We’re still not sure what Nissan’s top branch were thinking when they decided to bring the boxy Cube to America, but they did and for the new year they gave it a base price of $14,290. The loaded model will cost $21,190. I’m sorry, but in that price range you have at least ten other choices from America, Europe, Korea and also Japan, where the Cube comes from. Who in their right mind would ignore all of them for this thing?!

The 2011 Nissan cube is available in three  models: cube 1.8, cube 1.8 S and cube 1.8 SL, and also in a special cube 1.8 S Krom Edition. It is powered by a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan’s advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT or 6-speed manual transmission with front-wheel-drive. It does 29/31 mpg city/highway.

Unique interior features include asymmetrical Fine Vision gauges, “Water Drop” interior accents and detachable multi-hooks.  Available cube technology includes the Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and Interface System for iPod.

So as a car, it is quiet decent and rather good. But it’s the looks that puts everybody off.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2011 Nissan Cube: