[Filithell]

Hello,
I am very interested in buying a Cube, but am a bit reluctant due to some reviews I've seen about its highway performance. I have read that it drives great in the city, but it does not have much power for passing at speed and it can be unstable because it is so un-aerodynamic. So........what is it like at 75mph? If you are running at 55 and need to pass someone, does stepping on the gas give you enough power? I'm not looking for a sports sedan here, but it would be good to know that the Cube isn't completely anemic on the road. I do a lot of city driving, but take frequent 300 mile weekend trips on the open road.

Thanks all!

 

[AgentJacqueline]

I drove a ford focus before my cube, and compared to that, it has so much power. but then compared to something like a nissan altima (which my boyfriend drives) it drags. if you need to push on the gas and speed it it will do it fast enough to pass someone though. That was one of the things I tested on my test drive.

 

[elDizzle_foShizzle]

you're right---it's not a sports sedan, or even a sporty micro-wagon. it's a funky cool commuter car. when you mash the gas, it'll go. this is a flying brick, with mpg to match. don't expect stellar numbers, especially if you're going along at that clip (75mph). No problems with merging or passing. But I haven't tried with full passengers and trunk. i bet it'll really bog down. hope this helps. Cheers!

 

[GrenZeiram]

I haven't had mine on the highway that much, but I haven't really pushed it yet either. I finally put over 600 miles on it, so I haven't wanted to push it over 65 mph, just to break it in nicely.

I did have it on the highway when I bought it, and that was about a 50 mile drive, I felt the cross winds the day I drove it home, but it was incredibly windy that day, even my wife was feeling it in her CRV. Overall though I was happy how it handled, and will take it on trips when we travel long distances.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[[email protected]]

I actually had to jump on I-95/I-10 for a 5-hour drive the day after I bought it. Before giving my impression, I will warn you that I traded in a 2002 MINI Cooper S for my cube SL. I will also note that the cube is not sports sedan, but most of the concerns about the cube seem unfounded. I drove various speeds between 60 mph and 80 mph with no adverse effects. The cube was not only a smoother ride than my old MINI, but it also still had enough pep to pass the slower cars.

My family also has an Element, so my view of wind interferance may be a little skewed, but I didn't notce any major issues with wind. You should also know that the cube w/ CVT will run at a low rpm, meaning there is usually room to rev the engine and add some speed when needed.

 

[elDizzle_foShizzle]

My family also has an Element, so my view of wind interferance may be a little skewed, but I didn't notce any major issues with wind.

Lol! Another multi-box owner! I got an '03 Element. Love both. Different purposes. NICE!

 

[cubism]

i might become one too

 

[in2mickey]

Bought the Cube for my wife because she thought it was cute, love my wife for that.
I have driven our Cube up to 95 mph so far and it handled fine, don't try slip in an out of the lanes at that speeds because it does get a little light on the steering wheel. VDC will kick in if you get to wild.
The wife loves how it drives in the city, however she does feel like a slow poke on the freeway. Understand that she went from a 2006 Infiniti G35 (286 HP) to her Cube (122 HP), BUT she loves the Cube more! She also likes the fact that at least 2 times a day when she is out and about, someone will stop her and ask what it is and how cute it looks.
She regularly runs about with 4 adults and a 5 year old and has no complaints about driving comfort.
Buy it, you will love it!

 

[Pejay66]

On the Interstate just below 70 mph I got in the very low thirties. When I would watch the mpg it was all over the place depending on hills, wind, traffic etc. I it is reasonable to get 30 plus mpg on a flat Interstate at 70.

Patrick

 

[none]

Coming from a string of 13 second cars, everything feels slow...

 

[Pejay66]

There are many views on break in. In todays cars, is not what it was 20 years ago. Askcars.com says:

"The widely accepted reason for break-in period is to allow engine internals (specifically, the piston rings) to break in and seal properly, which theoretically will prevent oil from being burned when the engine starts to rack up miles. Don’t be alarmed, however, if during the break-in period the engine burns a little oil; that’s perfectly normal until the piston rings seat completely."

The first 20 miles is important. I drove 100 miles then had the oil changed to synthetic. I now have 7,554 miles on my car and change the syn oil at 5,000. I have till 9,000 to change it again. THe Nissan dealer said the oil looked good and I did not burn any. I know our parents drove for months below 55. THis is no longer necessary.

Patrick

 

[Milo]

I loaded down my Cube for a camping trip last week. Rear seats down, and fully loaded. Highway handling and performance was fine, so long as you remember you're not driving a 'Vette. Normal loads are fine on the highway, both at, and beyond, the posted limits.