Car names are fun to play with. Take the 2009 Nissan Rogue, for example. The Rogue doesn't play by the rules; It colors outside the lines and lives outside the box. I could go on and on. In this case, though, the name doesn't quite fit because the Nissan Rogue doesn't really do any of those things. It's cute, perky and practical. The Nissan Rogue is no rogue. Sorry, naming department.

The Rogue is a super-cute compact SUV/crossover. It's longer than its competitors; it's narrower, too, which means less hip room in the backseat. However, there's plenty of legroom and cargo space. It's actually the perfect size for a family of four. There was enough room for my family and a friend, and it was small enough to fit into parking spots and our garage.

The Rogue is fun to drive, with a spunky four-cylinder engine that handles hills and highway merges with no problem. That engine isn't the quietest thing on the road, but road noise is only moderate and not obnoxious. While the view to the front and sides was fine, I found rear visibility to be somewhat limited. Sadly, there is no optional backup camera to help matters.

• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety