Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Nissan Rogue SL front wheel drive in it’s second season. It is one of 15 models for Nissan. It would appear more is better but I have to tell you it is a sign the Japanese auto makers are falling into the same trap of what got American car makers in trouble. Japanese companies were focused in the beginning with “a few good cars” in their fleet to compete with the likes of GM and Chrysler and Ford with too many models. With so many models it is hard to be the best with any ONE.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Los Angeles, CA USA
Class: – SUV
Cars: – Altima, Altima Hybrid, Armada, Cube, Frontier, GT-R, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa, Xterra and Z
With all the cuts in the private sector including “Furloughs” we should expect a cut in all public sector jobs as well. California echoed that feeling in a recent vote to say NO to extra taxes to shore up Government and retain jobs there. Sorry Arnold – you guys are all wet and out of touch with the people who are forced to tighten their financial belts. You’ll have to do the same.
Another trend appears to be companies are beginning to discount their products. Begin to follow that trend and demand discounts in the cars you buy as well. You can also starve government by reducing their revenues to make the point we all need to cut back. Be creative and decide the best way to make that happen. If they don’t have the money they can’t spend like the insensitive idiots they appear to be.
Another defensive things you can do is to be extra careful while driving and parking. Don’t give our tax collecting police a reason to ticket you to raise even more (hidden) taxes. They are stepping up writing tickets. Don’t give them a chance to pick your pocket or hold you up at gun point. These CHP and other traffic cops are not your friend.
Handling & Performance:
I sensed a slight sway and then a close call on the freeway to avoid another car gave me the sensation that a slight overcorrection almost resulted in a disastrous flip and roll.
Power was ok but I experienced a mid-range sluggishness that would be eliminated if equipped with a manual transmission.
Styling:
They have designed in mood lighting that is new for 2009 along with speed sensing door locks and a fold down front passenger seat. The visors have an extender feature that is a must for me, and they stay where you put them. The air conditioning vents also are well done and the seats are easy to adjust. Good job guys.
Fit and Finish:
Very good 8 on a scale of 10.
Cost:
Nothing special – it fits in with this class SUV.
Consumer Recommendation:
Consider buying a car from the list that is American made. Why because American’s buy import cars that approach nearly 50%. Compare that with Japan, Korea and Europe who only import 5-15%. They are nationalistic car buyers so you should consider the same patriotism.
It was interesting to hear a Mayor in Michigan say he demands government employees there buy Ford, Chrysler and GM cars or risk losing their jobs. We may see a movement to save our auto industry from the inside. God knows we can’t trust government to save it.
Consider further that Toyota for example pays no income tax here in America. Why, because they funnel all profits made from US operations off shore through income manipulation. Since our elected officials allow that to happen it is up to the people to fight back. Buy American Cars and improve our economy.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Rogue $20-23,000, Dodge Caliber $16-25,000, Subaru Forester $20-28,000, Pontiac Torrent $25-31,000, Saturn Vue $23-31,000, Volkswagen Tiguan $23-31,000, Hyundai Tucson $18-26,000, Subaru Outback $20-32,000, Jeep Patriot $18-24,000, Jeep Liberty $23-28,000, Jeep Compass $18-25,000, Honda CR-V $21-29,000, Honda Element $20-26,000, Suzuki XL7 $26-30,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-26,000, Kia Rondo $17-22,000, Kia Sportage $17-23,000, $13-17,000, Ford Escape $20-28,000, Chevrolet Equinox $22-30,000, Toyota RAV4 $22-28,000.
Good News:
Good fuel numbers, comfortable ride.
Bad News:
A little under powered.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 170 hp 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable transmission, power steering, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with brake force distribution, 17” Alloy wheels, tire pressure monitoring system, dynamic control and traction control systems, power mirrors, roof rails, front and rear variable wipers / washers, air conditioning, cruise control with steering wheel controls, tilt and energy absorbing steering column, power windows and speed sensitive door locks, remote keyless entry, front fold down passenger seat, 60/40 rear fold down seat, audio with CD, two 12 volt DC power outlets, computer with outside temp display, mood lighting and cargo light, front and side airbag system, child LATCH system and safety locks.
Gas Stats:
$2.61/ Gal avg. June 1, ‘09
for more information.
22 City and 27 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $21,810.
