The Nissan Rogue

When most people think of larger vehicles like SUVs, they usually think of American car companies. Foreign cars tend to be smaller, in order to accommodate the needs of that particular country. However, lately, foreign car companies are answering the calls of American SUV buyers and supplying its own vehicles - ones with a touch of good ol' American room and power, but also with a touch of overseas style, affordability, and mpg rating.

Nissan, in particular, is making good attempts to stand up to the competition. From a cheap but roomy Versa, to the power-packed behemoth Titan truck, Nissan is broadening its range of vehicles. Nissan offers small vehicles and large ones. But, what if your Goldilocks complex makes you want something in between? Have no fear, because Nissan offers crossovers as well. The Nissan Rogue gives you a touch of SUV and a touch of classic Nissan. And, its features give you plenty to consider if you're shopping for an SUV.

SUV room without the SUV look. Just from looks alone, The Rogue does not have a typical SUV appearance. It doesn't look large and overwhelming, yet its extremely roomy on the inside. It could comfortably seat five adults, and it has a hatchback for plenty of room for cargo. If you're looking for a little bit more room than a sedan, but not as much as an SUV, the Rogue's got you covered. Plus, the Rogue comes in a variety of fun colors, for all styles and personalities.

Plenty of Goodies. The basic model comes with everything you need standard: AC, power windows and doors, radio, CD player, aux input for your mp3 player, cruise control, bumpers and grilles, and it also comes with fun little trinkets that don't usually come in basic models of other vehicles: Illuminated steering wheel controls, UV-reducing glass, plenty of storage spaces - the list goes on and on.

Basic models also come with plenty of safety features: tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, and all-around airbags. It has front and rear "crumple zones," which means in case of an accident, those sections of the car will crumple to prevent them from going inward and crushing the interior. It has extra bars on the side doors to prevent the car from crushing inwards from side-collisions. Even the head rests adjust during an accident to prevent whiplash. It has a LATCH system to protect children. This car is incredibly safe, and this is only covering the basic model features.

Along with all of this, it also offers a smooth ride: a basic model Rogue contains a CVTCS (Continuously Valve Timing Control System) and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This system gives a better range between gears, making the Rogue accelerate and transition smoothly. You won't be able to "feel" the car change gears or pull. It has independent and multi-strut suspension and front and rear sway bars, which noticeably makes a drive in the Rogue smooth, not shaky or bumpy.

For all the technical folks out there, the basic Rogue has a 2.5 Liter, 16 valve, 4 cylinder engine, 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 175 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. This 4-cylinder engine gives the Rogue a high mpg rating compared to other crossovers and SUVs: 22 city, 28 highway. Not bad, Nissan. Not bad.

Extra packages. Though the basic model has more than enough for the typical driver, there are several extra little goodies to choose from. There are moonroof options, tow hitch, keyless ignition, bluetooth, extra speakers and CD changers, speed-sensitive audio control (changing volume based on your speed), power seats, heated outside mirrors, heated seats, leather packages, roof crossbars (to carry cargo on roof), spoiler, tinted windows, and, my favorite, the 360 package - which has a monitor in the rear view mirror to help when backing up the car.

Yeah, quite simply, this car is ballin'.

(It all depends on the style and packages you pick. If you're not into all that flashiness, pick the S class. If you're looking for something sporty, look at the Krom style. Check out the Nissan website, and do your research!)

So, you're looking at a pretty good appearance, plenty of room, nice drive, and lots of comfort. Smaller vehicles, like sedans, offer cars like these in pretty high ranges - we're talking around mid-$20,000 or even mid-$30,000. I was incredibly surprised by the Rogue's price. The basic model starts at around $21,000 (depending on your state), with packages, you're looking at around $24,000. This is within a good price range, and could equal pretty good monthly payments, as well. After hearing all the features of the Rogue at a dealership, I was surprised by the price. It's a quality, luxury kind of car, for the price of a basic sedan. The Rogue really is the best of both worlds. A car for the SUV lovers and haters alike... A car for the practical and for the sporty alike...and a car for the minimalist and luxury-lover alike, too.

And, to put a cherry on top, Nissan is offering nation-wide sales on the Rogue right now: cash back, bonus cash, 0% APR for four years, and cheap leasing. Looks like Nissan is giving all the other car companies a run for their money!