All my colleagues know that I'm a truck guy. When I was handed the keys to a new Nissan Armada, you can easily imagine how excited I was. After all, there's no bigger truck in this Japanese family.
But because I'm a truck guy doesn't necessarily mean that I like them all -- they have to meet certain requirements. Despite some awfully nice attributes, the Armada also has its fair share of drawbacks, even for an enthusiast like myself.
Size does matter!
In case you haven't noticed it already, the full-fledged Nissan Armada is one heck of a beast. Resting on a 3,129-mm wheelbase, it stretches well over 5 meters long, trumping such rivals as the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.
Obviously, being that large has some benefits. The seemingly limitless interior can easily accommodate 7 passengers, regardless of their size and shape.
Even better, because the interior is so spacious, access to every seating position is easy (it also helps to have strategically positioned levers). Really, there's nothing negative to say here. Even the side steps are perfect; they are neither too high nor too low, which makes entry and exit that much easier.
Likewise, the available cargo room is amazing whether the seats are up or down. In the latter case, the floor is almost totally flat, making the cavernous Armada a makeshift delivery or moving truck.
My only complaint -- at least as far as size is concerned -- is that driving such a mastodon requires a lot of practice and carefulness. Indeed, you have to get very familiar with the size of the vehicle to avoid traffic problems, especially during rush hours.
Power doesn't match size
The 2008 Nissan Armada offers a single engine choice: a 317-hp V8. Fortunately, it's one of the most powerful in its class. But since this full-size SUV is also one of the heaviest, accelerations are greatly affected. Therefore, don't expect explosive takeoffs and passing maneuvers. What you'll get, though, is satisfying performance.
And don't forget the 4,182-kg towing capacity and 2,750-kg payload capacity. These are pretty strong selling arguments. The Armada will meet the needs of luxury-minded folks who also want to use their trucks as capable work tools.
But because I'm a truck guy doesn't necessarily mean that I like them all -- they have to meet certain requirements. Despite some awfully nice attributes, the Armada also has its fair share of drawbacks, even for an enthusiast like myself.
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| The full-fledged Nissan Armada is fully stretched indeed. |
Size does matter!
In case you haven't noticed it already, the full-fledged Nissan Armada is one heck of a beast. Resting on a 3,129-mm wheelbase, it stretches well over 5 meters long, trumping such rivals as the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.
Obviously, being that large has some benefits. The seemingly limitless interior can easily accommodate 7 passengers, regardless of their size and shape.
Even better, because the interior is so spacious, access to every seating position is easy (it also helps to have strategically positioned levers). Really, there's nothing negative to say here. Even the side steps are perfect; they are neither too high nor too low, which makes entry and exit that much easier.
Likewise, the available cargo room is amazing whether the seats are up or down. In the latter case, the floor is almost totally flat, making the cavernous Armada a makeshift delivery or moving truck.
My only complaint -- at least as far as size is concerned -- is that driving such a mastodon requires a lot of practice and carefulness. Indeed, you have to get very familiar with the size of the vehicle to avoid traffic problems, especially during rush hours.
Power doesn't match size
The 2008 Nissan Armada offers a single engine choice: a 317-hp V8. Fortunately, it's one of the most powerful in its class. But since this full-size SUV is also one of the heaviest, accelerations are greatly affected. Therefore, don't expect explosive takeoffs and passing maneuvers. What you'll get, though, is satisfying performance.
And don't forget the 4,182-kg towing capacity and 2,750-kg payload capacity. These are pretty strong selling arguments. The Armada will meet the needs of luxury-minded folks who also want to use their trucks as capable work tools.
 |
| This 317-hp V8 is one of the most powerful in its class. |