise fall off.

The car alarm was a failure. Well, it certainly would have driven off a would-be thief. Except that what kept setting it off were loud motorcycles, an old clunker and even the neighborhood dogs. The system is overly sensitive, and it was a big pain and annoyance to have to run for the key fob to turn off the blaring.

Overall, I fell in love with the Cube. I like the funky shape and that it doesn't look like every other car out there. Way to go, Nissan.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: I liked this Cube a whole lot more than the first one I drove. I think it comes down to the better wheel and tire combination. There are alloys on here wrapped with Toyo tires, while the first one I had was a true stripper model with steel wheels and hub caps and God only knows what kind of tire.

With looks like this, it's expected to have motorists stare at you with weird expressions or just smile at the Cube's odd appearance. One guy in a Mustang sliced through traffic to catch up, only to slow down and ride along right next to me for a mile or so. Either he, was very taken with the car or wanted to see what the idiot behind the wheel looked like.

While this car is not for me, and I don't think I would ever be delusional enough to actually buy a Cube (or any small boxy car for that matter), I did enjoy driving this particular one. I would take a Cube over the Scion xB in a heartbeat.

There's enough pull from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and the CVT does a respectable job of channeling the power to the front wheels. As with most CVTs, it makes the car sound like it's surging at times. Even so, it didn't make me want to punch a hole through the dashboard like in past CVT-equipped vehicles.

Steering is light and fairly quick to response to inputs. The suspension also isn't half bad and offers sufficient damping, while at the same time keeping the car from flopping all over the place. It's rather composed when rounding corners, but the skinny-ish tires are still a limiting factor.

This Krom package is cool with the slick bumper treatments and the front chrome grilles. I'm not thrilled with the warning label on the rear window that warns you not to take the car through an automatic car wash for fear of having the rear spoiler ripped off, though.

As I said after my first drive of a Cube, it seems like a car that your Nintendo Wii character would look at home in with its asymmetrical styling and water-drop design elements around the interior on the headliner and bottom of the cub holders. In the end, this car has a fun personality; I respect that and wouldn't mind driving one from time to time. I just still wouldn't want to own one.

2009 Nissan Cube Krom

In Fleet: July 30-Aug. 13

Base Price: $20,090

As-Tested Price: $20,420

Drivetrain: 1.8-liter I4; FWD, continuously variable transmission

Output: 122 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 127 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm

Curb Weight: 2,864 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 29/28.0 mpg

Options: Interior design package including carpeted floor mats, carpeted cargo area mat, shag dash topper, front-door bungees ($230); vehicle alarm impact sensor ($100)