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2004 Nissan Armada

Date: 2 April 2004	Miles: -
You might think that the full-size SUV experience has evolved as far as it can, yet there is always something new. Case in point: the 2004 Nissan Armada. Made in America, the Armada is a direct challenge to domestic stalwarts Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. Mileage certainly says full-size SUV. After 6 weeks it's a low 13.8 miles per gallon. But while the Armada's 305-horsepower V-8 is very thirsty, it's also very strong. Throttle response is excellent. Also, during several snows the automatic on-demand 4X4 system worked as advertised. The Armada handles curves like a truck half its size, but the ride can be a bit jumpy over rough pavement. Interior fit is good even if some of the plastics look low bid. But the folding second row seat works much better than on the first Armada we tested. Now on to summer and the real tests for any big SUV, vacations and home improvements. Have we no mercy?
Date: 2 July 2004	Miles: -
Nissan's new entry into the full-size SUV world is the 2004 Armada. We've had an Armada SE in our long term test fleet for 5 months now, and one recent excursion up the east coast yielded some telling driver comments. Drivers confirmed the Armada, with its independent rear suspension, is more maneuverable and handles with more precision than solid axle competitors, the Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Sequoia. Highway ride is smooth and on par with rivals. Yet the Armada takes broken pavement, potholes, and dirt roads with more frame klunks and body sway than other big SUVs. Our one mechanical fault is the engine oil pressure gauge that reads high all the time. That engine is, however, the major strong suit of the Armada. The 5.6-liter twin-cam V-8 is the most modern in its class. With 305 horsepower and 385 pound feet of torque, there is always plenty of power in reserve for passing. But at 13.9 miles per gallon, you won't pass many gas pumps without stopping. Interstate average is about 16. Still for a big SUV that seats 8 and can carry a crowd of cargo to match, the Nissan Armada is a fresh approach to full-size utes we really appreciate.
Date: 24 September 2004	Miles: 18,000
Summer is the time of long distance vacations, and at MotorWeek the hot weather ticket to ride this year was our 2004 Nissan Armada. Long road trips provide the time and mileage to really learn to love, or hate, a vehicle. A recent 1,600 mile trek is a good example. We loved the sheer space inside the Armada and its highly flexible seating. A hatch with separate opening glass is a bonus, too. But the biggest love is the 5.6 liter 305 horsepower V 8 engine. When you need to pass quickly, it's ready to roll with gobs of reserve power. Now you might expect us, in turn, to hate the V8 fuel economy. At only 14.2 miles per gallon after nearly 8 months and 18,000 miles, you're right. But on this mostly interstate highway trip, the average was over 17, and that's not bad for an 8 passenger SUV. The only thing that drives us nuts on this well equipped Armada SE Off road is the climate controls. Even on the lowest setting, the front fan is too strong. So you either suffocate or get blown around. But, that is a short list of negatives for a first timer in the full size SUV ranks. The Armada is very impressive, and we just love saying so.
Date: 5 November 2004	Miles: 21,300
Despite high gas prices and press reports about the guzzling appetite of full-size SUVs, they remain strong sellers. In the case of the 2004 Nissan Armada, about 3,000 a month are finding eager owners, and based on our long term test, they will not be disappointed. In the 9 months since we took Armada delivery, our SE Off-Road edition has traveled over 21,300 fault-free miles mostly on road. Its 8-passenger capacity easily converts for a variety of chores. And it is that versatility that makes the only modest fuel economy of 14.3 miles per gallon so much more acceptable. While recent weather has not been a challenge for the Armada, the advanced on-demand four-wheel drive system, with low range, is seamlessly there when needed. Other high points include the robust, 5.6-liter 305-horsepower V-8, the Tow-Haul mode transmission, a separate opening hatch glass, and the ability to plug in auxiliary audio sources. If we'd fix one thing, it's the noisy climate control fan. Still, if you need a full-size hauler for your full-size family, the newbie Nissan Armada delivers like a veteran.
Date: 7 January 2005	Miles: 23,200
High gas prices are impacting the appeal of our 2004 Nissan Armada full-size SUV. A fill-up for the powerful 5.6-liter 305-horsepower V-8 now runs over $50. Still, if you load up all of its 8 seats or fill up its 97 cubic feet of cargo space, our average of 14.3 miles per gallon is more palatable. In the 11 months since we took Armada delivery, our SE Off-Road edition has traveled over 23,200 fault-free miles, mostly on pavement or muddy trails. The advanced on-demand four-wheel drive system, with low range, works seamlessly when needed. The thickly padded seats are extremely comfortable for long trips, and we like the fact that you can plug auxiliary music into the radio. If we could change anything it would be the noisy climate control fan. So, if you need a full-size hauler for your full-size family, the Nissan Armada delivers with gusto.
Date: 4 March 2005	Miles: 28,000
It's time to say goodbye to another SUV, our 2004 Nissan Armada SE Off-Road. Over 12 months and 28,000 fault-free miles, the Armada proved its split-personality as a brute force full-size hauler and genteel family-size long distance tourer. Rising gas prices did put a crimp in our fuel budget as the Armada only averaged 14.3 miles per gallon over the test. Yet, the refined, great sounding, 305-horsepower 5.6-liter twin-cam V-8 was always ready for action, and more than once managed safe passing in tight situations. While we haven't had much of a winter this year, the advanced on-demand four-wheel drive system, with low range, works seamlessly when needed. We still think Nissan needs to work on ride and handling, however, as the Armada is not as compliant as Detroit's best. Yet, braking was tops in its class. And the level of detail, from auxiliary stereo input to multiple power outlets, is impressive. While big SUVs are a bit out of favor right now due to pricey fuel, when it comes down to big needs, they are in a class by themselves, and the Nissan Armada is on the front row.