Armada Platinum 4x4
The Nissan Armada is BIG there is no denying that & if BIG is what you need in an SUV I'd put this Nissan on your shopping list. Does it drive as big as it looks? Yes. Does it suck down gas as much as it looks like it would? Truth be told....yes. However, the reality is if you're buying something of this size it's because you've got a big troop to haul around to lots of different places & they've got friends, toys, & lots of other gear they want to bring along for the ride. Thus, you're really not expecting to get the same fuel mileage as a Camry Hybrid am I right?
On the inside the Armada seats 7 (or) 8 depending on the type of seating arrangement you choose for the second row of seats; a straight across standard bench or two captain's chair style bucket seats with a large console in between. The third row passengers have their own audio & temperature settings & there is plenty of room for all back there. The third row seats also have a split power folding up/down feature & there is an overhead console that runs the entire length of the car which features a wide screen DVD player, gaming console plug-ins, & again even more storage compartments for things like DVD's, games, or the wireless headphones & remote control that comes with the rear entertainment system. Of course the Armada Platinum also has the very easy to use HDD Navigation & BOSE audio system, heated leather seats & all the other goodies you'd want in an over $50k SUV. Having driven this luxuriously sturdy beast a few times to/from LA & San Diego I must say it is comfortable. Even my father, who is a devout fan of American made automobiles, gave the Armada kudos for how comfortable & roomy it is.
Now of course there is something I feel that product planners should have addressed on the Armada by now & that is the exterior design. This thing should have had at least what the industry calls a "minor refresh" by now. A new grille, redesigned bumpers, something to keep it looking somewhat fresh & updated. When comparing a 2004 model year Armada vs. today's the average untrained consumer eye probably won't see a whole lot of difference between the two. In my opinion if you're going to ask over $50k for something that averages around 18 MPG at least make it exciting to look at!
On the inside the Armada seats 7 (or) 8 depending on the type of seating arrangement you choose for the second row of seats; a straight across standard bench or two captain's chair style bucket seats with a large console in between. The third row passengers have their own audio & temperature settings & there is plenty of room for all back there. The third row seats also have a split power folding up/down feature & there is an overhead console that runs the entire length of the car which features a wide screen DVD player, gaming console plug-ins, & again even more storage compartments for things like DVD's, games, or the wireless headphones & remote control that comes with the rear entertainment system. Of course the Armada Platinum also has the very easy to use HDD Navigation & BOSE audio system, heated leather seats & all the other goodies you'd want in an over $50k SUV. Having driven this luxuriously sturdy beast a few times to/from LA & San Diego I must say it is comfortable. Even my father, who is a devout fan of American made automobiles, gave the Armada kudos for how comfortable & roomy it is.
Now of course there is something I feel that product planners should have addressed on the Armada by now & that is the exterior design. This thing should have had at least what the industry calls a "minor refresh" by now. A new grille, redesigned bumpers, something to keep it looking somewhat fresh & updated. When comparing a 2004 model year Armada vs. today's the average untrained consumer eye probably won't see a whole lot of difference between the two. In my opinion if you're going to ask over $50k for something that averages around 18 MPG at least make it exciting to look at!
Armada Platinum
Pricing begins at about $40,000 including destination charge for the "SV" w/ no options, & tops out at roughly $56,500 including destination charge for the "Platinum 4WD" w/ the Capt'n Chairs pkg & floor/rear cargo mats.EPA fuel mileage runs from about 13 city to 19 hwy. I averaged 16.5 MPG on one of my aforementioned trips to San Diego...YIKES!
+
- They don't come any BIGGER!
- Excellent Navigation & BOSE Stereo
- 9000 lbs. towing capability
- Great Visibility & Parking Assistance
- LOVE LOVE LOVE the Heated Steering Wheel!
_
- Audio/Navigation buttons too far away from driver
- Begs for a redesign
- Prepare for THIRSTY!
TEST VEHICLE = $56,500
2012 Nissan Armada Platinum 4x4
Lakeshore Slate
Almond Leather
315 hp V8
4-Wheel Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Chrome Roof Rails
Roof Cross Bars
Roof Cross Bars
Power Moonroof, Tailgate, & Folding 3rd row Seat
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated Seats
Heated Seats
20" Chrome Wheels
Front/Rear Parking Sonar
Rear View Camera
Rear View Camera
12-speaker BOSE Audio
Bluetooth
Navigation
Rear DVD Entertainment
Bluetooth
Navigation
Rear DVD Entertainment
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.