Nissan Hikes Price Of Unpopular Cube
Published: November 22nd, 2012
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One of the most popular cars in our TWAT talks is the Nissan Cube; the much maligned, slow-selling compact is looking like a shoo-in for our ignominious honor, but Nissan seems to think that a price hike is just the ticket.
For 2013, the Cube will start at $17,550, a $1,790 increase over the 2012 model. Of course, the Cube is built in Japan and the rising yen has a lot to do with the price hike. But it’s not going to help dealers move units any quicker.
More by Derek Kreindler
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This car is love or hate. There are many outspoken owners and enthusiasts who love them and are very vocal about it. Then, there is the silent majority that hates it.
When the first - gen , JDM Cube first began to be noticed by the US auto press I saw photographs and thought it looked really cool asymetric but not nearly as much as the current one . More like a slightly kooky , shrunken Ford Explorer . Finally , when it gets to the U.S. it has become maybe a little too weird and ugly for me , and Nissan's declining rep for guality and reliability hasn't helped either . I love my 2006 x -B but if I was to replace it I'd probably get a Kia Soul .
I have never driven this car so I can't comment on driving dynamics, but I like the design. I think the two things that are killing this car are the popular Soul, and the exchange rate.
My wife and I each own a Nissan Cube SL. What other car can you get that has the same features for $19k? Remote entry, keyless ignition, bluetooth, navigation, and satellite radio to name a few. It rides reasonably well, good interior space, and good gas mileage. Plus has lots of safety features like curtain airbags around the cabin, ABS, traction control, etc. My father has advanced Parkinson's disease and has trouble walking. The seat height on the Cube is perfect for him. He basically leans-falls back onto the passenger seat while holding onto the "oh crap" handle. Getting out is just as easy. Plus the relatively high interior seating makes this maneuver much easier than in a traditional vehicle.