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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Nissan Rogue

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Rogue

Overview

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2008 Nissan Rogue Review

By KBB.com Editors

With gas prices rising in recent years and consumers looking towards more cost-effective transportation, it is no surprise that so many automakers have joined the small-crossover party, offering SUV-like vehicles with much more agreeable fuel economy. This year Nissan decided to throw its hat into the ring, introducing the aggressively-styled and nimble Rogue. The base model is comparatively bare (to meet its under-$20,000 price-point), but the long list of available features, including Bluetooth and all-wheel drive, means that the Rogue can be customized to suit just about any lifestyle. The Rogue stands to compete in a rapidly growing segment, against the likes of the established and successful Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the redesigned Saturn VUE. With competitors like these and a lack of an available V6, the Rogue's price and fuel economy may be its best selling points.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2008 Nissan Rogue starts just under $20,000 – slightly less than any other four-cylinder crossover – and offers Bluetooth and fuel economy that bests category-leading offerings from Toyota and Honda.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If having a V6 powertrain or in-dash navigation are at the top of your list, you will have to look elsewhere, as the Rogue does not offer either. The Ford Escape, Saturn VUE, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 may be better options.

What's Significant About This Car?

The 2008 Nissan Rogue – based on the same platform as the Sentra – is the automaker's first foray into fuel-efficient small-crossover territory. With the base S model starting just under $20,000, it is also Nissan's most affordable SUV and makes use of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and smooth Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to offer segment-impressive fuel economy.

Driving the Rogue

Driving Impressions In the SL all-wheel-drive (AWD) version that we tested, acceleration with the Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) was smooth and consistent. With this "gearless" transmission, the car maintained an even...

and very smooth pace down the road, although, during harder acceleration, such as in passing and through some hilly areas, the engine could easily be heard. Winding, curving back-country roads were easy to negotiate, thanks to the electric power-assisted steering, and the suspension kept body roll well under control. The "Intuitive" AWD (as Nissan calls it), distributes the driving torque between the front and rear wheels as needed, and would be particularly helpful in areas of bad weather and slippery conditions. Also beneficial in such conditions is the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with traction control, which helps keep the vehicle headed the direction the driver intends and thus reduces the chances of losing control on slick surfaces.

Favorite Features

Sizeable Glove Box
The Rogue's glove compartment is generously sized and can fit up to 34 CDs, a nice feature for those who can't travel without large music collections. Additionally, a removable partition allows you to customize the space to fit a myriad of items.

Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Nissan is one of the few automakers to still embrace and refine CVT technology, and this second-generation transmission is incredibly smooth and gives the Rogue decent performance as well as good fuel economy.

2008 Nissan Rogue Details

Interior

The interior is simple yet effective, with most of the necessary controls within easy reach of the driver. Cruise control buttons are repeated on the steering wheel as an added convenience, although a few control functions are located somewhat awkwardly. Storage space is abundant, with perhaps the most useful interior feature being the oversized glove compartment that can swallow half a cubic foot of just about anything. Fitting into what Nissan calls "stealth ultra-functionality," a hidden cargo compartment in the rear, with plastic lining and mesh dividers, can store wet and dirty items out of sight, great for small things that might otherwise roll around loose.

Exterior

Built on the same platform as the new Sentra, the front of the 2008 Nissan Rogue S is graced by a body-colored bumper and grille flanked on either side by halogen headlights and topped with a low-swept hood and windshield. Looking lean and muscular, the sides extend over the wheel wells and the taillights wrap around to the rear liftgate. The overall effect gives the vehicle the look of Nissan's larger Murano SUV in miniature. Opting for the more upscale SL trim will add 17-inch alloy wheels (the base Rogue has 16-inch steel wheels), roof rails, body-colored outside mirrors, stainless steel exhaust and rear privacy glass.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2008 Nissan Rogue S has numerous convenient standard features, including steering wheel-mounted buttons for cruise control, four-way manually-adjustable front seats, an auxiliary input jack and power windows, locks and mirrors. The SL trim adds rear air ducts, two 12-volt power outlets and a six-way manually-adjustable driver's seat. Storage space in both models is abundant, with a cavernous glove compartment and removable partition to help organize random stuff, and a large center console that could swallow a tissue box or small purse. For occupant protection, the Rogue has front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, along with a rollover sensor.

Optional Equipment

To keep the base Rogue below the $20,000 mark, many desirable features are sold as packaged options (and mostly on the SL trim), including a leather steering wheel, shift knob and seats, roof-rail crossbars, fog lights, an auto-dimming mirror, Bluetooth, xenon headlights and remote-sensing start and entry. An additional tray for the center console is available to increase its organizing capabilities. Options to upgrade the audio system include a Bose 7-speaker system and Nd Richbass subwoofer, six-disc CD/MP3 player, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and XM Satellite Radio. Only the SL trim level is available with the comprehensive Premium Package (which includes paddle shifters for the CVT) and the optional power glass moonroof. The all-wheel-drive system and a portable Garmin navigation unit are available on both trim levels.

Under the Hood

The 2008 Nissan Rogue is offered in S and SL trims and both are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine matched to an Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that is well-suited for everyday driving. A manual mode is offered on the SL trim, along with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. For those who need a vehicle that can tackle a variety of driving conditions and road surfaces, choosing all-wheel drive results in only minimal reductions in fuel economy.

2.5-liter in-line 4
170 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
175 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/27 (FWD), 21/26 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Nissan Rogue vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Nissan Rogue Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 268 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.3/10

Quality

8.3/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.2/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

8.4/10

Don't buy this car

By Hatemyrogue on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I owned and sold this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this car because I always liked the look and for a quick test drive it was what I was looking for. Well, fast forward a few months and the car caused me to have a ton of back pain. Literally had to drive completely upright because steering wheel is not telescopic and overall interior is not ergonomic at all. I just got rid of it and flushed a few thousand dollars down the drain because I literally couldn't stand it anymore. I run cars into the ground and keep them forever and I got rid of this with 3k miles on it. Don't waste your money!!"

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great mid-sized SUV

By Hula (NC) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Awesome stero speakers, great gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I bought this used and am very happy with the purchase. Terrific gas mileage compared to other SUV's and car is perfect mid-size. Would love Ipod hookup rather than aux port"

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So glad I bought this car

By Miss Pat (PA) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,209

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "fun to drive, easy to park, has good pick up"

Cons: "no daytime running lights"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Pros: Fun to drive - easy to park - lots of room inside, especially when back seat is put down flat plus passenger's side seat - good mileage - easy on gas - takes the corners like a sports car - good pick up in traffic - love the heated front seats in the winter Cons: No daytime running lights; doors unlock automatically when engine turned off - this could be a safety factor in a dark parking lot at night - lock control on driver's door not illuminated at night - must turn on interior light to lock the doors - this may be a safety factor at night in a dark parking lot"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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MPG sinificantly less than advertised.

By Larry (MI) on Wednesday, April 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Looks nice"

Cons: "Lousy MPG, bad visibility, tinny construction."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Advertised at 22 - 27. I am getting 18 - 20. Nissan rep had the gall to ask me if I drive with my foot on the brake. Not much storage. Tinny construction. Bad visibility due to window frames. I leased it - got roped in by incentives and lease payment. How can I break my lease?"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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I hate it!!! My second Rogue and it is awful!!

By phylmrtn (NC) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 4/10

Pros: "I hate it!!!!!"

Cons: "It has no power and it is loud!!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I hate this new Rogue that I had to buy because my 2010 that had 55,000 miles on it started doing bunny hops while I was doing 75 miles per hour. After that it was all down hill. I travel a lot for work and I found my self in the shop for hours and hours they put 3 transmissions in it and the last one they put in it was bad too. The salesman said he could match or beat what I was paying each month for my 2010. Well lets just say that I felt forced into buying a new one. I only got to drive it for 3 miles in the snow and ice and I was unable to even get it up above 35 mph. Well my payments are higher by $ 40.00 per month and i had to put $ 1,000 dollars down. The first time I got to drive it above 35 mph. I noticed it did not have the power that my 2010 Rogue had before it messed up. I told my husband and the people at the place I bought it. I was told that it was all in my head. But now the RPM's shot up it sounds like it will blow up at any min and it slowly gets a little faster. My 2010 Rogue would jerk your head back when you pushed the gas petal. I am so disappointed with this car that cost over 26,000 dollars and it is the base model with a blue tooth. This is the last Nissian I will every buy in my life. I am looking forward to the day I can get rid of this car. It is the most expensive car I have every purchased and it rates down at the bottom of all the cars I have every purchased. I HATE IT!!!"

6 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle

By rallynate (CA) on Monday, April 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 875

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, fun to drive, great value."

Cons: "Could use some extra storage space in front."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Traded my 2001 Tahoe, best trade ever. I have owned three weeks, great mileage, comfortable, more than adequate pick up. Got used to the CVT trans in a few days, overdrive gives good engine braking when needed. Rear view camera is great, as is the bluetooth and sirius. Got a great deal on a great car!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 268 reviews