2008 Nissan Rogue Gainesville GA
(770) 532-6335
Gainesville, GA
(800) 333-9785
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Lithia Springs, GA
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Dalton, GA
2008 Nissan Rogue
November 18, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2008 Nissan Rogue
DriverSide Overview
Nissan has decided to expand its crossover lineup for 2008 by offering a smaller, more economical alternative to its mid-size Murano, and as a result brings us the refreshingly affordable Nissan Rogue . Marketed as a ‘fun to drive’ crossover, the Rogue shares its underpinnings with Nissan’s compact Sentra and promises small SUV usability for those who prefer its higher driving position and extra cargo space. With an optional all-wheel drive system and way above average fuel economy thanks to its constantly adjusting CVT transmission, the Rogue is a quality addition to the segment, and its aggressive pricing and solid build quality match the best the competition has to offer.
What's to Like
The interior of the Rogue is pretty high-grade given its market segment and price range. Desirable and useful options come standard, and fuel economy is particularly forgiving, even for a four-cylinder SUV.
What's Not to Like
Luggage space is limited, a theme that’s carried on in the rear seat, which has minimal legroom. The CVT transmission results in a lag-ridden throttle, taking slightly too much time to slide into a lower ratio after your right foot’s request.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Being as the Rogue shares its platform with the Sentra , it drives very much like a small sedan. The ride is soft and forgiving over even some of the most broken surfaces, and crashing through a pothole won’t send the steering wheel snapping back and fourth like some front-wheel drive crossovers tend to do. The electronic steering is soft and somewhat indistinct, which fits the everyday utilitarian character of the Rogue just fine. Road and wind noise aren’t an issue and remain nonintrusive even at speeds over 75 mph. While the Rogue isn’t underpowered by any means, you will have to time your passes well, as the CVT transmission takes a moment to deliver the goods when the pedal hits the stop, but think of the gas savings as you lumber along.
Engine and Drivetrain
The Nissan Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that produces 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission is used to drive power through either the front axle or all four wheels. While the CVT transmission has no gears, strangely enough the steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters that use fixed shift ratios to help keep the engine within a preferred rev range.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
Nissan’s Intuitive All-wheel Drive system can be added to the Rogue SL for $1,200. The system analyzes the car’s behavior and adjusts torque to each axle accordingly, using all four wheels for optimum grip off the line as well as during cornering, though only driving power through the front wheels while cruising for greater efficiency and comfort. We&rsq...