The Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue is a solid alternative to the likes of the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester. Performance for this compact crossover isn't its strongest virtue, but the Rogue is aimed at smaller, more frugal-minded families, and it gives them good interior space and versatility, along with an impressive list of features for the money.

First introduced for 2008, the Rogue is entirely carlike and makes no claims to be an off-road vehicle, or to be especially rugged. On the outside, the Rogue looks a little more like a higher-riding wagon, and a little less like SUVs. It ends up looking like its larger, more luxurious sibling, the Murano, in some respects, yet its more slab-sided look and almost vanlike rear design can make it feel a bit more utilitarian. A minor refresh hasn't changed its looks in any essential way.

The only drivetrain offered on the Rogue combines a 170-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), though it can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. As such, the Rogue can move quite quickly if you need it, but it isn't particularly inspiring to drive. Some Rogues get steering-wheel paddles that might improve the experience somewhat on hilly or curvy roads.

Through the 2013 model year, the Rogue has been based on the same underpinnings as the Sentra sedan, but it doesn't take full advantage of the Sentra's chassis; handling is also more on the soft side, though, and it's clear that the focus for the Rogue is on affordable, economical, and comfortable transportation for small families, and for those looking for a low-cost sedan or minivan replacement.

To that degree, the Rogue fits the bill. There's room for five inside, though three adults will have to rub shoulders a bit in the back row; the back seats can also adjust for rake—for best comfort, or to help fit cargo, and when needed the back seats fold flat. There's also a very useful cargo organizer. Ride comfort is pretty impressive, and the Rogue doesn't have the choppy, pitchy feel that sometimes plagues taller, shorter vehicles; however, the interior isn't that well insulated from road noise. Fuel economy, at up to 23 mpg city, 28 highway, is quite good, and from the experience of our editors you're likely to see the high end of that in most combined driving.

Affordability and features for the money is again a compelling reason to consider the Rogue. Cruise control and a nice audio system with steering-wheel controls are standard, and the SL presents options like leather seats, Bluetooth, and the Intelligent Key system. Fully loaded, the Rogue manages a bottom line under $30k.

Recent model years have brought only slight equipment and option changes. For 2010, a new 360 Value Package brought alloy wheels, a chrome grille, and other extras to the base S model, while a Krom appearance package gives the whole aftermarket accessorized look—showy wheels, sporty center exhaust, tinted glass, and all. A very mild makeover came in the 2011 model year; otherwise for 2013 options were fine-tuned to bring a new Premium Edition (replacing the Premium Package) with front fog lamps and Bose audio. A Bluetooth hands-free interface remained optional on base S models but included in the rest of the model line.

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The Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is a large, truck-based sport-utility vehicle with an especially tall, imposing stance, V-8 engine, and serious truck towing or off-road ability. Made in Mississippi, the Armada is a top rival to traditional domestic full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Dodge Durango, as well as the Toyota Sequoia.

Until the 2011 model year it was closely related to the more luxurious Infiniti QX56, though that SUV is now built off a different platform.

With an especially tall, imposing stance and rugged, macho styling cues—including a huge grille, large showy wheels, and its very distinct roofline and rear roof pillar arrangement, the Armada never fails to stand out with respect to design. The model hasn't changed much inside or out since its original introduction for 2004, but it still manages to turn heads—to positive or negative effect, depending on the place and time.

Powering all Armada models since the beginning has been a 317-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine, hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive. Fuel economy from this powertrain has been one of its ghosts from day one; EPA figures as low as 12 mpg city, 18 highway, and real-world numbers from repeated drives from our editors have been even lower.

The Armada offers seating for up to eight, with plenty of space for adults to sprawl in the first and second rows. The third rows are abbreviated, and even teenagers will find themselves in a scrunched position. While the Armada's interior design is quite attractive and different than that of other trucks, its cabin materials have never been that impressive. The plastics used in the instrument panel, doors, and console, in particular feel a step behind those in rival models. Refinement has never been at the forefront either, with a bit more road and wind noise and a gruff, ever-present character to the engine. However just as in Nissan's other trucks there are more than enough storage spaces and cubbies throughout.

Brawn seems to be the Armada's reason for being, and it has plenty of ways to flex its muscle. The engine isn't downright fast in hauling the heavy Armada, but it doesn't flinch for a full load, and it can tow up to 9,100 pounds. On-road handling isn't so great, with a tendency to wander on the highway but a quick steering ratio helps for parking. Additionally, there's modest off-roading ability on tap, but in more recent years the Off-Road model has been discontinued.

The Armada has changed little for many model years. After Nissan first introduced the model as the Pathfinder Armada in 2004, it changed the name to a shortened Armada in 2005. For 2008, the Armada was given a light restyle, but it was limited to new brightwork and wood trim and a few new features like a more useful power-folding third-row seat design, a heated steering wheel, and updated entertainment and navigation systems.

Very few major changes have been made since then, and the Armada soldiers into the 2013 model year carried over from the prior year, with only minor equipment changes. The Armada can be equipped with a long list of options, including a moonroof or rear entertainment system, and the nav system now includes XM NavTraffic. A new Platinum Reserve package adds dark chrome trim; a USB port is now standard on all models; and Bluetooth is now standard on SV editions.
Nissan's chairman Carlos Ghosn has promised a new version of the Titan pickup that shares the Armada's running gear, but Nissan hasn't said anything about a replacement for the big SUV.

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