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2006 Nissan Armada Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2006 Nissan Armada Review:
2006 Nissan Armada Review
A more-versatile 3rd-row seat highlights this large SUV for 2006. Armada is based on Nissan's Titan pickup truck. It offers SE and LE versions in 2- and 4-wheel drive, and a 4WD SE Off-Road model. The 4WD system can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The sole powertrain is a 305-hp V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. ABS and antiskid system are standard. A load-leveling suspension is optional on SE, standard elsewhere. SE Off-Road has a special suspension and gains a standard towing package for '06. A power liftgate is standard on LEs, available for SEs; all include opening glass. Curtain side airbags covering all three seating rows are standard. Front side airbags and leather upholstery are available for SE, standard otherwise. LE seats seven and has 2nd-row bucket seats with a removable center console. Optional on LE and standard on the others is a 2nd-row bench for eight-passenger capacity. For '06, a 60/40 split folding 3rd-row bench seat replaces a one-piece type. All rear seats fold into a level load deck. Exclusive to LEs is an optional navigation system with rearview camera. Nissan's upscale Infiniti brand sells a retrimmed Armada as the QX56.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse 7-plus passenger wagons with brawny chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally abysmal fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are GMC Yukon, GMC Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are GMC Yukon, GMC Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.
News
With demand for big SUVs now generally soft, Armada should get only minor near-term changes. A rumored interior upgrade failed to materialize for '06, but could be on the '07 menu.
2006 Nissan Armada Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Trailer-towing capability | Entry/exit |
| Visibility | |
| Interior storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Armada and QX56 deliver fairly strong takeoffs. Armada bests heavier QX56 for passing response at any speed and for towing capacity, 9100 lb vs. 8900. Test QX56 and one test Armada had overly sensitive throttle action, resulting in jerky progress around town. Handy tow-haul mode complements alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Armada and QX56 deliver fairly strong takeoffs. Armada bests heavier QX56 for passing response at any speed and for towing capacity, 9100 lb vs. 8900. Test QX56 and one test Armada had overly sensitive throttle action, resulting in jerky progress around town. Handy tow-haul mode complements alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Test 2WD Armadas averaged 12.0-14.5 mpg depending on driving conditions. No opportunity to measure with 4WD Armada. Test AWD QX56 averaged 12.9 mpg. Armada uses regular-grade fuel. Infiniti recommends premium for QX56.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 2WD Armadas averaged 12.0-14.5 mpg depending on driving conditions. No opportunity to measure with 4WD Armada. Test AWD QX56 averaged 12.9 mpg. Armada uses regular-grade fuel. Infiniti recommends premium for QX56.
Ride Quality
Takes most low-speed bumps and ruts in stride, but jiggles over patchy pavement and expansion joints at highway speeds. QX56 a tad smoother, more absorbent than Armada. Neither shows much float or wallow on dips and swells.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Takes most low-speed bumps and ruts in stride, but jiggles over patchy pavement and expansion joints at highway speeds. QX56 a tad smoother, more absorbent than Armada. Neither shows much float or wallow on dips and swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking
As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUV. Steering has firm feel, but Armada, QX56 react slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping power, but testers divided on pedal modulation: some find too much free play. Load-leveling suspension is standard on QX56, available on Armada, and we recommend it.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUV. Steering has firm feel, but Armada, QX56 react slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping power, but testers divided on pedal modulation: some find too much free play. Load-leveling suspension is standard on QX56, available on Armada, and we recommend it.
Quietness
Extra sound insulation renders QX56 slightly quieter overall than Armada, but both suffer marked full-throttle engine roar. Wind and road noise nicely muffled. Suspension on one test QX56 creaked over low-speed bumps.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Extra sound insulation renders QX56 slightly quieter overall than Armada, but both suffer marked full-throttle engine roar. Wind and road noise nicely muffled. Suspension on one test QX56 creaked over low-speed bumps.
Controls
Armada and QX56 share a basic cabin design, but Armada's decor is fairly plain vs. QX56's upscale aluminum and wood trim. Both have easy-to-read gauges, handy steering-wheel switches for cruise control, select audio functions. Simple three-dial climate system may be a stretch away for some drivers, and dial positions can be tough to decipher in daylight. Test Armadas had various creaks and rattles, including squeaking steering column and wind whistle from cargo area.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
Armada and QX56 share a basic cabin design, but Armada's decor is fairly plain vs. QX56's upscale aluminum and wood trim. Both have easy-to-read gauges, handy steering-wheel switches for cruise control, select audio functions. Simple three-dial climate system may be a stretch away for some drivers, and dial positions can be tough to decipher in daylight. Test Armadas had various creaks and rattles, including squeaking steering column and wind whistle from cargo area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, supportive seats, but Armada wedges driver's manual lumbar-adjustment lever against door pillar. Standard tilt steering wheel (powered on QX56) teams with standard power pedals to fine-tune comfortable driving position. Small nearby objects tough to spot, but visibility commanding otherwise, helped by jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests. Very high step-in gives standard running boards a workout.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.7 |
Roomy, supportive seats, but Armada wedges driver's manual lumbar-adjustment lever against door pillar. Standard tilt steering wheel (powered on QX56) teams with standard power pedals to fine-tune comfortable driving position. Small nearby objects tough to spot, but visibility commanding otherwise, helped by jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests. Very high step-in gives standard running boards a workout.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Large doorways, but steep step-in here, too. Generous 2nd-row space, but available bucket seats are narrow and lack proper contouring and thigh support. They tumble forward, but leave a slim passage that means a jungle-gym climb into or out of 3rd row. Once there, adults find a flat, hard, undersized bench and less space than in most other large SUVs.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.6 |
Large doorways, but steep step-in here, too. Generous 2nd-row space, but available bucket seats are narrow and lack proper contouring and thigh support. They tumble forward, but leave a slim passage that means a jungle-gym climb into or out of 3rd row. Once there, adults find a flat, hard, undersized bench and less space than in most other large SUVs.
Cargo Room
High-ride stance means high load floor, makes available power liftgate a near necessity. No need to remove any rear headrests to fold rear seatbacks. Modest space behind 3rd-row seat, but its new split folding design adds versatility. Too bad raising those 3rd-row seats requires crawling into load area or climbing into 2nd row. Right-front seatback folds flat for a long cargo channel. Terrific interior storage: bins, pockets, beverage holders abound.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 |
High-ride stance means high load floor, makes available power liftgate a near necessity. No need to remove any rear headrests to fold rear seatbacks. Modest space behind 3rd-row seat, but its new split folding design adds versatility. Too bad raising those 3rd-row seats requires crawling into load area or climbing into 2nd row. Right-front seatback folds flat for a long cargo channel. Terrific interior storage: bins, pockets, beverage holders abound.
Value within Class
Armada and its luxury cousin, the QX56 from Nissan's Infiniti division, don't lead their respective classes in any area. And they trail key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Still, engine performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Despite quality gaffes in some of our test models, Nissan does have a good reputation for mechanical reliability, to which Infiniti adds red-carpet customer treatment.
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 7.6 |
Armada and its luxury cousin, the QX56 from Nissan's Infiniti division, don't lead their respective classes in any area. And they trail key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Still, engine performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Despite quality gaffes in some of our test models, Nissan does have a good reputation for mechanical reliability, to which Infiniti adds red-carpet customer treatment.
Total Score
| 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 57 | 56 | 61.4 |
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 61 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2006 Nissan Armada Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $34,700 | $31,548 | $705 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD SE 4-door wagon | $37,500 | $34,093 | $705 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD SE Off-Road 4-door wagon | $41,000 | $37,275 | $705 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LE 4-door wagon | $40,000 | $36,366 | $705 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD LE 4-door wagon | $42,800 | $38,912 | $705 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SE
Powertrain
5.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls and rear controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power-adjustable pedals, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, rear radio controls, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rack, running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 265/70R18 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, 7-pin wiring harness, skid plates.
SE Off-Road adds to SE:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, Bose sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks, 7-pin wiring harness, Class IV tow hitch, skid plates, off-road suspension, load-leveling suspension, 285/70R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
LE adds to SE Off-Road:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), 2nd-row bucket seats w/removable center console, power rear-quarter windows, power liftgate, heated power-folding mirrors w/automatic day/night and turn signals.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension.
265/70R18 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$2,350
|
$2,039
|
|
Front side airbags, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, Bose sound system.
|
||
|
Sunroof Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$3,750
|
$3,253
|
|
SE Off-Road
|
$1,400
|
$1,214
|
|
LE
|
$1,000
|
$867
|
|
Leather Pkg. (SE) plus power sunroof, power liftgate (SE, SE Off-Road).
|
||
|
Sunroof Pkg. w/satellite radio
|
||
|
SE
|
$4,100
|
$3,556
|
|
SE Off-Road
|
$1,750
|
$1,519
|
|
LE
|
$1,350
|
$1,172
|
|
Satellite radio requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Journey Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$4,350
|
$3,773
|
|
SE Off-Road
|
$2,000
|
$1,735
|
|
Sunroof Pkg. plus 2nd-row bucket seats w/removable center console.
|
||
|
Journey Pkg. w/satellite radio
|
||
|
SE
|
$4,700
|
$4,077
|
|
SE Off-Road
|
$2,350
|
$2,039
|
|
Satellite radio requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
LE
|
$3,400
|
$2,949
|
|
Sunroof Pkg. plus navigation system, rearview camera.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg. w/satellite radio
|
||
|
LE
|
$3,750
|
$3,253
|
|
Satellite radio requires monthly fee.
|
||
|
Tow Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$650
|
$564
|
|
Receiver hitch, additional wiring, special axle ratio, heavy-duty battery, transmission-temperature gauge, load-leveling suspension. Std. SE Off-Road, LE.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
LE, SE, SE Off-Road
|
$1,600
|
$1,388
|
|
SE requires Bose Pkg.
|
||
|
Bose Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$750
|
$651
|
|
Bose sound system.
|
||
|
2nd-row split bench seat
|
||
|
LE
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Interior air filter
|
||
|
LE, SE, SE Off-Road
|
$50
|
$37
|
|
Floormats
|
||
|
LE, SE, SE Off-Road
|
$210
|
$155
|
|
Includes cargo mat.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Grille guard
|
||
|
LE, SE, SE Off-Road
|
$630
|
$539
|
|
|
||
2006 Nissan Armada Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Armada 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 123.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 78.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5541 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 96.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 28.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 8 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.6 /341 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 305 @ 4900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 385 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Armada 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Nissan Armada Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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