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2008 Nissan Armada Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
Also in the 2008 Nissan Armada Review:
5.
6.
Nissan Armada Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Nissan Armada Review
Freshened styling and more available features mark the 2008 Nissan Armada. Armada shares its basic design with 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 a 5.6-liter V8. It teams with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 9100 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags. 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. Leather upholstery is available for SE, standard on LE. A 2nd-row bench for eight-passenger capacity is standard. Seven-passenger seating with captains chairs for the 2nd-row and a removable center console is a no-cost option on LE. The 3rd-row bench has a 60/40 split and folds into the cargo floor. Newly available features include keyless access and engine start and a Bose-brand audio system with 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. Exclusive to LE is an optional navigation system. 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, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.
Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. We have no Recommended picks in this class for 2008.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon add a gas/electric hybrid model for 2008.
News
A redesigned Armada is being rumored for model-year 2010 or 2011.
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2008 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 delivers fairly strong takeoffs, and it bests heavier QX56 for towing capacity, 9100 lb vs. 8900. One test Armada had overly sensitive throttle action, resulting in jerky progress around town. Handy tow-haul mode complements the alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Armada delivers fairly strong takeoffs, and it bests heavier QX56 for towing capacity, 9100 lb vs. 8900. One test Armada had overly sensitive throttle action, resulting in jerky progress around town. Handy tow-haul mode complements the alert, smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD Armadas averaged 12 mpg in mostly city driving and just 14.5 in mostly highway use. A QX56 averaged 12.7 mpg with slightly more city driving. Armada uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Nissan/Infiniti recommends premium for the QX56.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2.8 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD Armadas averaged 12 mpg in mostly city driving and just 14.5 in mostly highway use. A QX56 averaged 12.7 mpg with slightly more city driving. Armada uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel. Nissan/Infiniti recommends premium for the QX56.
Ride Quality
Most low-speed bumps and ruts are taken in stride, but jiggle is noticeable over patchy pavement and expansion joints at highway speeds. Armada doesn't show much float or wallow on dips and swells. We recommend the available load-leveling suspension.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Most low-speed bumps and ruts are taken in stride, but jiggle is noticeable over patchy pavement and expansion joints at highway speeds. Armada doesn't show much float or wallow on dips and swells. We recommend the available load-leveling suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking
As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUVs. The steering has a firm feel, but Armada reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping control, but testers are divided on pedal modulation. Some find too much free play.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
As clumsy in close quarters as any big SUVs. The steering has a firm feel, but Armada reacts slowly to inputs. Cornering behavior is generally good, with no undue noseplow or body lean. Good stopping control, but testers are divided on pedal modulation. Some find too much free play.
Quietness
Armada suffers marked full-throttle engine roar. Wind and road noise are nicely muffled. Test examples had various creaks and rattles, including a squeaking steering column and wind whistle from the cargo area.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Armada suffers marked full-throttle engine roar. Wind and road noise are nicely muffled. Test examples had various creaks and rattles, including a squeaking steering column and wind whistle from the cargo area.
Controls
The gauges are easy to read. Simple three-dial climate system may be a stretch away for some drivers, and dial positions can be tough to decipher in sunny conditions.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The gauges are easy to read. Simple three-dial climate system may be a stretch away for some drivers, and dial positions can be tough to decipher in sunny conditions.
Details
Interior decor is mostly plain with materials that trail Armada's large-SUV rivals.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Interior decor is mostly plain with materials that trail Armada's large-SUV rivals.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy, supportive seats, but Armada wedges driver's manual lumbar-adjustment lever against the door pillar. Standard tilt steering wheel teams with standard power pedals to fine-tune a comfortable driving position. Small nearby objects are tough to spot, but visibility is commanding otherwise, helped by jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests. Very high step-in gives standard running boards a workout.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
Roomy, supportive seats, but Armada wedges driver's manual lumbar-adjustment lever against the door pillar. Standard tilt steering wheel teams with standard power pedals to fine-tune a comfortable driving position. Small nearby objects are tough to spot, but visibility is 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 step-in is steep here, too. Generous 2nd-row space, but the 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 | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Large doorways, but step-in is steep here, too. Generous 2nd-row space, but the 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 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.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9.6 |
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
Armada doesn't lead the large-SUV class in any area. It trails key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry and 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.
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 7.5 |
Armada doesn't lead the large-SUV class in any area. It trails key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry and 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.
Total Score
| 4WD SE | 2WD LE | Class Average |
| 62 | 61 | 71.1 |
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 61 | |
| Average Score | 71 | |
| High Score | 79 |
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2008 Nissan Armada Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/25/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $35,500 | $33,325 | $745 |
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| 4WD SE 4-door wagon | $38,300 | $34,871 | $745 |
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| 2WD LE 4-door wagon | $42,000 | $38,234 | $745 |
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| 4WD LE 4-door wagon | $44,800 | $40,780 | $745 |
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, 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, 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-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, 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, front-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, keyless access and starting, rearview camera, Bose sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, power liftgate.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Load-leveling suspension, 275/60R20 tires, 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 |
|
Driver's Pkg.
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||
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SE
|
$2,500
|
$2,168
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Front-obstacle-detection system, rearview camera, Bose sound system, satellite radio, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, power liftgate release, fog lights.
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Premium Pkg.
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SE
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$4,600
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$3,990
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Driver's Pkg. plus front side airbags, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, keyless access and starting.
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Preferred Pkg.
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LE
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$1,000
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$867
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Heated front seats, automatic day/night outside mirrors w/turn signals, power rear-quarter windows, wireless cell phone link.
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Technology Pkg.
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LE
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$2,400
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$2,082
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Navigation system, traffic information, hard drive, heated steering wheel, power-folding 3rd-row seat, upgraded tire pressure monitor. Requires Preferred Pkg., Tow Pkg.
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Tow Pkg.
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SE
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$650
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$564
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LE
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$350
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$304
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Receiver hitch, additional wiring, special axle ratio, heavy-duty battery, transmission-temperature gauge, load-leveling suspension (SE).
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Powertrain |
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Flex-fuel 5.6-liter V8 engine
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LE, SE
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$0
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$0
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Not available in all areas.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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LE, SE
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$1,000
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$867
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DVD entertainment system
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LE, SE
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$1,600
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$1,388
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Requires Driver's Pkg., Tow Pkg.
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2nd-row captain chairs
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LE
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$0
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$0
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Includes removable center console.
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Cargo organizer
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LE, SE
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$210
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$157
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Floormats
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LE, SE
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$220
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$167
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Includes cargo mat.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Trailer hitch
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LE, SE
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$475
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$407
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 5593 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 97.1 |
| 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
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| 5-speed automatic | 12/17 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Nissan Armada Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Armada Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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