Another Rogue v CR-V story, long winded

[dave230]

I'm new here, found this forum last week after I got curious about the Rogue when I pulled up next to one at a traffic light in Clifton Park, NY in our 2002 Pathfinder. Until that point I was largely unaware of it other than the annoying TV commercial, which somehow did nothing to prepare me for how good the thing looked in the real world.

We've been thinking about replacing the PF for a year now, since it's over 100K and starting to get routinely expensive (O2 sensors, brakes, exhaust, tuneup, tires, on and on) and continues to just vaporize money at the gas pump. I have loved the car, though, for the sense that you can drive it off a stone wall without mussing its hair, so to speak. I had always been a Honda guy, but when I traded my third Honda Accord v6 coupe for my first SUV, I just couldn't get excited about the new (at the time) Pilot... as competent and well done as it was, it just totally lacked any aggressiveness of personality. I bought my first Nissan and have been very happy with it.

When the new CR-V came out last year, my first impression was positive on the new look, negative on the still anemic engine. I drove three of them at various times during the last many months, and just could not make myself like it enough to buy it - and I have always had Hondas, and we have a 2006 Civic Hybrid that we love - but for me, it falls just short in some intangible way. Even after I drove my first Rogue the other day, I stopped at the Honda dealer afterwards to look at one again, and this time realized that I just flat out don't like the thing, but still can't put my finger on exactly why.

So for the Rogue - I had to go to the Nissan dealer for a small maintenance issue on the PF, and having done a good bit of reading over the past week, went there ready to actually crawl around in and evaluate a Rogue to see if I could stand it. My wife and I have moved to our new house, we've moved several of our kids twice, we've bought and brought home the new snow blower, generator, endless landscape stuff from Lowe's... my job is putting me on the road more often to places I HAVE to show up at (no excuses about car breaking down), and we just do not need the size of the PF or the gas expense anymore.

I'll be damned if I not only can tolerate a Rogue, I loved the freaking thing right away. It has the Nissan attitude that sold me on the Pathfinder in the first place, and even with every option in the world, it comes in nicely under $30,000. Yeah, it's a lot smaller and that back window is like looking out the entrance of a cave, but the PF was no day at the beach to park, either! It's just a matter of getting used to it.

Put it on the Northway at 80 mph and it was solid as a rock... handled very well on normal roads... heated leather seats were great! I passed on the heated seats on the Pathfinder and swore I would never do that again, spending as much time as we do in and around Lake Placid and the Adirondacks! Love the bluetooth option and xenon headlights as well. I'm not so sure about the smart key, because I'm not sure how it is going to get along with my remote starter that's coming out of the PF, but we'll see about that, and it's not a dealbreaker if it doesn't work - my daughter will be happy to take it for her Mazda.

I love the promise of the gas mileage, even if doesn't hit the estimates - get me anywhere into the twenties on regular gas and a bit higher running down to New Jersey or out to Boston and I'll be way ahead of the 16 or 17 on premium that I've been used to with the Pathfinder. From all accounts, the all wheel drive works well enough in the snow that I'll be happy with it, another very important piece... just won't be pulling anyone out of ditches in low range anymore! As long as the thing keeps us out of the ditch, we'll call that one even.

Hopefully picking one up this weekend and very much looking forward to the different experience, but I will miss that Pathfinder anyhow. But it seems like Nissan has put together a very nice vehicle for someone in my situation. I love the new Murano, but again a lot of this is about fuel economy and price... same thing that rules out the new Highlander. I never liked the Rav 4 in the first place, so I am very glad I found myself next to that Irridium Rogue on route 9 last week.

Just have to make up my mind about the blue now, and we're good to go.

[Lightforce18]

very cool man glad you liked the rogue, just like we all did after we drove it the first time. For the money its a GREAT car. U will love it!

[exeunt]

I'm a previous Honda owner too. I also had the same issue with the CR-V, just couldn't handle the engine. I think someone put it best by classing as a small, underpowered minivan. It's too bad really, because I loved my Accord and it treated me well.

[PINODY]

It came down to RO vs. "V" for us too ... trading keys for an '08 with NAVI, Rear-View Camera & Leather was a no-brainer - less wellwell gap too! and we were use to an FX! http://www.hondasuv.com/member...31627 ... http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/t2382/




Modified by PINODY at 7:41 PM 2/15/2008

[SkiHound]

For me it was mostly the Rav-4. One brief drive of the CR-V and I knew it was not for me. Kept test driving the Rav-V and kept thinking it would be a great practical vehicle for me but for some reason it just didn't thrill me. Someone suggested I test drive the Rogue and I was immediately impressed. Did a little homework, and test drove it again with my wife, and bought it. I have just over 7k miles on it and have been very happy with it. Even my wife who has been a faithful Toyota fanatic really likes it.

[dave230]

Well, it should be fun taking it to Jiminy Peak and Okemo!

Hope to put the deal together tomorrow. I'm struggling between blue with grey leather or irridium with black leather now. Decisions, decisions!

[DaleB]

The Rogue just plain makes sense. I had a CR-V and as far as I was concerned it had enormous power and exceptional gas mileage, but the limited lateral leg room played havoc over a couple years so trade in time, was laying down the money for a new CR-V when the wife said, let's look at that new Nissan (we already had 2, Xterra & Altima), and we did, and we bought ($4,000 less than the CR-V), more leg room and the paddle shifters can be used scare the heck out of a lot of folks, particularly VW's and Volvo drivers.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and Don't forget to DRIVE

Dale

[PINODY]

The Rogue just plain makes sense. I had a CR-V and as far as I was concerned it had enormous power and exceptional gas mileage, but the limited lateral leg room played havoc over a couple years so trade in time, was laying down the money for a new CR-V when the wife said, let's look at that new Nissan (we already had 2, Xterra & Altima), and we did, and we bought ($4,000 less than the CR-V), more leg room and the paddle shifters can be used scare the heck out of a lot of folks, particularly VW's and Volvo drivers.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and Don't forget to DRIVE

Dale

Your thoughts on Leg Room bewilder me ... zerothread?id=293507

[Ticmxman]

Your thoughts on Leg Room bewilder me ... zerothread?id=293507

If he is like I am at 6' 3'' tall and long of leg, some consoles get in the way more than others. My 02 CRV had no console so it gave my right knee plenty of room to shift to the right, 06 RAV4 limited me and had my knee laying against the console, the Rogue has about and inch more leg room and is great! I hope this make sence. The only car I have set in that my legs are straight is a VW new Beatle.

[Derango]

Yeah, the problem with the new CR-V is that the dash on the drivers slide slopes inward towards the center console area. So if you're a tall guy your left leg is fine, but your right knee ends up pressed up against the ledge of the dash on the right hand side. That is...not very comfortable.

[dave230]

I opened this thread talking about my very favorable impressions on the Rogue, and I can now report that we officially own a new blue AWD SL, moonroof, grey leather, the whole bit... even the roof rails so I have something to hold my kayak up!

Many thanks for all the opinions on this forum that got us here. My wife and I went up to the dealership so she could drive one today and she liked it as much as I do... hence the retirement of my trusty Pathfinder and the arrival of this new gizmo.

If the traffic at Saratoga Nissan today was indicative of other places, these are going to be hot cars. They were delivering two while we were there, and the whole time people were coming and going in the demo Rogues like nobody's business. Looks like Nissan hit one right out of the park here.

Thanks again to all, and I'll report back on continuing impressions as we go along from here.

dave

[Ticmxman]

Congrats Dave230! There is a blue Rogue in my town and the more I see it the more I like it. Enjoy your new Rogue!!

[Rogue Man]

It came down to RO vs. "V" for us too ... trading keys for an '08 with NAVI, Rear-View Camera & Leather was a no-brainer - less wellwell gap too! and we were use to an FX! http://www.hondasuv.com/member...31627 ... http://www.crvownersclub.com/forums/t2382/



Modified by PINODY at 7:41 PM 2/15/2008

Why did you buy the CRV?! only because of the backup camera and navi? you can buy a portable nav from any store for cheap,and you can also buy bumper sensors for the rear but if thats the only reason you bought a CRV over the Rogue then thats stupid. I hate CRV's it looks like a mini van and it looks like it has a minivan feel and shape to it. HF with the minivan....just the name CRV makes me not want to get a CRV. I like the Rogue better,it drivers better,built more solid,better build quality and more hp than the rav and crv. Im getting a portable navi so i can take it with me and the visibility is great using the side mirrors. My friend bought an 07 royal blue EX-L CRV just recently i think it looks too feminine.

[dave230]

Not a bad idea at all on the backup sensors... I hadn't thought of that! I have a Harmon Kardon GPS system that I love already, and the unit sits down nice and low to the dash of the Rogue, the way the dash is shaped, so that's already taken care of.

After reading your post, I found

http://www.sigmaautomotive.com...r.php

They appear to have pretty good solutions for under a hundred bucks! I will concede that I agree that rear visibility is a soft spot, but this will fix it very nicely.

[BrianV]

Why did you buy the CRV?! only because of the backup camera and navi? you can buy a portable nav from any store for cheap,and you can also buy bumper sensors for the rear but if thats the only reason you bought a CRV over the Rogue then thats stupid. I hate CRV's it looks like a mini van and it looks like it has a minivan feel and shape to it. HF with the minivan....just the name CRV makes me not want to get a CRV. I like the Rogue better,it drivers better,built more solid,better build quality and more hp than the rav and crv. Im getting a portable navi so i can take it with me and the visibility is great using the side mirrors. My friend bought an 07 royal blue EX-L CRV just recently i think it looks too feminine.

Dual climate control baby!!!

[Lightforce18]

Dual climate control baby!!!

Climate control is over rated

[BrianV]

Climate control is over rated

So are headlights and windshield wipers.

[Lightforce18]

So are headlights and windshield wipers.

well u can live without climate control. UD die without the other 2

[BrianV]

well u can live without climate control. UD die without the other 2

Die is a little drastic, don't you think? I will tell you that I feel like committing suicide after getting a rental car that doesn't have auto-CC; does that count?

[Derango]

Die is a little drastic, don't you think?

No, I'd say driving at night without headlights or driving in a heavy rainstorm without windshield wipers = death. Or at least very serious injury.

If you want CC Brian...have at it. But the rogue doesn't have it and you bringing it up in almost every thread isn't going to make it appear

[BrianV]

You'll eat your words. I give it a 50/50 shot of being an available option by 2009. I've sent messages to Nissan Consumer Affairs with links to threads in here where it's been discussed.

[BrianV]

No, I'd say driving at night without headlights or driving in a heavy rainstorm without windshield wipers = death. Or at least very serious injury.

Driving with parking lights on at night does not equal death, nor does driving in the rain with RAIN-X on the windshield.

Thank you, come again.

[Ticmxman]

Driving with parking lights on at night does not equal death, nor does driving in the rain with RAIN-X on the windshield.

Thank you, come again.

OK guys, are we having a bad Monday?

[BrianV]

Nope, good day, just wish I was driving my 2009 Rogue with Auto-CC

[PINODY]

Why did you buy the CRV?! only because of the backup camera and navi? you can buy a portable nav from any store for cheap,and you can also buy bumper sensors for the rear but if thats the only reason you bought a CRV over the Rogue then thats stupid. I hate CRV's it looks like a mini van and it looks like it has a minivan feel and shape to it. HF with the minivan....just the name CRV makes me not want to get a CRV. I like the Rogue better,it drivers better,built more solid,better build quality and more hp than the rav and crv. Im getting a portable navi so i can take it with me and the visibility is great using the side mirrors. My friend bought an 07 royal blue EX-L CRV just recently i think it looks too feminine.

I agree, portable units are nice - however we didn't want to hang extra units off the dash or window. (even though they are removable, it gives a thief added incentive, knowing it may be in the vehicle somewhere) The OPEN area between the dash and console provided extra room for my wifes bag when she drives. ~ The CR-V has less wheelwell gap, and as far as HP vs. weight it's less than 5! ... Usually I don't reply to those who call others ideas stupid, but I thought you and others may benefit from a well detailed answer based on my diligent homework on the RO & V - see my post history. As you can see from the pics above we've already started to Mod the V, but I still get to have my Rogue fun as my friend modifys his Blue RO similar to the way we would have.

[sirbikesalot]

My wife's car is an '05 Honda Odyssey Minivan, and the CR-V looks just like a shortened version of it. Even the interior looks similar with the open area between the dash and console. I guess that's why I didn't get the CR-V -- it's like buying a mini-minivan, only with no better gas mileage than the Odyssey, if you can believe that. The interior felt rather spartan, too. And we've had some quality problems with the Honda that I wasn't too happy about given the premium they charge for their vehicles.

That open area great though for changing drivers without stopping

[BrianV]

We drove the Rogue and CR-V within a week of eachother. Both CUVs are great and have benefits.

Here's my breakdown:

Advantages for Rogue:-Better engine-Rear seats fold flat-Front, passenger seat folds flat-Rogue AWD system is MUCH better-Rogue turning radius is better-Rogue has crisper handling-Rogue has steering wheel mounted paddle shifters-CR-Vs are SOOOOO common, the Rogue is more unique-Rogue has available HID headlights-Rogue had more leg room for front passengers-Rogue has available intelligent-key

Advantages for CR-V:-Super popular = possible better resale-We preferred the conventional transmission on the CR-V-The CR-V felt bigger inside-CR-V steering wheel felt better-CR-V has available NAV-CR-V has dual auto climate control-CR-V similarly equipped was cheaper than Rogue-CR-V gauges were easier to read and more attractive than rogues-Honda heated seats are better than Nissan/Infinitis (speaking from experience here)-CR-V leather and interior looks plusher-Rogue's front end is sort of "funky", CR-Vs looks a little better. This is probably the most subjective comment here, but I think most would agree.

It's really a wash, but the AWD system on the Rogue compared to the CR-V is so dramatically inferior that the Rogue wins overall for me. However, I'd take a Rogue w/ a CRV dash/amenities in a heatbeat. However, I felt the Rogue front seats were more comfy, but the dash/gauges/etc on the CR-V were better.

Both are class leaders for a reason and both ineriors (and exteriors) are better than the Rav4.

[jlsatt00]

I find this thread very amusing. We all purchased our vehicle based on personal preference. I preferred the Rogue to the CR-V, so that is what I bought. I honestly like having a unique vehicle on the road right now, so if some likes a CR-V better, they should get one so there is one less Rogue on the road .

[Chris92SE]

I want a Rogue really bad, but I am waiting for Navigation. Having climate control would be a bonus, too.

I agree with not wanting to have a portable one. Those are the most stolen items around here. Thieves will even break into your car if they see the suction cup marks and rummage through your car looking for it.

Currently, I have a 2001 QX4 and I am tired of 16 mpg on the highway, but I don't really want to commit to the Rogue quite yet.

I was tempted to buy a CR-V with Navi, but I just didn't like the way it drove.