Nissan Cube: Something weird is coming

Another Japanese box-on-wheels is getting ready to break out in the states.

Nissan has been selling the aptly named Cube in Japan since 1998. But it's never sold it in the United States. Meanwhile the boxy Honda Element and Scion xB have gained avid followings here. In fact, the American-made Element isn't even available in Japan anymore, but it still sells well in the states.

After a thorough redesign, the Cube will finally come to our shores next year. Nissan has said that the version it sells here will still look like what it now sells in Japan.

A few days driving the current Japanese-market Cube around New York made it obvious why Nissan wants to make some changes before bringing it here. At the same time, it makes us wonder why Nissan didn't make these changes and bring the Cube here sooner.

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