2014 Nissan Cube 15X 2014

The Nissan Cube is a boxy fashion statement that puts an emphasis on style, but at the expense of some practicality

Seating is one of the Cube's strengths, but cargo space may leave you wanting for more. The 2014 Nissan Cube has more space for people than you might guess from the outside, but if you need versatility, and to maximize space sometimes for larger items, you can do a lot better. The seats up front are much better than what you get in the Versa or Sentra--and of course a little higher--provided you aren't cornering that hard, as there's no significant side bolstering. The rear seat has enough space for two adults (possibly three, squeezed in), and it slides back and forth and also reclines--though not all the way. Where you get into trouble is with larger cargo, as the seatback doesn't simply flip forward or flat.

And the Cube is a good value for the money—especially considering the value of having something that's genuinely different and quirky, yet also well-equipped. Prices are a bit higher for 2014, however; with the discontinuation of the base model, there are now just S and SL trims of the Cube--and if you want a manual transmission you're stuck with the S, as the top SL is only offered with a CVT. The S includes a lot of popular features, but step up to the SL and you get automatic climate control, alloy wheels, an Intelligent Key system, Bluetooth connectivity, and an upgraded sound system that includes iPod connectivity.