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2008 Nissan Armada
2008 Nissan Armada Review
Updating the Fleet
The full-size Nissan Armada is one of the few Japanese SUVs that competes with the giant American stalwarts.
Both SUVs are based on the Nissan Titan pickup truck. The Armada received minor exterior and interior updates for 2008.
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The Nissan Armada has a fully boxed truck frame, which means that the vehicle is rugged and able to tow/haul heavy loads. It has a 5.6-liter V8 with generous low-end torque to facilitate heavy-duty use. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Both rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are offered. Maximum towing capacity is a hefty 9,100 pounds. The Armada’s automatic transmission includes a mode that adjusts shift patterns during towing or hauling.
Starting with the 2007 model year, the Armada added flex-fuel capability, which means it can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol, which is a blend of 85 percent alcohol and 15 percent gasoline. However, gas stations with E85 are rare.
The Nissan Armada is no slouch off road, though its tank-like size and weight might prevent it from tackling narrow and twisting trails. This big truck’s advanced four-wheel-drive system distributes power to all four wheels when conditions warrant, with a maximum 50/50 front-to-rear split. This is claimed to add off-road traction and improve on-road cornering. No surprise, the Armada’s fuel economy numbers are poor.The Nissan Armada comes with speed-sensitive power steering, and it rides on a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension. However, there’s no mistaking its bulk around sharp curves, or when navigating tight urban areas, where this bulky SUV can be a handful. Fortunately, its standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are able to stop the charging Armada quickly and efficiently.
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Available in base SE and upscale LE trim levels, the Nissan Armada offers a roomy and comfortable interior, with up to 14 cup holders and four 12-volt power outlets. High-tech features include a keyless entry/start system, a hard-drive digital music storage system and a navigation system with optional real-time traffic alerts.The front passenger’s seat back folds forward to provide a large, flat surface for those who work out of their vehicles. Second- and third-row split, folding bench seats come standard for maximum passenger and cargo flexibility. A seven-passenger configuration that comes with second-row captain’s chairs and a removable console is optional on the SE and standard on the LE. A power-operated split, folding, third-row bench seat is optional on the LE.
You tow or haul heavy loads; you drive off-road; you need seating for up to eight; fuel economy isn’t a priority; large vehicles make you feel safe on the road.
You don’t haul or tow heavy loads; you rarely, if ever, drive off-road (gravel driveways and level dirt roads don’t count); a smaller and nimbler SUV or wagon will meet your needs; you care about fuel economy; large vehicles’ lethargic reflexes make you feel unsafe on the road.
Eight adults can fit in the Nissan Armada’s spacious interior, though as with most vehicles of this type, it can be tough to get in and out of the rearmost row; it’s also a tall climb in and out, though standard power-adjustable brake/accelerator pedals can be a boon for shorter motorists.
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