Things you like and dislike with your Rogue

[Nissannate25]

Likes:-Great fuel economy. I'm coming from a Sentra SE-R Spec V. Had to run 93 octane and it still only got maybe mid 20's hwy, high teens city.-AWD system is great in the snow, ice etc.-Lots of room-Handles like a car-Smooth driving suv overall-Styling

Dislikes:-Under powered engine. Nissan should have put the 200hp version of the QR in the Rogue, would have been perfect.-Speaker rattle-Rear window visibility-Wind noise above 60mphHmmm...can't really think of anything else, overall I like it!

[Pescakl1]

Likes:-Great fuel economy. I'm coming from a Sentra SE-R Spec V. Had to run 93 octane and it still only got maybe mid 20's hwy, high teens city.

Dislikes:-Under powered engine. Nissan should have put the 200hp version of the QR in the Rogue, would have been perfect.

Am I the only one seeing something wrong here?

You know you cannot have both, you have to choose what you want (power or fuel economy) and stick with it.Are the extra 30 hp going to change something except have to use a higher octane fuel and worse fuel economy?

[philipa_240sx]

Although the 200hp QR from the Spec V would 'seem' like an improvement on paper, the majority of the power increase is in the upper RPM range. The Spec V motor has better flowing heads, fully counterbalanced crank, 4-2-1 header/manifold, and a higher redline of 6,800rpm. However the extra 30hp increase is all high rpm power at a lofty 6600rpm. The torque peak is even more dramatic... 180 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm for the Spec V vs. 175 @ 4,400 rpm for the Rogue.

For city driving/acceleration, you would need more torque. Either via a low pressure turbo or more displacement.

Honestly, I feel the Rogue has plenty of power for a vehicle in this class. It has great mid-range power and gets 30mpg if driven conservatively.

[ahhbeebee]

I'm not actually sure I have many dislikes. Maybe the easily chippable paint - but this would hold true with most new cars.

Likes:Fuel economy: 26.4 MPG (average of 40 tanks) - 33.8 MPG best tankLooks: seems like a love it or hate it sorta vehicle - no one can deny it has styleEngine: torque and power (relative to the class)Transmission: I personally like the surge, all that extra torque coming on at low RPMs is a unique feeling. I loathed my previous automatics for having weird presets (not fitting my style) of when to shift.Handling: despite the electronic assist, very responsive and IMO best in class.

I think I've been fortunate. Most people complain about various noises which I've luckily avoided so far (knock on wood!)

Oh, one more dislike: its not an aston martin.

[namesmuddy]

Hi,

Well naturally I like the mileage!

But I also like that my Rogue does EVERYTHING the 4x4's I drove for years and years without even working up a sweat! It did take me a rather long while to realize that even tho it's so cool looking, it is so capable.

[Nick 568]

I agree that is it quite capable for a CUV off-road. While I wouldn't take it mudding or try to cross a river with it, it'll go over some stuff that would quite surprise you. Even took it on the same off-road course I took a new Jeep Wranger on...granted, the Wranger handled it like I was just driving down the pavement in comparison to the Rogue, but the Rogue still managed to get up the hills. About a 35 degree incline with areas which you were only on 3 wheels in the Rogue.In fact, there's a youtube video floating around somewhere where a Spanish magazine/site takes the Rogue off-roading, and it's just amusing the stuff they do.

Actually, here it is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0KygTBvLuU Skip to about 4 mins.
Modified by Nick 568 at 4:29 PM 7/13/2009

[roguetoad]

Seeing the comments about surging above in this thread reminds me of one absolute and dangerous hate with our SLawd:

On ice at crawl speeds (below 10 mph,) going downhill this beast will surge jerkily, accelerate, and put one into an extremely toxic place. Happens in both "D" and "S" ("gear 1&2), foot off the throttle (far off!)

Last time it happened we were coming off the summit of Rocky Mt. Park with viz hardly beyond the hood. No place to pull off that you could see, so you had to keep on. (Stopping in those conditions on roads like that is a no-no).

As it has happened before this particular trip we'd not have gone up through the gate except that it was fine at the start and the ice, fog, and resulting verglas erupted rapidly.

Fortunatey we were on Michelin X-Ice tires so the skids resulting from the surging were somewhat controllable. (When you can't see the edge of a multi-hundred foot drop, though, it does excite the occupants since they know there's a lot of air about.

Two dealers see nothing wrong with our powertrain and we (so far!) have no abnormal noises

All in all this Rogue is *very* risky and dangerous in those conditions. We'd definitely veto the Rogue as a choice for anyone living at high altitudes where there's snow and ice about, even if they're experienced in ice driving.

Interesting that it doesn't do it on the flat or uphill. Only when going down with foot *off* the throttle.

Yes, as people above and elsewhere on this site have noted, the Rogue does semi-well on slippery flats and mild uphills. But don't depend on it on the super slick when gravity is your co-pilot. My wife's FIT actually does way much better under the same conditions.

[philipa_240sx]

You could ask the dealer to disable the engine braking feature from the CVT computer. It's a very simple mod that can be done in minutes using the CONSULT diagnostic tool.

The procedure/option for enabling/disabling engine braking is listed in the Factory Service Manual.

[Pescakl1]

You could ask the dealer to disable the engine braking feature from the CVT computer. It's a very simple mod that can be done in minutes using the CONSULT diagnostic tool.

The procedure/option for enabling/disabling engine braking is listed in the Factory Service Manual.

Does it allow to glide more to a stop or going downhill?The adverse effect will be to use more the brakes but as I don't use them that much, I am more interested in the possible fuel savings than the non engine braking glides could bring.

Any page to refer to me in the FSM?

Thanks.

[philipa_240sx]

Any page to refer to me in the FSM?Thanks.

TM-43 (2008), TM-44(2009)

It appears it will completely disable engine braking ie. when coasting downhill.

You would have to convince the dealer or tech to 'disable' it as I am sure it's not standard procedure for them.

[roguetoad]

Interesting idea, Philllip. Thanks for that.

But, while it may work OK for flatland driving, up our way you really do need engine braking a lot, which is one reason I opted for the Rogue with its Sport mode. Our passes with several thousand feet of grade in just a very few miles would require too much faith in brakes and tires when you're at serious gravity's mercy several times a day.

Maybe not so bad on an interstate with wide shoulders and runaway ramps, but on 1.5 - narrow 2 lane roads the engine provides lots of security. (I remember losing all brakes (hand included) on an '86 Accord AT coming down into Boulder, CO one hot afternoon and hope that never happens again

And in snow, compression braking is a big benefit.

One thing about the Rogue's CVT that is nice is the way it'll hold speed on shallow grades without resorting to engine or wheel braking.

I. too, am curious about how this mod to the CVT would influence mileage.

A question, , is if engine braking was disabled, would that indeed prevent any acceleration surge? Does the engine totally freewheel (as it sounds it would)?

The FSM says that either ON/Off is advised, even though it could be set between +1 and -2 which it says would cause "irregular driveability" (sounds like a euphemism for trouble). I'll have mine checked, but suspect that O is the setting (factory default). But who knows...Oddities happen...

...Like when we found a totally plugged cabin air filter that looked like it had nothing to do with vermin. It was filled with chunks of styrofoam and batting--not insulation. No signs of organics or maceration like would be the case with critters.

Thanks for the heads-up.
Modified by roguetoad at 10:47 AM 7/16/2009

[kerrton]

I don't think the surge has anything to do with engine breaking, if it's the same surge that I encounter under light throttle and low speeds, it's the torque converter locking and unlocking, under the right conditions this can produce a dangerous surge as described above. To my knowledge there isn't any way to disable this. I avoid it by driving and braking just a little harder than I would if I was trying to be super fuel efficient and the Rogue drives much better, no surge at all.

[roguetoad]

I avoid it by driving and braking just a little harder than I would if I was trying to be super fuel efficient and the Rogue drives much better, no surge at all.

Agreed. That works. The surge is most prominent under feathered or trailing throttle, like you'd use on the super slick in especially in low viz.

I also agree that it feels like the TC, but I don't know enough about it's design to be sure that's the culprit.

[kerrton]

I still keep coming back to the engine noise issue, the fact that the 2.5 can be referred to as a "rattle box" is not very appealing to me. The most worrisome thing to me is, it doesn't seem to be consistent.

It only does it when cold, that much I understand and can live with, but some days when I'm driving along at 2000 rpms, it rattles very loudly and just sounds terrible. Other days I'll be driving at seemingly the same conditions, and it doesn't seem to be rattling very loudly at all. Also some days I'll start it up from cold and it'll rattle quite noticeably and I have to try to convince myself that this is normal, but then days like this morning when it's -25 C I start it up and it sounds just great, barely any noise at all and no rattle noise to speak of. I know this has been discussed numerous times on this forum, and we attribute the noise mainly to the shim-type lifters rather than hydraulic lifters that are used by NA manufacturers, but it is significant enough to me that I wanted to mention it again.

[Cypress_1973]

LIKES: very roomy, comfortable, quiet ride, lots of options, handles great, paddle shifting. Love how clutch disengages to lower RPM at hwy speeds.

DISLIKES: GAS MILEAGE!!!!!(I have no idea how people get 30+ mpg hwy on this thing. I only avg 25 MPG) 95% driving is on hwy, I drive same speed, get same gas...nothing ever changes and I can never get more than 25-26 mpg. Once I got 29 mpg and no idea how that happened.

Bit of a blind spot over right shoulder around tiny corner window in back.Lack of excitement when driving it compared to my previous vehicle.I also don't like how the gas filler door doesn't lock.

Overall though I am very happy with the Rogue.

[philipa_240sx]

Fuel economy can be difficult to compare. There are many factors that affect it.

All I can suggest is to reduce your speed and drive smoothly. Ie. no sudden acceleration, tailgating etc. I know this can be difficult during rush hour on Hwy 401.

25mpg or 9.4l/100km isn't too bad. The main reason I manage +30mpg is I travel secondary roads at 90km/h (55mph)... does wonders for fuel economy.

[Cypress_1973]

I don't know. I think it's just the car. I'm on the hwy before rush hour in the morning, and before rush hour in the afternoon. I generally get to speed (120km/h) and hit cruise control. My travel is 65 km each way, so my speeds are very constant. Guess I just have to stop being so picky about the mileage.

[sheaitisnotso]

Is yours AWD? The sticker is only 26 highway for the AWD's so that might be the reason.

[ahhbeebee]

I've found mileage really declines when you drive over 110km/h. There seems to be a magic speed around 110km/h where the advantages of the CVT disappear.

Next time you're on the 401, try driving 105-110km/h (if don't mind receiving the bird ) and I'm sure you're mileage will improve 10-15%.

That's been my experience anyway.

[Cypress_1973]

No, it's not AWD. It's the SL FWD.

lol...I've tried doing the 110 km/h thing. That lasted about 10 minutes. These days you get the bird when you're doing 120 km/h CVT still seems to be pretty good. RPM drops to 2300 when cruising at 120km/h.

Like I said....probably just getting too picky. Maybe will improve with time. Only had it 3 months and have 17 000 km. Dealer actually told me break in time for these is somewhere between 12 000 & 15 000 km and not the 8000 km they say (because I complained numerous times about the mileage and how it was never consistent) It would vary +/- 5 mpg in between fill ups. But now it seems to have leveled off averaging 25 mpg.

We'll see. I'm sure I'm just being too picky.

[ahhbeebee]

I guess what you are experiencing is exactly in tune with what I've seen - I don't expect your mileage will improve even after 15000km.

I find if the engine is running above 2000-2100 RPM, you won't get good mileage at all (well, its not like 25 mpg isn't reasonable).

[philipa_240sx]

A lot of vehicles besides the Rogue experience the same phenomena... fuel economy plummets. Drag (air resistance) increases exponentially with speed.

There is a basic rule of thumb that works for many vehicles (not 100% but close):

For every 5mph you drive above 60mph, your fuel economy drops by 10%.

Or for us Canucks that are used to metric:

For every 8km/h you drive above 100km/h, your fuel economy drops by 10%

Lets apply this to the Rogue...

30mpg @ 60mph (very achievable with smooth driving and no traffic)27mpg @ 65mph24.3mpg @ 70mph21.9mpg @ 75mph

Granted, those are not 'scientific' numbers.. many have likely done better or worse, but they do demonstrate my point.

I drove around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada) for 12+ years. These are some of the busiest highways in Canada if not North America. With all that stop and go traffic and everybody jockeying around to get where they are going, it's impossible to drive at one consistent smooth speed. This has a huge impact on fuel economy and there is no avoiding it.

BTW, I'm glad I no longer have to deal with Toronto traffic anymore. I drive calm back country roads in southwest Ontario where the only traffic is slow moving farm tractors. There is no such thing as gridlock anymore... life is good!

[sschantz]

I dislike the fact my Car is year and half old, 28K miles and have gone thru 4 transmissions already.....

[Cypress_1973]

Lol...ya I hear ya Philipa. I truly wish I didn't have to deal with the GTA traffic anymore. I used to live north of the GTA and travel southbound, and it was great. Back roads and all that. But now living East of the GTA I have no choice but the 401/407. Truly sucks.Anyway, thanks for all that great info.

[Jazzbari]

I've had my 2011 Rogue just a couple of months. Overall I like it but there are a few things I really dislike.
1.Navigation is located so low that I feel unsafe looking at it while driving. This causes a blocking effect to my peripheral vision. I wish it could be reversed with the heat vents.

2.The sewn in place rear headrests block 20% of the rear window. If they tilted or were removable I would feel safer. Anyone know if they can be replaced?

3.Window buttons are too far rearward. Maybe I sit too far forward, but my left elbow gets crushed against the seat when I access the window buttons.

4. Although the luggage compartment is wide enough, it hard to get a wide case in due to design of the lift door frame.

Likes:

1. Runs OK for me.

2: Looks Great.

3: Good sounding audio.

[SnookieTownshend]

I have a 2008 SL-AWD:

Like:
- The handling is excellent. It takes tight turns and twisty roads as effortlessly as a car. I used to drive a Saturn Vue and it handled more like a truck.
- The gas mileage. The readout says 23.9, but I'm averaging closer to 24-25 mpg
- The ride is smooth. I had to back up about ten feet over rough ground with an open tailgate full of sandwich boxes, and we didn't lose a sandwich. (Long story.)
- I'm barely five feet tall, but I can sit at a safe distance from the steering wheel and still comfortably reach the pedals.
- Power to spare. I live near the top of a 1,000 foot plus hill, and the place I work is also on a steep hill.
- It's tough enough to take sloppy leftover snow, debris and branches left over from that "wonderful" Halloween snowstorm that pummeled us a few weeks ago.
- The seats are easy to fold down and put back up. Sound like a little thing, but they weren't on the Vue and aren't on the Escape at work.
- The luggage dock (or whatever it is) in the back is slightly recessed, so things next to the tailgate don't slide around - or fall out when you open it.
- Almost everything else.

Dislike:
- The window controls could be an inch or two further forward. They're a little awkward to reach.
- Still not sure about the seat warmer. I turned it on by accident and things got a little too warm in a hurry. (I bought her used, so the warmers were part of the deal.)
- I wish the earlier model had come with a backup camera. Adjusting the side mirrors properly and using a little care works wonders, though. (And if you want blind spots, try driving a Chevy HHR. We have one at work and it's got more blind spots than windows.)

[TaiLuu]

I'm surprise noone has said anything about the gas door not locking.......

[casperfun]

I'm surprise noone has said anything about the gas door not locking.......

In the over 2 years I never had a problem with my non-locking gas cap with anybody stealing gas or vandalism. In the beginning I was a firm believer in locking gas caps, but I accepted that it's not really necessary for the majority of everyday people.

IMHO I guess it's usually needed due to being in a bad area, or happening when you're in the wrong place at a wrong time kinda thing like a crime of opportunity. But I personally have not experienced it. Trust me I always had a locking gas cap in the decades of driving but maybe they were needed during the opec oil crisis during the 70's.




I am wondering since this Rogue forum started has anybody in here ever had a problem with stolen gas or vandalism such as someone pouring something into your gas tank.

I bet if none or any in here or less than 1%.

It's like all those people who change their oils religiously have never usually experienced a oil related failure. but worry about it anyways. I now feel the same way with locking gas caps where you should't really have to worry about it.

As long as the money saved was put into something that is more useful for the Rogue I don't mind.

[TaiLuu]

Everyone knows me at school so I don't really worry about school, But I work at the mall so there will be a lot of middleschoolers.
When I work,I fear a kid is going to put sugar in my tank, because I remember me and my friend planned on doing that to a teacher in 6th grade, But we were p******.

[rowdy_canuck]

We've owned our 2009 Rogue SL since MArch of 09, and now have over 50,000 miles on it.

Overall, love the car.

Likes:
- Styling
- Handling (Engine power and CVT is great!)
- Features (Love the Bose, Bluetooth, sunroof)
- MPG

Dislikes: (Or improvements to be made to the next gen model)
- Various rattles and knocks that we've had to get fixed.
- No defrosting/heated outside mirrors (my old 95 XE pathfinder had them!)
- No rear fold down armrest
- No rear adjustable headrests
- Rear seat back not adjustable (again, my 95 pathfinder had this)
- Rear hatch glass should be able to open for large items.
- Not enough dash power outlets - need at least 2 in addition to the center console one.
- No dash storage / cubby for cell phone, ipod, etc...
- Need to add door cup holders (for extra bottles on road trips).
- Need more sound insulation for reduce road noise.

But overall, the Rogue is a great car!