In-Depth Automotive Review - 2008 Nissan Rogue - Test Drive & Pricing
In the ever expansive SUV and crossover market, there are literally dozens of different choices for the small family in this niche area.
I'm really glad to be able to take the all new 2008 Nissan Rogue for a spin.
In addition, I really wanted to make a fair assessment for a crossover that has made a later arrival to the compact suv market.
So in this case, I did not take into account the past market, and just used this years available models to put the Rogue into the same light.
It is here I get in and piece apart the very crossover that I believe, is one of the best for the money.
And I tell consumers, it's one hot number.
Walking up to the new Rogue, I found the exterior to be exciting, different, and very much similar to the sleek new Murano.
Nissan has this brand recognition for revolutionary styling that doesn't disappoint even in this new crossover.
I opted to take a look at the base 2WD SL model with tinted windows and alloy wheels, it just looked so much better than the low-rent S model.
And all this at a generous price point to boot.
The body, windows, and lower profile make this very much the user friendly compact, and I strongly believe that the ladies will love it's easy ingress/egress nature.
The range of colors are an exciting bunch and the fit and finish is remarkable for Nissan standards.
All in all, it was the petite looker for the somewhat stale landscape of older cars, it was an unmistakable look.
It was like pointing out a Porsche or Lambo out in traffic.
Next, the interior is fantastic and loaded with great features that will accommodate all buyers.
Seats were comfortable with loads of support for our one thousand parts.
Panels are designed and fitted pretty good, has that aerodynamic airplane cockpit feel that is the usual for most Nissan vehicles.
Additionally, the safety department was full of great complimentary features, like six airbags, keyless entry, and Nissan's theft deterrent package.
There were also a host of nice key featurettes like c/d player w/auxilery jacks and 12v plugs for cell phones and other electronics.
The 60/40 split rear seating could also be folded accordingly for larger space needs.
The Rogue was versatile and handsome inside, it was the better look than comparable crossovers.
And finally, the driving dynamics are especially commendable for an entry crossover, Nissan spared no expense in keeping a smooth ride.
The 2.
5L 4-cylinder was suitable for this size, plenty of get up and go, and also assisted in better fuel economy.
Also, the Xtronic CVT transmission is ingenious, it provided a fantastic blend of transition in gearing and further enhanced the overall engineering of the ride.
That was my favorite feature in the Rogue.
As a result, the Rogue handled down the California highways with terrific driving nature that even impresses those who don't care for the crossovers.
So in the course of my investigation, I found few problems and much needed improvement areas.
I found the speed assisted electric steering to be a little too light and feathery, it was an uncomfortable artificial feel.
And I was also surprised at the lack of telescopic steering, which wasn't a big deal for me as I'm a fairly right good sized guy.
But the target demographic in the female market might of liked that feature a bit more if it was available.
Pricing is absolutely affordable and even undercuts the pricing of base Chevrolet Equinox's by about a couple thousand dollars and was very much in the range of the Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.
For the feature/benefits to price ratio, the 2008 Nissan Rogue hits the mark with lots of force.
My 2WD SL rang in at a modest $21k and had everything I could possibly ever look for.
Expect about $1000-1500 between invoice to MSRP when consumers decide they want to save much more.
But in the end, the 2008 Nissan Rogue fulfilled my every expectation and I would highly recommend this crossover over many other bland suv choices, put this one on the list and see the difference.
I'm really glad to be able to take the all new 2008 Nissan Rogue for a spin.
In addition, I really wanted to make a fair assessment for a crossover that has made a later arrival to the compact suv market.
So in this case, I did not take into account the past market, and just used this years available models to put the Rogue into the same light.
It is here I get in and piece apart the very crossover that I believe, is one of the best for the money.
And I tell consumers, it's one hot number.
Walking up to the new Rogue, I found the exterior to be exciting, different, and very much similar to the sleek new Murano.
Nissan has this brand recognition for revolutionary styling that doesn't disappoint even in this new crossover.
I opted to take a look at the base 2WD SL model with tinted windows and alloy wheels, it just looked so much better than the low-rent S model.
And all this at a generous price point to boot.
The body, windows, and lower profile make this very much the user friendly compact, and I strongly believe that the ladies will love it's easy ingress/egress nature.
The range of colors are an exciting bunch and the fit and finish is remarkable for Nissan standards.
All in all, it was the petite looker for the somewhat stale landscape of older cars, it was an unmistakable look.
It was like pointing out a Porsche or Lambo out in traffic.
Next, the interior is fantastic and loaded with great features that will accommodate all buyers.
Seats were comfortable with loads of support for our one thousand parts.
Panels are designed and fitted pretty good, has that aerodynamic airplane cockpit feel that is the usual for most Nissan vehicles.
Additionally, the safety department was full of great complimentary features, like six airbags, keyless entry, and Nissan's theft deterrent package.
There were also a host of nice key featurettes like c/d player w/auxilery jacks and 12v plugs for cell phones and other electronics.
The 60/40 split rear seating could also be folded accordingly for larger space needs.
The Rogue was versatile and handsome inside, it was the better look than comparable crossovers.
And finally, the driving dynamics are especially commendable for an entry crossover, Nissan spared no expense in keeping a smooth ride.
The 2.
5L 4-cylinder was suitable for this size, plenty of get up and go, and also assisted in better fuel economy.
Also, the Xtronic CVT transmission is ingenious, it provided a fantastic blend of transition in gearing and further enhanced the overall engineering of the ride.
That was my favorite feature in the Rogue.
As a result, the Rogue handled down the California highways with terrific driving nature that even impresses those who don't care for the crossovers.
So in the course of my investigation, I found few problems and much needed improvement areas.
I found the speed assisted electric steering to be a little too light and feathery, it was an uncomfortable artificial feel.
And I was also surprised at the lack of telescopic steering, which wasn't a big deal for me as I'm a fairly right good sized guy.
But the target demographic in the female market might of liked that feature a bit more if it was available.
Pricing is absolutely affordable and even undercuts the pricing of base Chevrolet Equinox's by about a couple thousand dollars and was very much in the range of the Toyota Rav4 and Ford Escape.
For the feature/benefits to price ratio, the 2008 Nissan Rogue hits the mark with lots of force.
My 2WD SL rang in at a modest $21k and had everything I could possibly ever look for.
Expect about $1000-1500 between invoice to MSRP when consumers decide they want to save much more.
But in the end, the 2008 Nissan Rogue fulfilled my every expectation and I would highly recommend this crossover over many other bland suv choices, put this one on the list and see the difference.
Source...