2011 Nissan Armada

The Armada is Nissan’s first full-sized SUV. It is a four door SUV built on an F-Alpha platform with either a four wheel drive or a rear wheel drive mated to its front engine. The 2011 Nissan Armada has 3 trim levels: base SV, mid-range SL, and the top trim platinum.

The Nissan Armada’s base trim is installed with side step rails, power adjustable pedals, and a standard stereo system. It also offers dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors, 18 inch alloy wheel, eight way power driver seats, and a tilt steering column. The SL trim upgrades the 18 inch wheel to 20 inches while adding an auto-leveling rear suspension, fog lights, roof rack, and a tow package with leather upholstery and a keyless entry and ignition.

The Nissan Armada Platinum offers a sun roof, front parking sensors, driver memory functions, power folding mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, power lift gates, a navigation system, and a DVD entertainment system coupled with a Bose audio system with 9.3 GB in storage capacity.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: SUV Base Price: $37,910.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 28 gallons (105 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 12 city / 18 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 207.7 in. (527.5cm) Width: 79.3 in. (201 cm)
Height: 77.2 in. (196 cm) Wheel Base: 123.2 in. (312 cm)
Curb Weight: 5346 lbs (2424 kg) Ground Clearance: 9.8 in. (24.8 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 20 cu ft Maximum Seating: 7 people
Performance
Engine: 32-valve DOHC V8 Displacement: 5.6-liter
Horsepower: 317 HP Max RPM: 5200 RPM
Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm Transmission: X-Speed Automatic
Max Towing Capacity 2WD: 8200 lbs (3719 kgs) Max Towing Capacity 4WD: 6500 lbs (2948 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:SV 4WD MSRP: $38,490; MPG: 12 city / 18 hwy
Option:SL 2WD MSRP: $43,640; MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy
Option:Platinum 2WD MSRP: $50,890; MPG: 13 city / 19 hwy

Engine & Performance

The Nissan Armada possesses a 5.6 L V8 317 horsepower engine with maximum rpm of 5200. It can tow a load of up to 9,100 pounds. The Armada only offers a five-speed automatic transmission system and has very poor mileage, even when compared among its class. It runs 13 mpg in traffic, 19 mpg in highways, and 15 mpg on average.

For its brute force and size, it handles surprisingly well. Steering is tight and overall control and breaking ability commendable.

Interior & Exterior

As a power truck, the Nissan Armada looks just as it should look like – large and bulky. It’s not much for style and aesthetics, but that’s not what the Armada is all about. Its wheelbase spans 3.12 m in length and it boasts of a monstrous body measuring 5.27 m long, 2 m wide, and 1.98 m tall. It has a ground clearance of 9.8 inch and a cargo capacity of 20 cubic feet. As SUVs go, you’ll either love it or hate it depending on your aesthetic inclinations.

Inside, there’s not much difference from what you can see outside. It’s still big, boasting of a spacious cabin and lots of head room and leg room. Interior décor is average, with other competitors beating the Armada in this regard. It is also hard to get into and out of the truck due to its height.

The Armada has 3 row seats, 2 front row seats and a 2nd and 3rd row seats for passengers. It can seat up to 7 or 8 passengers. Upholstery is again, nothing too exceptional and there are others of the competition offering better in this regard.

Safety & Reliability

As far as safety goes, the Nissan Armada scored very well. It scored 5 stars for driver protection and 4 stars for passenger protection, both for frontal crashes. The truck is equipped with anti-lock brakes with braking assist and electronic brake-force distribution. It also has an electronic stability control system with traction control, and complete front and side air bags on all three rows of seats. It also has a tire pressure monitor and an optional rear view monitor display.

Comparisons

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you might want to take a look at Toyota Sequoia (MSRP $40,930; 14 city / 20 hwy). Compared to the Armada, it is easier to drive and has a nicer interior. The Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $37,980; 15 city / 21 hwy) also beats the Armada in terms of fuel economy. The Tahoe is also easier to get into, and has a longer warranty, too.

Pros
• Powerful
• 4 wheel drive allows it to conquer difficult terrain
• Handles well for a SUV
Cons
• Poor mileage
• Unattractive look
• Drab interior when compared to its competitors

Overall Rating
65 out of 100

What others say:

“Rugged good looks and a strong powertrain make the 2011 Nissan Armada desirable, but compared to other large SUVs its lacking in most other respects.”Car Connection

“Armada is as clumsy in close quarters as any big SUV. The steering has a firm feel, but this big SUV reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean.”Consumer Guide

“The 2011 Nissan Armada remains a solid full-size SUV entering its eighth year of production, but newer rivals from Toyota and GM deserve close looks as well.”Edmunds

“This large SUV has seating for eight. Power comes from a 5.6-liter, V8 engine mated to a five-speed automatic.”MSN-ConsumerReports

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