CD Article: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Roomy and stylish:
New for 2008, the Nissan Rogue is a "roomy and stylish mover," says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh, with a strong driveline and a well-done interior.

More:
Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[sailor723]

I was in for service the other day and had as close look at a Rogue in the showroom. I have to say that I was quite disappointed. It seemed small compared to other offerings in it's segment. I'd have to recheck but I think I saw 59 cubic feet reported for cargo capacity.  I belive many of it's competitors run high 60's to mid 70's for this number. ( I usually go by US sites for specs as I really have no idea about cubic Cms or litres when it comes to measuring capacity ) I know it "looked" small when I opened the rear hatch. It seems a strange choice for Nissan when others in this segment seem to be growing in size.

I'm also not a fan of Nissan's recent interiors. All of that black and grey/silver plastic just doesn't do anything for me. I'm not really sure why... maybe too stark? plain? sombre? cold?...

[airbalancer]

I sat in a Rogue for less then 30 sec, and got out.
Did not find the seat comfortable at all

[Snowman]

I spent a few sends checking one out and would say it is more a competitor to the Vibe/Matrix twins. The X-Trail was a better Cute Ute alternative than the Rogue.

[carcrazy]

I cannot get past its exterior looks, but I would check one out. I agree that the X-Trail (the new one) would've been a nicer alternative for a practical compact SUV.

[safristi]

Car & Drivers Cute Ute shootoot!!! placed the Rogue a close 3rd to the winners Toyota Rav4 & Honda CRV............their comments

  Highs.....Go get 'em handling,steering & acceleration

  Lows... Grim rrear visability,nervous OFF road and sombre interior (they said SOMBER!!! .....

 Verdict  A stunning example of extracting the Most from the Least

  $22515 woz their COST fer a 4WD SL Version............screwed agin' Canada.....

[carcrazy]

Edmunds placed the Rogue 2nd after the RAV4 but in front of the CRV.

[stodge]

I sat in one a few weeks ago and thought it was comfortable. I have the 2.0 + CVT in my Sentra and I love it so I'm sure I would like the 2.5L. I may be in the minority but I'd take a Rogue for a test drive.

[carcrazy]

I may be in the minority but I'd take a Rogue for a test drive.

Based on the sales numbers you are not in minority.

[airbalancer]

Edmunds placed the Rogue 2nd after the RAV4 but in front of the CRV.

It is funny, the CRV is the only one of three that I thought the drive seat was comfortable

[sailor723]

I may be in the minority but I'd take a Rogue for a test drive.

Based on the sales numbers you are not in minority.

Yep...they seem to be doing well.

I guess this is another example of why the car companies don't consult me before deciding what to put into production.

[safristi]

Yeah ya were broken down by AGE,SEX & ANTICIPATION.....like the REST OF US....   census Censi Mumbai............

[Jim89]

Does anyone find it disturbing that a Murano in the US starts at 26K, but a nicely equipped rogue is about $34K? Heck for that price, one can buy a EX35.

[Greg B.]

Interesting that this review had no mention of the engine-induced vibration/shake that the NY Times review commented on quite extensively last week. They found it in 3 different examples and finally even got a Nissan spokesperson to admit it was there.

[paulc]

I will definitely have to check out the article in the New York Times.
I purchased a Nissan 2008 Rogue SL FWD about a month ago. I noticed soon afterwards that when you sustain a cruising speed (really noticeable between 40 - 60 km) and then accelerate slowly to maintain that speed (rpms around 1100) there is a low grumbling noise that comes from the engine and remains there till you stop accelerating. You can get the same noise if you are in a stopped position and press the accelerator a bit. I took it back to the dealer who said they found nothing wrong. After much prodding, the service manager took it for a ride and yes, felt the vibration. They contacted "service central" and was told that this is a CHARACTERISTIC of the vehicle. I have searched the net and have yet to find a review that identifies this characteristic. The dealer says contact Nissan. Contacted Nissan Canada but they will not intervene unless the dealer says that there is a problem.
Oh the service manager where I bought the vehicle, Tony Graham Nissan, Ottawa gave me a unique solution - use the shift paddles to shift down a gear and rev up the motor to a higher rpm so you don't hear the engine growl.
Really check this out before buying this vehicle - I went from loving the Rogue to hating it and I drive my 99 Civic instead as this characteristic is very annoying. Should have followed my instincts and gone with the Honda CRV

[dorin]

Paul already started a separate thread about his Rogue's engine grumble.  It's here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,56924.0.html

Paul, it's bad forum etiquette to post the exact same thing in different threads at the same time.

[Brigitte]

Paul already started a separate thread about his Rogue's engine grumble.  It's here: http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,56924.0.html

Paul, it's bad forum etiquette to post the exact same thing in different threads at the same time.

I have moved the thread to Technical Questions, and also posted a link to the NY Times article.