2018 NISSAN ARMADA...ONE MAN'S OPINION

     The Nissan Armada is a full-size V8 SUV which up until 2015 had been built in the U.S. on the Titan pickup chassis. Now that the new Titan has arrived, Nissan has switched direction for the Armada. Skipping the 2016 model year, the big SUV returned in 2017 still built on a truck chassis, but now it comes from the Japanese built Patrol that’s sold in various global markets.

     The Reserve is a $3000 package tacked on to the already loaded up Platinum trim. The dark chrome 20” wheels are specific to the Reserve and the outside bright trim gets a matching look. Inside are black/brown premium leather seats with contrast stitching, open-pore woodtone dash and door panel trim, and Platinum Reserve badging. Pricing is in line with what other non-luxury-brand manufacturers are asking for the plushest versions of their large SUVs.

     The 390 hp 5.6L V8 and 7-speed Automatic provide strong acceleration and can tow up to 8500 pounds when equipped with the optional towing package. With great power comes great responsibility however, and Armada owners will be responsible for buying a lot of gas. Fuel economy for the 4WD version rates 13 city and 18 highway. I averaged 16 overall during my usage. Intelligent 4WD delivers power to all wheels upon start up and then shifts to rear drive once the truck is up to speed. 

     Nissan also slaps the “Intelligent” label on it's surround-view monitor, cruise control, and rearview mirror. The latter being a new feature that switches from a traditional mirror to an LCD-monitor camera view. Other standard tech and convenience features include automatic LED headlights, fog lights, front and rear parking sonar, keyless entry, remote start, heated power-folding mirrors, power liftgate, roof rails, power moonroof, and 5 USB ports. Electronic safety features consist of lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert/intervention, and blind-spot warning/intervention.

     The Platinum comes standard with Family Entertainment that includes 2 color screens built into the front-seat headrests, 2 wireless headphones, and HDMI input. Infotainment comes in the form of a 13-speaker HD Bose audio, satellite radio, and NissanConnect navigation and remote services. Comfort is addressed through full-length running boards, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning controls, a 10-way power driver seat with memory, an 8-way power passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and heated leather steering wheel. The cargo area behind the third row is limited just like it’s competitors. The 2nd-row seats fold and flip forward and the 3rd-row seats power up/down—although VERY slowly—for better load capacity.

TEST VEHICLE =                   2018 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
                                           Hermosa Blue
                                           Black/Brown Leather Seats
                                           390 hp 5.6L V8
                                           7-speed Automatic

BASE PRICE =                        Armada SV 2WD             $47,500 including destination
PRICE AS TESTED =               Armada Platinum 4WD    $66,800 fully loaded

MPG =                                  13 City
                                            19 Hwy

COMPETITION =                    Ford Expedition.......$53,000 to $83,500 loaded up
                                            Chevrolet Tahoe......$49,000 to $74,500 loaded up
                                            Toyota Sequoia........$49,500 to $68,500 loaded up

COLORS =                              Pearl White
                                             Forged Copper
                                             Mocha Almond
                                             Hermosa Blue
                                             Brilliant Silver
                                             Gun
                                             Super Black

2018 NISSAN LEAF.....ONE MAN'S OPINION

     The 2nd generation 2018 Nissan LEAF is the 5th best-selling all-electric vehicle in the U.S. and enters the 2018 electric vehicle market with more driving range, more horsepower, and new e-Pedal and ProPILOT Assist systems. This redesigned compact hatchback has aggressive new styling all around as well as new technology features, but with lower sticker prices. The electric motor is rated at 147 horsepower which is a considerable improvement from the previous models 107. The LEAF's EPA-rated 151-mile driving range pales in comparison to the 238-mile range on the Chevrolet Bolt. But then again it's also around $5,600 cheaper than the Bolt. So it begs the question; Is another 80-90 miles of driving range worth 5 grand to you?  It takes about 35 hours to fully recharge the battery with a 120-volt “Level 1” hookup, and about 7.5 hours when plugged into a 240-volt “Level 2” feed. The “e-Pedal” feature dials in aggressive regenerative-braking which enables the driver to be able to start, accelerate, decelerate, or even stop depending on how the accelerator pedal is used. When the pedal is released all the way, regenerative and friction brakes are applied automatically. If the driver times things right, the car will come to a complete stop without need of the brake pedal. Then the LEAF holds its position until the accelerator is pressed again. The holding action works on slopes too. Included within the optional Technology Package is a faint whiff of autonomous driving known as ProPILOT Assist. This feature automatically maintains speed and distance from a car ahead and can even make a full stop when necessary. It will also keep the car neatly centered in its lane so long as the driver maintains a minimal grip on the wheel. What ProPILOT Assist does is absolutely clear. Nissan calls it a “driving assistance technology” but it has considerable limits. 

     The LEAF has lively overall throttle response, nimble handling, an almost-plush interior, and upgraded technology. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is included in the SV and SL; so is NissanConnect telematics which has the ability to connect to the vehicle via a smartphone to remotely check battery charge level, lock or unlock the doors, turn on the heat, and locate the car in a crowded lot. LEAF comes in 3 flavors; S ($31,000), SV ($33,500), and SL ($37,000).

I Like the LEAF Because...

     It's a peppy little commuter car that's good for the planet (YES I do care about that!). Plus...it finally doesn't look like a frog, it has a somewhat kickass BOSE sound system, and enough technology features to be able to hold its own amongst it's peers.

One Down Side...

     Choosing an all-electric vehicle means a total lifestyle change. If you are the type of person who hates change...do not ever consider an electric vehicle as your daily transportation.

What's New for 2018

Re-design for the 2018 model year.

TEST VEHICLE =                   2018 Nissan LEAF SL
                                           Scarlet Ember
                                           Black Leather Seats
                                           147 hp Electric Vehicle
                                           1-speed Automatic

BASE PRICE =                        $37,000 including destination fees
PRICE AS TESTED =               $38,500 including options

e-MPG =                                151 miles

COMPETITION =                    Ford Focus EV.............$30,000
                                            Chevrolet Bolt EV........ $37,500
                                            Hyundai IONIQ EV.........$30,500

COLORS =                              Glacier White
                                             Pearl White
                                             Jade Frost
                                             Deep Blue Pearl
                                             Scarlet Ember
                                             Brilliant Silver
                                             Gun
                                             Super Black

2017 HONDA CIVIC COUPE.....ONE OWNER'S OPINION

     I wasn't crazy about the Civic when the redesign showed up for 2016. In fact, being the 2-door Coupe fan that I am I had pretty much decided on leasing a 2017 Accord Coupe in June of last year when I was thinking of turning in my 2013 Altima Coupe early. The 2-door Coupe body style is almost non-existent these days in the automotive marketplace. As a sidebar, let me be clear when i use the term "Coupe". A coupe is a 2-door! That's it. End of story! I am very passionate about this subject because manufacturers keep making these sleek looking "4-door Coupe's" and it pisses me off that consumers have now bought into the hype. It's nothing more than a marketing ploy to give automakers a reason to offer more model choices than is entirely necessary. Anywho, I always liked the Accord Coupe but had never sat in nor drove one so off I went to my local Honda dealer to check it out. I let the salesman talk me into looking at and driving the Civic Coupe. Much to my surprise, I really really liked it. Then came the Accord. Again but on the opposite end I was surprised. I didn't like the way the Accord drove and it's interior was awful. So I leased the car tested here today. Back to present day. Currently, this test vehicle (my personal car) is being repaired after some jackass plowed into the the back of it over a month ago.

I Like the Civic Because...

     It's an inexpensive, efficient and reliable commuter car with a spunky little turbocharged, engine. Throw in a design that grows on you, a 10-speaker sound system, an amazing list of standard features, and you have a real winner. You'd be hard pressed to find another car in this class that comes w/ a Power Moonroof, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Automatic Climate Control, and a blind spot monitor that pops up automatically in the infotainment screen each time the right turn signal is turned on, all standard.

What's New for 2018

There are no changes or updates for the 2018 model year.

Driving It

A big part of the 2017 Honda Civic's winning formula is the way it combines practicality, efficiency and everyday comfort with modest to maximum dashes of sportiness. The smaller but more powerful turbo 1.5L used in higher trims of the sedan and coupe and all versions of the new Civic hatch offers good acceleration and nary a hint of turbo lag. Most buyers will prefer an automatic, and the Civic's CVT (continuously variable transmission) is among the best at mimicking a traditional one.

TEST VEHICLE =                   2017 Honda Civic EX-T Coupe
                                           White Orchid Pearl
                                           Black/Gray Cloth Seats
                                           175 hp 1.5 4-cylinder Turbo
                                           CVT

BASE PRICE =                        $23,300
PRICE AS TESTED =               $24,350 including options/destination fees

MPG =                                   31 city / 39 highway / 35 Combined

COMPETITION =                    Hyundai Veloster..........$20,000
                                            Volkswagen Beetle........$21,000
                                            MINI Cooper................$22,450

COLORS =                              White Orchid Pearl
                                             Energy Green
                                             Aegean Blue
                                             Rallye Red
                                             Lunar Silver
                                             Modern Steel
                                             Crystal Black Pearl

2017 FORD EDGE...ONE MAN'S OPINION

     The Edge reviewed here came from the folks at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. About 3 weeks prior to this review my daily driver, a 2017 Honda Civic Coupe (review forthcoming) was plowed into while parked in front of my apt. by some dumbass at 1:30 am driving a Nissan Versa Sedan. The occupants fled but left the car behind so the police impounded it. Anywho, when I went to pick up my rental car they gave me a base model 2017 Infiniti QX70 which quite honestly sucked ass! I cannot believe they charge $62/day for that thing! No navigation, leather that felt like cheap vinyl, a so-so sound system, no bluetooth audio, not even roof rails. But enough about that. After the QX suffered a flat tire, I swapped it out for the Edge. 

      The Edge surprised me. Now I've never been a big fan of it's looks & I'm still not. However, the Edge drove amazingly well. In this particular rental, the driver's power seat recliner & lumbar support buttons didn't work as well as the seat heater. In spite of that though I still managed to find a comfortable driving position. There were a lot buttons controlling many different functions and the gauges in the instrument panel were very hard to read. I now know first hand why almost all of the major automotive publications dislike the Ford/Microsoft SYNC infotainment system. It is NOT very user friendly and at night the buttons do not illuminate very bright at all. Speaking of poor illumination, the headlights just out & out sucked. Maybe amongst the many available option packages there is one w/ better headlights included. If there is....OPT FOR IT....you'll be glad you did. 

     The 2017 Edge comes in SE, SEL, Sport, and Titanium trim styles. The base SE trim level w/ the EcoBoost 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder and 6-speed Automatic starts at $29,850 including destination fees. At the opposite end a loaded up Titanium AWD with the 3.5L V6 and all of the option boxes checked off runs about $47,000. Although I don't shop in this particular crossover category, that sounds like it's priced about the same as all the rest of 'em.

And now here is some vital information about the Edge which to your average non-car loving reader will mean absolutely jack squat! Bring on the car geek specs!

TEST VEHICLE =                   2017 Ford Edge Titanium AWD
                                           Shadow Black
                                           Ebony Perforated Leather Seats
                                           245 hp EcoBoost 2.0 Turbo 4-cylinder
                                           6-speed Automatic

BASE PRICE =                        $38,500 including destination fees
PRICE AS TESTED =               $41,350 including options/destination fees

MPG =                                   20 city / 27 highway / 22 Combined

COMPETITION =                    Buick Envision.....$35,000
                                            Kia Sorento........$26,500
                                            Nissan Murano.....$30,750

COLORS =                              White Platinum
                                             White Gold
                                             Canyon Ridge
                                             Blue Jeans
                                             Ruby Red
                                             Burgundy Velvet
                                             Ingot Silver
                                             Magnetic
                                             Shadow Black

& NOW I REVIEW THE...

     Howdy readers...long time no post. The next several postings will be reviews mostly of the current Nissan and Infiniti models for 2018 plus a few other makes/models thrown in for the sake of variety. 

     Here's what you can look forward to reading about:

Honda Civic Coupe

Ford Edge

Nissan Z

Nissan GT-R

Nissan Versa Note

Nissan Sentra

Nissan LEAF

Nissan Altima

Nissan Maxima

Nissan Rogue Sport

Nissan Rogue Hybrid

Nissan Rogue

Nissan Murano

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Armada

Nissan Titan

Nissan Titan XD

Infiniti Q60

Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q70

Infiniti QX30

Infiniti QX50 (model year 2019)

Infiniti QX60

Infiniti QX80

Read On...

EVERYTHING'S THE SAME...BUT DIFFERENT

     Yes I'm aware the title of this post makes no sense. Back in the 50's (& possibly even earlier than that), we saw American car companies start to "badge engineer" or clone vehicles in order to give the buying public more choices. For example, park the 1958 Buick Limited next to any of it's 1958 siblings like the Cadillac Sedan deVille, Pontiac Bonneville, or Oldsmobile 98 and you can unmistakably notice they're cut from the same GM mold respectively. In today's way overcrowded and highly overrated automotive market place in order to bring the freshest product to market faster than the competition, car companies are platform sharing with rival brands which has proven to cut manufacturing costs etc...etc...In my opinion manufacturer's seem to be churning out more & more of the same damn thing. Take a look at some examples below. Some are currently in collaboration with the very manufacturer they're product looks so much like. While others literally have never worked together but sure look like they do.

FORD

Explorer

LAND ROVER
Range Rover Sport

ALFA ROMEO
Guilia

INFINITI
Q50

MERCEDES-BENZ
C300 Coupe

INFINITI
Q60 Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA

INFINITI
QX30

MAZDA
CX-5

INFINITI

QX50