The 2009 Nissan Cube is fitted with a 1.8-liter four cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Cube’s DOHC inline four, which is shared with the Nissan Versa, produces 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque.

With a daring and asymetrical shape, there’s nothing else that looks quite like the Cube on the road today. Say what you might (and we heard a lot over the course of a week), the design provides excellent visibility, while the short wheelbase allows for a high degree of maneuverability, with a turning radius under 34 feet.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Nissan Cube are 24 city / 29 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with the manual transmission and 28 city / 30 highway with the CVT. That’s right, my friends … the Cube scores better fuel economy with the automatic.

We put well over five hundred miles on the odometer of our top-of-the-line CVT-equipped White Pearl Cube Krom review unit and easily eclipsed the official mileage estimates with an average of 36.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 33.4 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the seventies to the eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the low-eighty degree range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 34.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 37.3 MPG

The Cube’s aerodynamics play a big hand. We were able to flirt with the 40 MPG mark on the two-lane blacktops, at speeds between 45-60 MPH.

This is a transportation appliance, not a sports car. The Cube Krom’s naturally-aspirated inline four and CVT transmission motivate the 2864 pound (curb weight) four-door efficiently and without fanfare.

The Cube responds well to light-footed driving. The Multi-Function Trip Computer provides two trip meters, average speed, miles until empty, average fuel economy, and instant fuel economy data, along with an outside temperature display. The 13.2 gallon gas tank provides a healthy cruising range. The Cube runs on Regular Unleaded gasoline.

MPGomatic Note: We recommend driving with the Cube’s instant fuel economy display active, in order to develop a light-footed driving technique to ensure the greatest amount of mileage from every gallon of fuel.

On the exterior, the top-of-the-line Krom package includes unique 16″ alloy wheels front bumper fascia and grills, along with bodyside sills, rear bumper fascia, and roof spoiler. A sticker on the roof spoiler warns about automated car washes and high-pressure hoses. (Buy the Krom and you’ll be washing it by hand.)

Inside the moon bus, the headliner ripples around the dome light, like a pebble dropped into a pond, while 20-color interior accent lighting aims to set the right mood.

The Cube Krom’s leather-wrapped sport steering wheel provides Bluetooth, audio, and cruise controls. The Krom’s audio system includes six speakers (four 6-1/2 inch speakers and two 1-1/2 inch tweeters), along with a Rockford-Fosgate amplifier and tailgate mounted subwoofer that rattles the windows and echoes the ripple effect.

The AM/FM/CD audio system provides both a basic audio-in jack and USB iPod input, which allows scrolling through playlists, artists, albums, and songs at the head unit.

There are two power outlets at the base of the dash.

Our review unit only included one option, the Interior Designer Package, with plush wavy floor and cargo mats, a peculiar shag dash topper, and front door bungees. (Don’t ask why … it just does.)

Driving the Cube is a bit like piloting your living room sofa, with a bit of an over-stuffed comfy couch feel. The driver’s seat features six way manual adjustment. The front passenger seat provides four way adjustment. The front seats do not provide heating or adjustable lumbar support.

The Cube goes out of its way to accommodate both passengers and cargo. We found the seating to be quite comfortable for four, with an abundance of headroom.

The rear 60/40 fold down bench seat reclines, in addition to sliding forward and backwards. There’s 11.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up and a whopping 58.1 cubic feet of capacity with the rear seats down.

It’s worth noting that we saw just two other Cubes on the road over the course of our one week review period and both were commercial vehicles. (There’s a special Cargo Version Package, for those so inclined.)

All-in-all, the 2009 Nissan Cube Krom is a unique ride for folks with an open mind and an eye for the future. Good gas mileage, an abundance of interior space, and a high degree of maneuverability and visibility make the Cube a compelling little space ship for transporting both crew and cargo.

2009 Nissan Cube Krom Specs at a Glance:
Engine: 1.8-liter inline DOHC four cylinder
Transmission: CVT
Fuel: Regular Unleaded Gasoline
Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
Drive: Front-wheel
Brakes: Front-Disc / Rear-Drum
Curb Weight: 2864 pounds

The 2009 Altima is available in five models, with three different drive trains. Our test unit was equipped with the base 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine which produces 175 horsepower (HP) and 180 foot pounds of torque. The inline four can be mated to a Xtronic CVT transmission or six-speed manual transmission (in the S version).

Power hounds will likely opt for the 270 HP 3.5-liter V6, while those looking for the highest levels of fuel economy may be enticed by the Altima Hybrid.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the CVT-equipped four-cylinder 2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S are 23 city / 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We logged over five hundred miles on our Navy Blue review unit and slipped past the official Nissan Altima mileage estimates with ease, scoring an average of 35.5 MPG on the Interstate highway and 28.9 MPG combined.

We saw negligible difference during Interstate testing between driving with the cruise control on or off. We’ll chalk it up to the design of Nissan’s CVT, as our CVT-equipped Nissan Sentra test unit performed in a similar manner.

Test period temperatures ranged from the sixties through the low seventies, with highway testing performed on a bright sunny day. Under moderate temperatures, the air conditioning lowered highway mileage by approximately 2 MPG. We’d expect mileage to take a greater hit under warmer conditions.

Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, sunroof open: 36.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, sunroof open: 36.4 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, sunroof closed: 34.3 MPG

With a curb weight of 3,191 pounds, the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine provides adequate performance off the line. While the CVT transmission provides a six-speed manual mode for more sport-minded driving, the Altima is actually faster to 60 MPH when left in drive.

The Altima delivers stable and surefooted handling, with a firm but not harsh ride. 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) are standard equipment.

The Altima 2.5 is well-suited to light-footed driving techniques. The standard multi-function trip computer provides both average and instant fuel economy displays. As always, we recommend driving with the graphic instant fuel economy gauge on, in order to develop a more conscientious driving style.

Our test unit was decked out with a total of five option packages.

The Convenience package includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and 8-way power driver’s seat.

The SL package includes leather seats, with driver and passenger heated buckets and driver lumbar support.

The Connection package includes Bluetooth support, a 9-speaker 6-disc Bose audio system with XM Satellite radio. A basic audio input jack is standard equipment. Unfortunately, USB iPod input is not available.

The Technology package includes Nissan’s touch screen Navigation system, XM NavTraffic, and RearView monitor.

12-volt outlets can be found at the base of the dash and inside the center console.

The Altima’s back seat provides adequate space, with 36.8 inches of rear headroom, 35.8 inches of rear legroom, 55.5 inches of rear shoulder room, and 52.5 inches of rear hip room.

The Altima provides 15.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with a 60/40 fold down rear seat that’s easily folded down from both the trunk and the cabin.

All-in-all, we found the American-assembled Nissan Altima 2.5 S to deliver an excellent balance of fuel economy, handling, and driveability, with distinctive design. It’s easy to see why the Altima has become such a popular choice among mid-size sedans.

Final Assembly Point:
Canton, Ohio

If you’re looking at the Altima sedan, you might also consider: Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mitsubishi Galant, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu among others in the mid-size sedan segment.

With the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as primary competition, the 2009 Nissan Sentra is marketed as being “powerful enough to keep up with your life.” The Sentra is available in three levels of trim: Base, S, and SL. The sporting Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V models round out the range.

All Sentras other then the more powerful SE-R models are equipped with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual or Xtronic continuous variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra’s inline four produces 140 horsepower (HP) and 147 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2009 Nissan Sentra are 24 city / 31 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for the manual transmission and 25/33 for the CVT.

We inched past the official estimates for our CVT-equipped Brick Red 2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL review unit, scoring an average of 34.1 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.9 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the teens through twenties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

Note: We’d expect a bit more, under better conditions. But given the cold temperatures and the fact that our test unit had just over 500 miles on it when delivered, we’re not at all disappointed with our initial results. The numbers should creep up a bit, given a proper break-in period and warmer weather. (The heater was cranked up and the heated seats were on constantly throughout our test drives.)

The Sentra provides an average fuel economy display in the central-mounted trip computer, along with distance to empty, average speed and trip time data. The Sentra’s trip computer does not provide a real-time MPG gauge, however. We’d urge Nissan to include a factory-standard real-time MPG gauge in the 2010 models, to help drivers achieve the best possible mileage.

We saw negligible difference in fuel economy between driving with the cruise control on or off at highway speeds, with the Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL’s CVT transmission. (This is often not the case with modern six-speed automatics, which can yield significant benefits when driving carefully with the cruise off.)

We might say it over and over, but it always bears repeating. Getting the best mileage is all about knowing when to let off the gas. The greater the distance you drive with your foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the higher your MPGs.

The Sentra SL includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls. Phone syncing is a straightforward affair. We found the leather appointed seats to be handsome and supportive, although legroom in the back is a bit tight.

The 2.0 SL Premium Plus package provides heated driver and front-passenger seats, along with a power sliding sunroof.

Our test unit was equipped with the optional 8-speaker 340-watt Rockford Fosgate Audio Package. iPod integration comes via audio input jack. XM satellite radio is included, along with two 12-volt power outlets.

All-in-all, we found the Nissan Sentra to be a comfortable performer with a willing engine, good handling, and respectable fuel economy. It’s safe to say that the Sentra’s bound to continue find a home in many a commuter’s parking spot for many years to come.

Fuel requirements: Regular-grade gasoline.

Government Safety Ratings: The Nissan Sentra is rated five stars for frontal crash (driver & passenger) and side crash/front. It’s rated at four starts for side crash/rear and rollover.

Assembly/Parts Content: The Nissan Sentra is assembled in Aguas, Mexico.

Update: Hyundai has lowered the MSRP on the entry-level Accent GS to $9,970 … making it the cheapest new car in America … for now …

A new version of Nissan Versa is the second cheapest new car in America today. With a starting price tag just under $10,000 ($9,990 to be exact), the Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 Base sits atop the chart of 2009’s Cheapest Cars, delivering the goods with a roomy interior and very good gas mileage.

Folks looking for the cheapest car on the market need look no further than this value-priced four-door. While we haven’t had the chance to spend time with the 2009 Versa Sedan 1.6 yet, we did spend a week with its five-door hatchback sibling earlier this fall. It’s a pleasant little car. Our Versa review clearly shows the car’s strengths.

The entry-level Sedan 1.6 is equipped with a smaller engine then the original Versa (1.6-liter vs 1.8-liter), and can be fitted with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6-liter engine gives up fifteen horsepower (HP) – producing 107 HP vs 122 HP for the 1.8-liter. With the five-speed manual transmission, the Versa Sedan 1.6 is EPA-rated at 26 city / 34 highway. With the automatic, it’s rated at 26 city / 33 highway.

While the 1.6 Base is the cheapest version of the Versa, the prices ratchet up quickly in the 1.8 S and SL models, running all the way up to a starting price of $16,210 for the well-equipped 1.8 SL Hatchback.

The 1.6 uses a number of less expensive components to achieve its lower price, including smaller (14″) wheels, black manual outside mirrors (rather than power body-color), and more thinly padded seats. It lacks cruise control, air conditioning, glove compartment and cargo area lights, vanity mirrors, digital clock, and any audio system whatsoever (although it is pre-wired for audio) … proving that if you want the cheapest car possible, you’ll have to give up more than a few things …

The Nissan Versa competes with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, and Chevy Aveo, among others in the subcompact market. Available as both a four door sedan and a five-door liftback, the Versa slots in under the Sentra as the entry-level model in Nissan’s lineup.

Under the hood, the Versa is fitted with 1.8 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque.

The official gas mileage estimates for the 2008 Versa are 27 city/33 highway MPG with the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) and 26/31 with the 6-speed manual transmission.

In over seven hundred miles of driving, we trumped the official estimates with our Magnetic Gray Charcoal five-door hatchback test unit, scoring an average of 38.9 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 34.3 MPG combined. Temperatures ranged from the sixties through seventies, with freeway speeds between 65 and 70 miles per hour (MPH).

The Versa takes well to a light foot. We easily achieved a good number of 40 MPG loops while driving at speeds of 55 and under. Put your foot in it, and the Versa will oblige, with an obligatory drop in mileage.

Unfortunately, the 2008 Versa lacks both an average fuel economy and a real-time MPG display. While the omission is puzzling in an economy car, Nissan is not alone in this respect. These mileage displays are a fantastic means to optimal fuel efficiency with a minimum of investment, yet too many vehicles lack the gauges.

As we often do when presented with a shortcoming in information display, we plugged a ScanGauge II into the Versa’s OBDII port before rolling up the miles. Note that we always verify the digital results with tank fills, to take any inconsistencies into account.

ScanGauge Hint: Driving with an eye on the real-time MPG and throttle position sensor (TPS) displays allow you to fine-tune your technique while applying the lightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.

The Versa provides iPod integration via an in-dash input jack, with a power plug on the center console, next to the handbrake. While you might be tempted to simply leave your iPod on the console, it’s a good idea to stow your music player in the the flip down center armrest’s cubby to prevent it from flying about the cabin.

Given the time and ingenuity, you’ll want to snake a cable through the console for a cleaner installation.

All-in-all, we found the Nissan Versa SL to be quite capable, with a slew of standard features, including tilt wheel, cruise control, 6-speaker audio with 6-disc in-dash, micro-filtered A/C, rear wiper, and power locks and windows.

Our Versa SL’s $650 convenience package rounded things out nicely, with keyless entry, and a leather-wrapped steering providing Bluetooth phone and audio controls.

Although our road tests showed the Versa’s gas mileage results to fall short of the segment topping Toyota Yaris, the Versa’s remarkably roomy and comfortable interior and supportive seating are bound to put it at the top of many a short list.

The Versa earns a well-deserved thumbs up.

Viewing the statistics, it’s easy to understand how the Insight hybrid achieved those remarkable gas mileage results. Weighing in at under a ton, Honda’s little spaceship had a big head start, with a diminutive 1.0 liter three cylinder engine providing just enough oomph and efficiency to land the micro hybrid’s gas mileage in the stratosphere.

With the Insight put out to pasture after the 2006 model year, the Toyota Prius snatched the hybrid gas mileage crown, edging out the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The mid-decade loss of the Civic Hybrid’s manual transmission option is worth noting. With the ever-increasing focus on fuel-efficiency and a Honda sports hybrid on the way, it might not be the last we see of the stick-shift Honda hybrids.

The promise of the 100 mile per gallon (MPG) hybrid isn’t a dream … it’s achievable today, with an aftermarket plug-in hybrid conversion kit.

2000-2008 Hybrid Gas Mileage

While Nissan refers to their formidable GT-R as a supercar, I took the reference with a grain of salt after walking through a lobby full of Lamborghinis at the Javits Center on Thursday afternoon … even so, seeing the Skyline in the flesh for the first time, I felt that pang … and couldn’t resist shooting this video. My kid dug the footage so much that he volunteered to do the post production work in Final Cut …

With an upgraded 3.5 liter V6 pumping out an estimated 290 horsepower (HP) and 261 pound feet of torque, the 2009 Maxima boasts a improvement of 35 HP and 9 foot pounds of torque over the present model. Nissan is aiming for ratings of 19 city / 26 highway, which is in line with the 2008 Maxima’s gas mileage.

Hybrid vehicles typically get better gas mileage in the city than on the highway. The Altima is a case in point. The EPA gas mileage estimates for the 2008 Altima Hybrid come in at 35 city / 33 highway. In a week of driving in mid-thirty to fifty degree weather, our gas mileage met those numbers.

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The Altima Hybrid doesn’t draw attention to itself and is nearly indistinguishable from a standard Altima. Overlook the trio of hybrid badges on the fenders and trunk lid, and your friends and neighbors will never know you drive a hybrid.

After all, who would expect a hybrid with dual exhaust?

Underneath the hood and those smartly designed covers, the Altima Hybrid is fitted with a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 158 horsepower, in tandem with an electric motor that delivers an additional 40 horsepower.

Add up the numbers and you’ll find that the Altima Hybrid is not underpowered by any means.

The 2008 Altima Hybrid is an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle and a bit of a rare bird, as Nissan has restricted sales to just eight states: California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine.

Lets take a look inside the cabin …

While our review unit lacked the optional leather interior and sophisticated navigation package, it’s roomy and comfortable, with a crisp design. The standard sound system includes an integrated satellite radio, steering wheel controls, and a face-mounted iPod jack.

Starting the Altima Hybrid is a bit out of the ordinary.

The Altima’s “Intelligent Key” doesn’t need to be inserted into the ignition. Indeed, there is no ignition. The Intelligent Key needs only be inside the cabin. Step on the brake pedal, push the big button the dash, and the Altima Hybrid is ON …

Don’t worry if the gas engine doesn’t start right up. You’ll typically roll out of your parking spot in EV mode, under silent electronic propulsion. If the engine is cold, it will start up within moments and continue running until warmed up.

The Altima Hybrid is remarkably quiet in EV mode. In cars without the Navigation system’s Energy flow monitor and energy/fuel history monitor – part of the optional $6,400 Technology Package – the only visual indication of EV mode is a small orange indicator.

Driving in EV mode feels a bit like floating …

The engine switches automatically to conventional propulsion while under acceleration. The Altima will switch back to EV mode while decelerating at speeds under 40 miles per hour … it’s eerily silent at stoplights.

In fact, the Altima Hybrid might be too quiet in parking lots and driveways … without the rumble of an engine, it’s easy to sneak up on folks.

All-in-all, we found the Altima Hybrid to be a solid choice for folks who do a significant amount of in-town driving and are looking for a roomy sedan with excellent city gas mileage. If you’re in the market for a hybrid that doesn’t look like a hybrid, there’s a good chance the Altima will fit the bill.

The 2008 Nissan Versa is equipped with a 1.8 liter DOHC four cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower (HP) and 127 foot pounds of torque. The front-wheel drive Versa can be fitted with a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Internationally, the Versa is also known as the Nissan Tiida. A high-MPG 1.5 liter common rail diesel is available in some markets abroad. The Renault-sourced diesel produces 105 HP and 240 Nm of torque, as well as remarkable mileage ratings (by American standards).

Nissan formed an agreement with Chrysler in January 2008 to begin distribution of the Versa in South America. This may open the door for Chrysler to sell a Dodge-branded version of the Versa in the USA.

We recently spent a week with the Versa and found it to be quite comfortable for a compact car. Check out our Nissan Versa review:

Nissan Versa Gas Mileage – 2007-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.