“Armada?” my wife asked.  “Does that mean you get a whole fleet of SUVs for the price of one?”  This was only the first of an endless stream of quips that punctuated my test drive in the 2004 Nissan Armada, most involving sailing ships and vanquishment by smaller English products.

Looking past the name however, this is a pretty significant vehicle, and that’s not a pun on its 206.9-inch size and two-ton curb weight.  The Armada is a lot bigger than any sport-utility you’ve ever seen from Nissan.  Think of this new truck as a big brother to the Pathfinder and Xterra, which will sell alongside it.  Built on the same all-new full-size platform as the Titan pickup and sharing that truck’s 5.6 liter V8, the Armada is ready to challenge Chevrolet’s Tahoe and Ford’s Expedition for soccer-mom bragging rights.

The Armada looks a great deal tougher than any of those other trucks at the curb.  Even the burly Toyota Sequoia looks a bit wimpy next to the big Nissan’s huge chrome grille and domed hood.  Bulky fender flares give the truck the look of a bodybuilder, and the Armada’s 123″ wheelbase is the largest in its class.  Running boards are standard.  Massive 18″ wheels are standard (off-roaders can get 17″ wheels, which are less susceptible to rock damage).  Seen in profile, Nissan’s big beast is unmistakable, thanks to a “stepped” roofline which improves rear headroom and allows theater style elevated seating throughout.  This adds headroom for rear-seat passengers, as well as giving the Armada a visual link to the rest of Nissan’s arch-backed lineup.  The tail is boxed off, like the cargo hold that it is.

The Armada is just as prepared as the Titan to impress when it comes to working, as well.  A 305-horsepower V8 is standard equipment, and its 385 foot-pounds of torque allow it to tow up to 9600 pounds without trouble.  It makes its torque down low, like all the best truck engines do.  That powerful engine has a great engine note, too, sounding as strong as it feels on the road.  The Armada is quite a bit ruder than the Sequoia or Expedition–the Hummer H2 is no longer the only bully in the full-size SUV class.  And the H2 can’t match the Armada’s drive-by-wire electronic throttle and smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission.  Four-wheel drive Armadas use a full-time, automatic torque-splitting system to provide power where it’s needed.  It’s got a creeper gear for off-roading, and the anti-lock brakes are also programmed for off-road use.  An off-road package with skid plates and Rancho shocks is available.

It may look and sound like it’s not housebroken, but that doesn’t mean you need to hide the kids when there’s a Armada around.  The Armada features Nissan’s avant-garde styling inside, and we found some details–especially the location of the window switches–to be a bit off-putting at first.  That’s a matter of taste, of course.  All of the creature comforts are here, from puddle lights that illuminate the ground near the doors at night to adjustable pedals and an available power-operated tailgate.  The Armada can be had with a navigation system and luxurious leather interior, too.  The passenger compartment is one of the roomiest in its class, and seating from front to rear is comfortable.  Cupholder counters will find enough for each passenger to have two drinks.  A backup assist is standard.  Cargo capacity is impressive, too; fold down the front passenger seat and a ten-foot ladder will fit inside the Armada with the tailgate closed.  Roof and floor-mounted cargo hooks are handy for securing loads.  For safety, Nissan includes side-curtain rollover airbags for all three rows of seats.

On the road, the Titan feels as big as it is.  It’s a bit more ponderous than the similarly-sized Expedition around town, but arguably more responsive.  Bumps and rough pavement are handled with aplomb thanks to a fully independent double wishbone suspension.  In addition to improving the ride, the independent rear suspension also improves cargo room because of its compact size.  The Armada’s towing package adds a rear air suspension which, according to Nissan, acts as a “levelizer.”  That’s not a word, but we assume it stiffens the rear suspension to compensate for heavy loads.  Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is also along for the ride, keeping the Armada’s attitude neutral when the truck is loaded or the road is slick.

Get to know the Armada, and you’ll discover that underneath the flashy new exterior, this truck is just as familiar as its name.  Nissan’s cool, hyper-modern styling covers a relatively conventional truck.  Families and campers who need big-truck towing and minivan seating will find the Armada to be a viable alternative to the established names.  Considering that this is Nissan’s first foray into the market, that’s a good thing.  The Armada will have no trouble competing with Ford’s Expedition or Chevy’s Tahoe…even if it is only one truck..

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 Nissan Armada, which we tested.
Length:         206.9 in.
Width:            78.8 in.
Height:            78.7 in.
Wheelbase:        123.2 in.
Curb weight:        5327 lb.
Cargo space:        30.0 cu.ft. (all seats up); 97.1 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Towing capacity:    9600 lb.
Price as tested:        $37,100
Engine:         5.6 liter DOHC V8
Drivetrain:         five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         305 @ 4900
Torque:         385 @ 3600
Fuel capacity:        28 gal.

Print This Post Print This Post