2011 Rogue Test Drive

[mag318]

I was at my dealer having the tires on my 2008 Rogue rotated and saw a new 2011 Rogue. To kill time I took it for a test drive and was impressed. First the new dashboard layout is very nice, especially the information center. This Rogue was equipped with the navigation system which was something I liked. Putting the shifter in reverse activated the rear backup camera which was a great option. I did notice the paddle shifters I love to play with on mine were missing and no longer available. The color was black/amethyst which was beautiful and after my 20 minute ride I have to say I was impressed with what they did to the Rogue.

[sckeith]

Yes I know what you mean. My wife and I took one out for a drive last Saturday and ended up buying it. Traded in our 08 and got the black with leather. Really nice ride. I'll miss the paddles but I didn't use them all that much.
I'l post some pictures once I figure out how, I think I need a hosting site

[kerrton]

Hi there,

sckeith, you can host your photos for free at several websites, the one that I use is Photobucket.com.

All you do is create an account, upload your photos and then you are given a link to your individual photos or albums which you just insert into a post on this forum using the "Img" (image) button. If you have problems just let me know, a direct message works, and I can help out.

[sckeith]

Here is a picture of the instrument panel of the new Rogue. I'll take more pictures this weekend

[philipa_240sx]

I'll miss the paddles but I didn't use them all that much.

FYI:

In the USA, paddle shifters were deleted from all but the AWD premium pack models in 2009 and were completely eliminated for 2010.

In Canada, they were still available as part of the SL Premium pack for ''08-'10 models. It appears they have also been eliminated for the '11 model year.

[mag318]

This afternoon my dealer called me stating they just recieved a loaded 2011 Rogue asking if I'd like to see it. Unlike the above Rogue I test drove this one was indeed loaded. I noticed first that is sported larger tires then the above Rogue 225/60R18 as opposed to 225/60R17. This Rogue also had leather heated seats which I've grown to love on my 2008 Rogue. But besides no more paddle shifters Inoticed on the rearview mirror they no longer have garage door opener buttons. Little things like this turned me off to the 2011 model so I think I'll keep my 2008 for another year.
Likes.
1. Improved dashboard information display.
2. Navigation system.
3. Rear view backup camera.
Dislikes.
1. No paddle shifters.
2. No garage door openers built in.
The 2011 is a nice ride but not nice enough to make me trade in my 2008 which has been a great vehicle by the way.

[Leo2005]

But besides no more paddle shifters
Dislikes.
1. No paddle shifters.

At least there's xtronic (tiptronic) trany still there. You can play with that instead of paddles.

[Elton Noway]

Here is a picture of the instrument panel of the new Rogue.

While the analog temperature and fuel gauge indicators are an improvement over the digital display, I was disappointed to see the speedometer. Many of the speed limits are set in 5MPH increments... i.e., 35, 45, 55, 65 etc. Because the range of the Rogues speedometer is so great, you cannot quickly glance and read your speed. The speedometer tops out at 160MPH which is laughable. (Who does Nissan think they're trying to fool?) While driving I can quickly see my speed is somewhere between 40 and 60MPH... but I have to concentrate on the gauge for an additional half second to determine where 55 is. This is time that would be better spent (and safer) monitoring the road in front of me. A gauge that tops out at 110MPH would be more than adequate for the Rogue.

[mag318]

Elton, I agree with you on the speedometer and have no idea why they do that. With such an improved IP they should have included a more realistic top speed to the speedometer. I hope someone at Nissan reads this forum and takes note. I still think the Rogue is a great product and my 2008 has been so good I see no reason to trade it in on a new one. I usually get the bug for a new vehicle every three years, but Nissan did such a good job with the 2008 model I'm still happy with it. We'll see what they do next year to tempt me.

[sckeith]

You're right, I had at look and the tires and they are 225 55 18

[mag318]

My dealer is trying to tempt me with a really good trade in allowance, and I am tempted. When I pointed out that the Homelink System in the mirror is no longer available and I'd miss my garage door openers, he said he's have a mirror with Homelink installed to sweeten the deal. I've bought 3 vehicles from this dealer and they've always treated me like family so we'll see.