2008 Nissan Rogue Review

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Nissan's sleek new 2008 Rogue comes in just two models, S and SL, and both are powered by a single powertrain, a 170-horsepower, 2.5L aluminum-block four-cylinder engine and "shiftless" Xtronic CVT automatic, with either front-wheel drive or the so-called Intuitive all-wheel-drive system, which comes with yaw moment control for added stability on slippery road surfaces. Paddle shifters are available for those who want to control the CVT's shifts through a set of simulated gears.

The Rogue's suspension and steering are configured to provide good ride comfort and stable handling. There are struts, rebound springs, and coil springs in front and a multi-link setup with rebound springs in back, while the steering uses electric power assist. Braking is also sure-footed, with... see more

Nissan's sleek new 2008 Rogue comes in just two models, S and SL, and both are powered by a single powertrain, a 170-horsepower, 2.5L aluminum-block four-cylinder engine and "shiftless" Xtronic CVT automatic, with either front-wheel drive or the so-called Intuitive all-wheel-drive system, which comes with yaw moment control for added stability on slippery road surfaces. Paddle shifters are available for those who want to control the CVT's shifts through a set of simulated gears.

The Rogue's suspension and steering are configured to provide good ride comfort and stable handling. There are struts, rebound springs, and coil springs in front and a multi-link setup with rebound springs in back, while the steering uses electric power assist. Braking is also sure-footed, with standard four-wheel vented disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Electronic stability control is also included on all Rogues.

All the other expected safety features come on the base Rogue, including front seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain bags with rollover detection, along with active head restraints in front.

The Rogue's instrument panel follows a driver-oriented, cockpit design and the interior has many versatile storage spaces such as a partitioned glovebox, dual-level center console, and a rear cargo organizer with vertical cargo nets. The 60/40-split rear seat folds down to expand the cargo area, and the front passenger seat also folds flat for especially long items. There's also a removable, washable rear cargo tray and a rear cargo cover available.

SL models add a few more standard features including larger 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a chrome exhaust tip, and rear-seat heater ducts. Other options of note include a Bluetooth hands-free system, xenon headlamps, a moonroof, and steering-wheel audio controls.
The 2008 Nissan Rogue is an all-new, budget-price compact crossover utility vehicle, breaking into a long-established class that includes vehicles like the Saturn Vue, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. see less

Trims	City MPG	Hwy MPG	MSRP	Invoice	Displacement	Engine
AWD 4dr S	21	26	$20,750	$19,782	2.5L/152	Gas I4
AWD 4dr S w/CA Emissions	21	26	$20,750	$19,782	2.5L/152	Gas I4
AWD 4dr SL	21	26	$22,170	$20,669	2.5L/152	Gas I4
AWD 4dr SL w/CA Emissions	21	26	$22,170	$20,669	2.5L/152	Gas I4
FWD 4dr S	22	27	$19,430	$18,526	2.5L/152	Gas I4
FWD 4dr S w/CA Emissions	22	27	$19,430	$18,526	2.5L/152	Gas I4
FWD 4dr SL	22	27	$20,970	$19,533	2.5L/152	Gas I4
FWD 4dr SL w/CA Emissions	22	27	$20,970	$19,533	2.5L/152	Gas I4

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2008 NISSAN ROGUE STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Cars.com: "hackneyed design"
Edmunds: "stylish little crossover"
Car and Driver: "good-looking"
Kelley Blue Book: interior is "simple but effective"

The 2008 Nissan Rogue bears a strong resemblance to its larger sibling, the Nissan Murano. Most reviews consulted by TheCarConnection.com thought that was a point in the Rogue's favor. Edmunds called it a "stylish little crossover," while Car and Driver called it "good-looking." Others thought its shape was unimaginative. Automobile thinks the Rogue is the "somewhat dorky younger sibling" of the Murano, while Cars.com says it's a "hackneyed design" and deems its styling "bland."

Inside the Rogue, Nissan's talents in styling seem to rise more strongly to the surface.
"The interior is one of the Rogue's highpoints," Cars.com says. "It's almost up to the level of the Honda CR-V, and that's saying a lot," notes Cars.com, commenting on the amber interior lighting and easily read gauges. Kelley Blue Book concurs, calling the interior "simple yet effective, with most of the necessary controls within easy reach of the driver." ConsumerGuide says that the "gauges are clear, large, and well laid out," and complements the compact crossover for "faux metal plastic trim" that's "stylish rather than tacky."

(see full review)

2008 Nissan Rogue

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