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2007 Nissan Armada Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
2007 Nissan Armada Review
This large SUV gets more power for 2007. Armada is based on Nissan's Titan pickup truck. It offers SE and LE versions in rear- and 4-wheel drive. The 4WD system can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The sole engine is again a 5.6-liter V8 but now with 317 hp vs 305. It teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. ABS and an antiskid system are standard. A load-leveling suspension is standard on LE, optional on SE. A power liftgate is standard on LEs, available for SEs; both include opening glass. Curtain side airbags covering all three seating rows are standard. Front side airbags and leather upholstery are available for SE, standard on LE. 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. The 3rd-row bench has a 60/40 split and folds into the cargo floor. Exclusive to LE 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 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse seven-plus passenger wagons with brawny truck-type chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally poor fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and GMC Yukon and Denali. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Expedition.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon and Denali, and Ford Expedition.
News
Sources say Armada may get a freshening of some kind for 2008--emphasize "may." With demand for big SUVs generally soft now, Nissan may be unwilling to spend money updating a vehicle that isn't selling well, even though each sale earns a hefty profit. A redesigned Armada is being rumored for model-year 2010 or 2011.
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2007 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

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
5 5 5.8

Armada and QX56 deliver fairly strong takeoffs. Armada bests heavier QX56 for passing response 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

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
2 2 2.7

Test 2WD Armadas averaged 12-14.5 mpg, depending on driving conditions. No opportunity to measure with 4WD Armada. Test QX56 averaged 12.9 mpg. Armada uses regular-grade fuel. Infiniti recommends premium for QX56.
Ride Quality

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
6 6 6.4

Armada, QX56 take most low-speed bumps and ruts in stride, but jiggle 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. Load-leveling suspension is standard on QX56, available on Armada, and we recommend it.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
3 3 3.7

As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUVs. Steering has firm feel, but Armada, QX56 react slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping control, but testers divided on pedal modulation: Some find too much free play.
Quietness

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
5 5 6.5

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

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
5 5 6.4

Armada/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)

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)

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
7 7 7.7

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

4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. 2WD LE Class Average
8 8 8.6

High-ride stance means high load floor, makes available power liftgate a near necessity. No need to remove any headrests to fold rear seatbacks. Modest space behind 3rd-row seat, but its 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

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. They also 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
56 55 64.1
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
55
Average Score
64
High Score
70
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2007 Nissan Armada Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD SE 4-door wagon $34,950 $31,775 $735
4WD SE 4-door wagon $37,750 $34,321 $735
2WD LE 4-door wagon $40,250 $36,594 $735
4WD LE 4-door wagon $43,050 $39,140 $735
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, 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 and rear traction control, front tow hooks, skid plates.
LE adds to SE:
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, pedals, mirrors), 2nd-row bucket seats w/removable center console, power rear-quarter windows, Bose sound system, power liftgate, automatic day/night mirrors w/turn signals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hitch receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, load-leveling suspension, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, 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
LE
$1,000
$867
Leather Pkg. (SE) plus power sunroof, power liftgate (SE).
Sunroof Pkg. w/Satellite Radio
SE
$4,100
$3,556
LE
$1,350
$1,172
Journey Pkg.
SE
$4,350
$3,773
Sunroof Pkg. plus 2nd-row bucket seats w/removable center console.
Journey Pkg. w/Satellite Radio
SE
$4,700
$4,077
Technology Pkg.
LE
$3,900
$3,383
Power sunroof, navigation system, rearview camera, chrome alloy wheels.
Technology Pkg. w/Satellite Radio
LE
$4,250
$3,687
Tow Pkg.
SE
$650
$564
Receiver hitch, additional wiring, special axle ratio, heavy-duty battery, transmission-temperature gauge, load-leveling suspension. Std. LE.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.6-liter V8 engine
LE, SE
$0
$0
Not available in all areas.
Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
LE, SE
$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
$50
$37
Floormats
LE, SE
$210
$155
Includes cargo mat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Grille guard
LE, SE
$650
$549
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2007 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. 317 @ 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
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