Nissan Armada - What the Auto Press Says

The Nissan Armada delivers powerful and relatively agile performance, but can't match the style or predicted reliability of others in its class.

The 2008 Nissan Armada is a strong, nimble performer that can handle whatever SUV owners might throw at it, but in a competitive class, others offer nicer interiors and better predicted reliability. Though the Armada isn't the cheapest SUV in the class, some reviewers see it as a good value for its size and off-road prowess.

• "The Armada puts the right stuff in a lot of the right places for buyers desiring a full measure of the large SUV experience," -- Automobile Magazine

• "Overall, the Armada is a nice debut effort by Nissan, even though you have to wonder why the automaker chose now to roll it out with super-size SUVs not exactly getting the most positive publicity of late." -- The Sacramento Bee

Pros

While most competing full-size SUVs come in an overwhelming array of models, the 2008 Nissan Armada comes only in two well equipped models, with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive and a V8 that's larger and more powerful than most of the competing standard engines. Armada's V8 also has the flexibility to run on E85, to accept a mix of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. And with a 28-gallon fuel tank, the Armada has one of the longest cruising ranges among full-size SUVs. The Armada has been named the "most appealing" vehicle in its segment by J.D. Power and Associates, in its annual APEAL study, and was also the top luxury SUV in Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index.

Model Highlights

The 2008 Nissan Armada sport utility comes in two models, SE and LE, both available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and both come only with a 317-horsepower, 5.6L V8 and a five-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode. The available four-wheel-drive system has a full-time automatic mode that normally sends all torque to the rear wheels but can send up to 50 percent to the front wheel when needed. It also has a low range for off-roading or steep descents. With a fully boxed frame underneath, the Armada is closely related to the Tundra full-size pickup and is very capable of towing heavy loads. The independent rear suspension design, combined with the available air leveling system, improve stability, and when properly equipped the Armada can tow up to 9,100 pounds. The Armada comes with three rows of seating for up to eight people, with a standard fold-flat second-row seat, a 60/40-split third row, and a fold-flat front passenger seat to help with especially long objects. LE models get Seton leather seating in the first and second rows, and in all models the third-row occupants sit higher than the other rows for better comfort and visibility. Second-row captain's chairs are available for the second row instead of the bench, and they include a removable center console. With the available Bose 11-speaker sound system, rear passengers can listen to a different sound source on headphones while other occupants listen to another source over the speakers. All Armadas come with step rails, a full-length overhead console, rear sonar parking sensors, a power driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, and dual-zone climate control. Roof-mounted side-curtain air bags, providing head protection to outboard positions in all three rows, are standard across the line, as are active head restraints in front. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental bags are standard on the LE and optional for the SE, and anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are standard across the line. The top LE model adds a long list of luxury features, including special faux-wood trim, heated power-folding mirrors, 20-inch wheels, the high-end Bose audio system, XM satellite radio, a power tailgate, a front sonar system, fog lamps, a universal garage door opener, heated Seton leather seating, a rear DVD entertainment package, and captains' chairs.

Model News

For 2008, Nissan's Armada SUV gets a revised appearance on the outside, with new front and rear fascias, new headlights and fog lamps, and a new one-piece roof rack. The interior is equipped and configured a bit better, with new interior fabrics, a gated shifter, a locking glove compartment, and new meter illumination. Standard and optional equipment lists have been expanded, especially on the top LE model. On the LE, a 20-inch wheel-and-tire package, a heated steering wheel, a power-folding third-row seat are newly available. LE models also add new wood grain accents. The Intelligent Key entry and ignition system and a new Bose sound system with third-row speakers are both now standard on LE models and optional on the SE, and a Bluetooth hands-free system is now standard on LE models. The available navigation system has been improved to incorporate XM NavTraffic live traffic information and a Music Box hard-drive storage system, and the DVD Entertainment Package gets a slightly larger, 8-inch screen. Two new exterior colors join the palette: Desert Stone and Timberline.

Value Writeup

Towing and hauling ability; powerful standard V8; long driving range; long list of standard luxury and convenience features.