The 2009 Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV based on the Nissan Sentra. In fact, the Rogue was the first Nissan compact SUV.

The Rogue is powered by a 170 horsepower four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine with a continuously variable transmission. It comes in either front wheel drive, rated at 22 miles per gallon city and 27 miles per gallon highway, or all wheel drive, which lowers the fuel economy number by one mile per gallon across the board. The comparable Mercury Mariner has a fuel efficiency rating of 20 mpg city and 26 mppg highway.

The Rogue gets a five passenger rating, and can hold four adults in reasonable comfort; however, the biggest problem, as with any compact, is with getting in and out. Once you are inside, the Rogue has some nice features. These include available six way adjustable driver and four way adjustable passenger front seats, tilt wheel, power locks and windows, remote keyless entry, security alarm and immobilizer key system.

The Rogue may be compact, but it is all about using the space it does have. There are almost thirty cubic feet of storage space behind the rear seat. Of course, it has a 40/60 split rear seat and folding rear and passenger seats, and with the back seats down you more than double the available storage.

It doesn't stop there. There is a storage area under the cargo space. There are pockets on the front doors and in the back of the front seat. The cargo area has four tie down hooks and you can get a model with two retractable luggage side hooks. There is even a cargo light to help get it all in and out in the dark. Outside you can get a silver luggage rack, halogen headlights, variable intermittent rear wiper and body color bumpers and mirror.

Nissan always seems to pay close attention to safety, and the Rogue is no exception. Airbags everywhere (dual stage for front seats) are just a start. There are anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, traction control and a vehicle dynamic system outside. Inside, in addition to airbags, there are Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) and child safety rear door locks. In between there are crumple zones and an energy absorbing steering column.

The Rogue comes in two trim levels: the S and the SL. Base price on the S is $20,220. The SL base runs $21,810. This is for front wheel drive. Add about twelve hundred dollars to each model for all wheel drive. Each comes with a lot of standard items, but you can add about $1,500 in upgrades to the S and several thousand to the SL.

All in all, the 2009 Nissan Rogue is a great value for a small family. Inexpensive to buy and drive and with better room than most small cars, it might be just what you're looking for.