2008 Nissan Rogue

by Jo Ann Holt

I had the distinct pleasure of getting behind the wheel of a new 2008 Nissan Rogue S this past week.  I quickly discovered this zippy CUV, Nissan’s first compact, lives up to its reputation as a “whole new crossover.”  The Rogue also boasts an extremely reasonable starting price of $19,250. 

The well-built Rogue offers much more comfort and performance that one could expect for a small crossover, especially at such an affordable price.  The front-wheel drive Rogue delivered a solid ride, with lots of pep for getting on and off the freeway or passing other vehicles.  Instrument panels were well lit and easy to understand—always a plus when operating a new machine.

The test model came in a brilliant Indigo Blue paint job that immediately lifted my spirits despite the gray skies on the horizon.   When parking the Rogue to run errands, I always smiled to see the boldly blue, stylish-looking CUV “winking” at me from the lot.

The Rogue has a 2.5 liter DOHC 4-Cylinder engine producing 170 HP and 175 ft. lb. of torque, combined with Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), electric power rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution and brake assist all combining for a smooth and comfortable ride both in town and on the highway.

The Rogue drives more like a car than an SUV, since it’s built on the same platform as the Nissan Altima.  It also weighs less than its competitors (70 pounds less than the Honda CR-V) while offering slightly more horsepower.

Even so, the Rogue can carry five passengers and their gear comfortably.  Other convenience features include 4-way manual driver’s seat and front passenger seat, a storage compartment underneath the cargo floor, cruise control with steering wheel controls, tilt steering column, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, front door map pockets, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats, overhead console with sunglass storage and map light, front seat center console, 4-speaker audio system, and plenty of cup holders. 

Exterior features include 16” steel wheels, halogen headlights, manual foldable and power adjustable side-view mirrors, manual rear lift-gate with fixed glass, and variable intermittent front and rear windshield wipers. 

Safety features, to name just a few, include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, seat-mounted driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, 3-point ELR/ALR seat belts, lower anchors and tethers for children, child safety rear door locks, vehicle security system and traction control system.

In town, the Rogue averages 22 miles per gallon, while highway mileage averages 27 mpg for an estimated annual fuel cost (based on 15,000 miles at $2.80 per gallon) of $1,751. 

The test model, with optional floor and cargo mats of $180 plus destination charges of $745, was priced at the exceptionally low price of $20,175.  For those of us with the after-the-holidays, bills-coming-due blues, the Nissan Rogue just might be the perfect new car bargain.

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of Texas Automobile Writers Association (TAWA).