2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada - Big is Beautiful, Baby
When does size matter? When pulling a large, heavy trailer or loading up a payload of eight people and their cargo. Nissan figures there are enough new car buyers who use their SUVs for more than commuting to work who will want to step up to its full-size Pathfinder Armada.
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| The Pathfinder Armada made its debut at the New York Auto Show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
To be clear, the 2004 model doesn't replace the midsize Pathfinder, but instead adds to the brand's diverse SUV line. Other than the Pathfinder, that line includes the tough little Xterra and the all-new car-based midsize Murano.
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show last month, the big sport utility pulls much inspiration and architectural underpinnings from the brand's Titan pickup that was much of the excitement at the Detroit show in January. Most evidently similar is its pronounced hood bulge, conforming headlamp clusters, bold grille and chrome laden lower fascia.
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| Being only the second full-size SUV from an import brand, the first being the Toyota Sequoia, the Pathfinder Armada was one of the more important press events at this year's New York show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Continue on past the front door, however, and the Armada takes on a look all of its own. The rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillar, similar to previous Nissan SUVs including the current Pathfinder, while the arc in the door outline dips just above in an unorthodox but nevertheless effective styling detail. The Armada pulls a little heritage from the first generation Pathfinder in its chiseled fender flares, but the way they continue on toward the rear of the vehicle and then transform into the taillights is all new.