Nissan Armada

momofthree1 · November 2003

Besides mine, I have only seen one Armada on the road. It was white. (didn't like it in white) People keep coming up to me and asking me what it is. They say that they have not even heard of it.

Note to Nissan: I would be happy to be in a commercial with my family. We could tell everyone just how happy we are. Let's see... we could do this in exchange for.... a complete payoff of our new car? Or maybe one for my husband?... LOL

popinjay · November 2003

Well considering Nissan sold fewer than 1500 in their first month, how many would you expect to see on the road? I'm no bernouli or anything, but the old TI-30 says that's about 30 per state, average.
I think the more important issue for those of you thinking of buying is whether 1500 is greater than or less than expectations for the first month?

pfa04 · November 2003

Could you please provide detailed info on your aftermarket DVD system?
I am interested to install one in my Armada.
Thanks

carpetride · November 2003

I've searched this discussion and didn't find the info. I would like to know what everyone's experience has been with buying an Armada in the Memphis, TN market. I'm halfway in between Memphis, TN and ST. Louis, MO.

bowke28 · November 2003

i said it was the smoke color that was hard to get. other colors are easier.

jschober · November 2003

So Dave5tsi says "aqua", Tigger guy says, "blue spruce only darker". . .two VERY different colors. Are there two shades of "sea blue", or is one of these guys color blind? I'm a little frightened of aqua, and I'm heading across the mountains to purchase a sea blue pfa this weekend. I purchased a '03 titanium Max sight unseen and was very pleased. Maybe not so lucky this time:( I live in rural WA state w/o a large local collection of pfa's. Please continue to comment!!!

clpurnell · November 2003

it is definately aqua in color

bowke28 · November 2003

see if you can find a honda odyssey or pilot in the "sagebrush" color...thats the closest i can give an example.

dave5tsi · November 2003

I am color blind to the point where I cannot tell my dark blue dress socks from my black ones. I am not so color blind to love my Indigo Blue/Black Roof MINI S.

It is darker than the Blue Green that Toyota put on a late 90's 4RUNNER my assistant has.

IMHO the only blues that should be put on a car for me are Indigo, Midnight, or Gunmetal.

tiggerguy · November 2003

...I guess when I think of Aqua i think of some late fifties Thunderbird...it is DEFINATELY not that color...it's actually like the name..if you go out about 5 miles in the atlantic and stick your head in the water, well..that's it! LOL...I know I have seen that color in a box of Crayolas...can't seem to find the damn box...

tiggerguy · November 2003

And no, i'm not colorblind lol

bowke28 · November 2003

stever · November 2003

You found us. Post away!

Steve, Host

clpurnell · November 2003

It is way more green than blue. It is not a light aqua color but a darker one. However it is not near sagebrush which is a grey greenish color.

Bowke,

Dealer here has 20 PFA's 0 with DVD. Are they having trouble with producing them with DVD?

momofthree1 · November 2003

If a nice green is what you are looking for check out the Canteen color. It is not a bright green. It is more of a mossy green (or like canned peas). If this were the 70's I might call it avocado, but being 2003 they call it canteen. I guess it sounds better. It looks very classy.

olisito · November 2003

The after market DVD its just a regular Mobile DVD system that you can find at bestBuy or any other electronic store. I can't remember the brand name of mine. Nothing fancy, just big screens

Whats nice about it its that the the dealer delivered me my Armada with it so its considered as part of the truck therefore covered by warranty

peter_in_atl · November 2003

I was talking configuration, LE 4x4, Tech and DVD. Color wasn't mentioned.

bowke28 · November 2003

yeah...i specified the smoke color when i posted, but the LE 4X4 with tech. and DVD are hard to find in ANY color.

clpurnell...we have 6 and 2 have DVD...i think that dealer just orders them without...sometimes we do it with quests and armadas too, so we can offer an aftermarket system...the price is the same as factory, works the same way, but costs the dealer less.

laketapps · November 2003

Does the stock radio have rca inputs for the aftermarket DVD? I'm just about to do a factory order to get the DVD so I don't have to use an FM modulator. I've got an FM mod for the 10 disk changer in my wifes Durango, its too much work to light it up so it never gets used...

hoppes11 · November 2003

I finished purchasing a Smoke SE 4x4 with Big Tow and Bose last night for $1000.00 over invoice. The dealer I dealt with traded it from another dealer in the Denver area. I still have yet to see another one on the streets in this area.

The good news, very smooth, had no problem getting up to speed as power is very abundant, at slow speeds I noticed that the exhaust rumble is noticeable when you even lightly step on the gas. No resonance issues or paint issues that I can find.

One flaw that I found today at lunch is in the plastic in the rear cargo area. It looks like a mold mark or gouge that maybe somebody attempted to patch, looks a little ugly. I will get with the dealer and get the piece ordered to replace it. I also noticed a weak signal from the radio in places where I haven't had signal problems with my 98Pfinder, but it has a regular exterior antenna and one in the windshield. I am quite nit picky about little things so you guys will hear the good the bad and the ugly.

Another poster had asked about the Sedona color, burnt pumpkin is about right. I have seen the Sedona when it was extremely dirty and it looked horrible, I have seen it extremely clean and it looked ok, still to orangish for me. I have seen canteen and it didn't do much for me.

Our first choice would have been the deep water blue, but there wasn't one in the Denver area equipped the way I wanted. I thought about getting an SE-Offroad, but I didn't want to pay an additional 2 grand for a bunch of stuff I didn't want. I was interested in the white, but it was a lot of white without anything to break it up.

Another poster had asked about the self leveling suspension that comes with the Big Tow package, I looked all over my owners manual and it isn't mentioned anywhere.

knockoff · November 2003

The brochure says you can't get the Off-road and heated seats... Does off road only mean in the desert? How about ski country?....:-(

teddybear3 · November 2003

First tank of gas, 12 mpg, alot of warmup idling and kiching it around a little. Today 140 miles at 75 miles per hours of Interstate, 17 mpg. OK for a not broke-in yet, 600 miles on loaded 4X4 LE. Its very solid, smooth, and comfortable.

dawg23 · November 2003

Which rides smoother on highway (2WD or 4WD)?

How MUCH rougher or smoother ? (tiny bit, slight, barely noticeable, very noticeable ???)

Trying to decide which to order. I rarely need 4wd, but would order it if the ride is pretty close to the 2wd.

blockislandguy · November 2003

Just test drove a Deep Water Blue (yes, its really blue spruce) LE Armada. Nice vehicle, easy step in despite the 18" tires, somewhat bland interior that wasn't up to the price point, and it drove and handled real well. Salesguy lacked any product knowledge at all(e. g., "rear console can't be removed", he couldn't open the rear tailgate, and had no specific reasons why one should buy an Armada vs. say a Tahoe LT.).

Question: has any one cross shopped Armada against Sequoia? Tahoe LT? etc. Any observations? I would imagine that the vehicle most cross shopped is the Sequoia.

Options. The Nissan brochure they hand out isn't the clearest. My reading of the options available for the SE indicates that if you want leather on an SE you also have to get the Boise ("This package includes SE Boise Package") or if you wanted a roof you also got leather ("This package includes SE leather package,,"). Oh, yeh, I forgot to mention that the only way to get side airbags on the SE is to buy leather. This is not expressed very well. Why doesn't Nissan next year just express the SE options in the hierarchical form they want your to buy them in? (E.g., Option Level One, Sound: Boise; Option Level Two, Comfort: Boise, air bags, leather; Option Level Three, Sun 'n Sound: Boise, air bags, leather, roof.)

Anyway, does it make any sense to put a roof (and therefore leather, Boise, and side airbags ) on an SE? Or are you closing in on LE pricing? I don't really need the rest of the LE stuff (heated seats, tow package, Chrome grille, etc.) On the other hand, I'd rather have heated seats than a moon roof.

Nissan dealers. This was one of my first trips actually into a Nissan store. I wasn't impressed. And when I think about it, most Nissan stores that I have seen in New England are all about the same. Unimpressive physical plants, small one or two car showrooms, a sales staff that you just knew was made up of 30 day wonders, etc. Maybe the trouble that Nissan was in a few years ago is reflected in this?

soldaustin · November 2003

I have researched and am ready to start negotiations on an SE. The only options it has is the towing package and the bose system, floormats etc. It stickers for 35,720. How much can you expect to get off on one of these? Oh I like the Smoke best.

The dealer offered me 1,800 off after I drove one but I left and they weren't open today. I really like it and love the cloth seats. I would like the power hatch release and a couple of other things but don't need off of this stuff to pay for a LE. If the price was right I suppose....

Thanks for any help. I am hitting the road tomorrow to look some more. Oh, what is the tech package? I didn't see it listed as an option.

rshe · November 2003

It is pretty much the DVD Navigation + everything in the sunroof package and upgrade package...Probably didn't see it listed since it is not an option on the SE, only the LE.

rshe · November 2003

I have compared both extensively.. The Armada wins hands down in engine, transmission, options (bells and whistles), fold flat seating (Sequoias have to be removed or take up a lot of room) and by far second row leg room. The Sequoia wins in that it is a known commodity that has been out for a few years and in my opinion the Sequoia interior is much more refined. Especially the leather vs. pleather in the Armada.. All in all though, I chose the Armada for my needs.

I agree in most part with the dealer experience you ran into. I probably went in 6 different dealers in my area. 4 of the 6 I wouldn't buy a 10 speed bike from. One was very helpful and knowledgeable but wasn't willing to deal.. The last one (whom I ordered mine from) was excellent. Knew their product, didn't play games, ordered what I wanted and I was out in about 25 minutes. The have since called me to give me an order # and said they will update me about every 2 weeks on the progress and get me a VIN # when it is available. So not all are bad..

jomi · November 2003

I have also been comparing the Sequoia and the Armada over the last few weeks. I have driven both a few times and still remain undecided, although I lean more to the Armada. Major differences for me are the third row seat (Armada doesn't split and head room is tight), the tailgate deck (it's a lot higher on the Armada than the Sequoia - I assume because of fold flat seats verses removable seats), and the price (Sequoia is more expensive). I think they both handle well although I have heard about some highway noise problems with the Armada (I still have to check that out). The Armada is a more up to date vehicle with better safety, storage and electronic features. The Sequoia has it's quality history going for it. Tough decision I have to make!

hoppes11 · November 2003

I cross shopped the Armada against the Sequoia and the Expedition, we drove both of them twice. I think in most areas the Armada was the best. The Sequoia had nicer cloth seats and was a little quieter, the Armada was more spacious than the Sequoia and about the same as the Expy, but the overall package of the Armada was far better IMO. There is no comparison on the power, the Armada blows away both the Sequoia and the Expy.

The biggest reason I considered the Expy was that we could get X-Plan pricing through my wife's work, but the cost difference still didn't sell us. We hated the Expy's cloth interior.

The big test will be in the long term reliability of the Armada. This is the first time I have purchased a first year production vehicle so I am taking a wait and see approach to how it holds up.

I didn't cross shop the Tahoe because I won't buy GM, I didn't waste my time.

dverespey · November 2003

The dealer quality disparity is not new. I experienced much the same several years ago when I purchased a Pathfinder.

Fortunately the dealer nearest me(Pleasanton CA) built a brand new dealership and has made a great effort to up scale. I've used there service department recently and was impressed with the quality and communication.

Now with two kids in the stable two car seats just eat up the interior of the Pathy, so were going to upgrade just after the first of the year. I'm not sold on the Armada, and since I do work in the automotive industry I'm really leery of first model year vehicles.

So I'm listening here to see how it goes with all the early adopters.

bowke28 · November 2003

thats what a warranty is for! ;-)

berisimus · November 2003

I plan to special order an LE 4 by 2, smoke, graphite interior, technology package with second row bench set for $1,000 over invoice (same as published by Edmunds.com). The paperwork is all ready to sign and the only reason I didn't place my order today (with $500 deposit) was because the dealer could not give me a straight answer on the XM radio option. Is it true that the stock bose radio is pre-wired for XM and that the only problem is the hardware? I don't mind buying aftermarket so long as (1) it still allows me to use my steering wheel controls and (2) I am only adding an antennae or related hardware and not replacing the bose in dash receiver/radio. Does anyone know how this works? The Nissan salesman showed me a warning sticker placed on a new Maxima that was rather confusing it its attempt to advise that the a separate receiver was needed to activate the XM if not installed at the factory. I would rather not wait to order my vehicle when this option becomes available from the factory (this could be months) unless it precludes using the steering wheel mounted controls or requires that I change the in dash radio.

edloeser · November 2003

In my view, the Armada and the Sequoia really are not in the same class. Armada has way more torque, towing capacity, interior space, etc than the Sequoia. We tow a boat and snowmobiles and end up hauling lots of people. For these reasons it was the hands down winner over the Sequoia, which we considered pretty seriously along with the Expedition. The Armada also won me over with its greater selection of bells and whistles, and I like the styling way better. The Sequoia is pretty bland. I even like the Armada interior a lot better, as long as it is graphite. As has been said a lot on this board, I think the Sand and Steel interiors look really cheap. I was able to save around $3,000 off of MSRP on a 4X4 LE in Galaxy, so there was no way Id go for a Sequoia for roughly the same price. I will say that the Sequoia has the best 3rd row seat/cargo area concept with the split 3rd row that can also slide back and forth- stick the little kids back there, crank the seats forward and the leg room they dont need turns into more cargo space in the back without folding or removing seats.
On another note, I saw an LE in Canteen today and really liked the color! I hadnt seen it before and didnt think I would like it much so really didnt consider it. Now I know I would have had a really tough time deciding between Galaxy and Canteen had I known. I saw an SE in Sedona and actually really liked it, too- Sedona has kind of gotten knocked on here recently.

edloeser · November 2003

Those are excellent questions, and that is what the dealer is there for. If I were you, I'd make my purchase conditional upon the dealer giving you an explanation in writing of how both the factory-installed and the aftermarket systems will work with an agreement to make whichever one you choose work as they describe at their expense if their explanation turns out to be incorrect. That should be enough to get them to do their homework and call their Nissan rep for the definitive answers to your questions- there is without question a Nissan engineer somewhere that knows how the system is designed to work.

bowke28 · November 2003

can you get one installed to use the steering wheel controls? probably. auto-electric shops can pretty much do whatever you want them to do. the only variable is the price.

berisimus...let me ask you this...is a satellite radio REALLY keeping you out of an armada? what if the answer is that it doesnt come with it, and you cant install one?

rshe · November 2003

There is a co. called Grubbs Infiniti Wholesale Parts that has the XM module available that interfaces directly with the Armada head unit.. They even have one that directly interfaces with the optional NAV unit. Talked to them and they said it is basically a few wires (mainly for the additional sat. antenna) and a small unit(not visible) and XM is available through your existing head unit. He made it sound like it is a DIY project if you have patience..

Here's the link

http://www.infinitiwholesaleparts.com/en_US/

clpurnell · November 2003

beat me to it. While many dealers have been puffing smoke on XM. Grubbs has delivered. They have kits for all the new nissan/infinti cars. From what I hear it is a two hour labor job plus the 300 for the kit and you have factory XM. No different than if the factory installed it.

tiggerguy · November 2003

I have driven all three of these, and have extensive experience with the Tahoes (and Yukons)My choice hands down is the Armada. they all have goods and bads- After 15 years of GM products, I am finally shedding myself of these pieces of garbage. Granted, they have powerful drivetrains, a lot of amenities, they are comfortable, and you can practically steal them right now (I was quoted 8 GRAND off sticker for a Yukon Denali last week)The down side is the ever worsening quality. If you don't mind spending a lot of time at the dealership, or ignoring problems on your new vehicle, then the GM product is for you. I know there are people out there that would rather die than give up their Chevy, but let me tell you, I am done with leaky windshields, ratty bearing slap in the drivetrain (they call this "normal")and things falling off and wearing out prematurely. I'm not rough on my vehicles either, I took my 88 Silverado to 150k without any major work. ANYHOO...The Sequoia is a nice ride, quality is evident in the interior, but I found it very underpowered for it's size, the ride was very truckish,and the brake feel vague. The seats were a bit on the small size for something this large as well. But, it's Toyota quality, need I say more...The Armada might have cheap looking interior bits, but I found it more comfortable, certainly more powerful, and you can get more amenities for less money. I never thought they could make a full sizer handle like these do either.
I think they are the best deal going for this class of vehicle. Make mine Galaxy, please. =o)

jomi · November 2003

As I said before I lean more to the Armada, but am surprised to hear you say they are not in the same class. I agree on the torque and towing capacity (not an issue for me), but when driving these vehicles that difference in HP and torque isn't as evident as the numbers would indicate. By the way, I currently drive a BMW 540i so I am focused on the performance aspect (I still want to have some fun). I disagree on the interior space. Aside from the width and more leg room in the second row, the Sequoia appears (and specs support this) to have more capacity for storage - behind the 3rd row and 2nd row. The floor to ceiling height is greater in the Sequoia and the configuration is more flexible. This is my problem, since I need more room behind the second row and have no need to tow anything, it seems to point me to the Sequoia, but I like everything else about the Armada better. Why do you think the Armada has more interior space?

blockislandguy · November 2003

What does the board think a like-for-like real world pricing comparison of say a Sequoia SR5 with leather and a Armada SE with leather would show? If the Sequoia is significantly more, does anyone like the Sequoia enough to select a used one to bring it down to the Armada price point?

jschober · November 2003

Just picked up my LE SMOKE pfa with nav. This vehicle plowed through snow and ice encountered on two passes. The weather was creating three hour delays. . .cars backed up for miles. I hit the shoulder and cruised through 3 ft drifts like it was runway. . .even took it off-road on the pass > WHAT A BEAST!!

aggiedog · November 2003

The Sequoia space is very deceptive as mentioned here before. They calculate their space by removing the third row seat (Armada folds flat) and "UNBOLTING" and removing the second row of seats (Armada folds flat). That's how they get their so-called space advantage. Remember the front passenger seat in the Armada also folds flat. The Sequoia doesn't do that either.

berisimus · November 2003

Thanks for the info. I checked out the site and it seems to have all the answers. I plan on calling Grubbs tomorrow (as well as Nissan corporate)and, if I get the answers I expect, I will place my special order tomorrow. Since I am all thumbs one question I will have is the price to have the kit installed by a local car stereo store. I can't imagine the total price exceeding $500.00.

BTW if I remember correctly you have a PFA on order. Do you have an ETA? I would like the vechicle delivered before the end of the year for tax purposes but I am not sure it is possible. The dealer has told me that he will place the order tomorrow despite the fact that elsewhere on this board I thought I had read that the factory (Nissan) only accepts orders at the first of the month. At any rate I told the dealer to check inventory throughout their stores (it is a big dealer in the S.E.)and if a Galaxy or Silver later becomes available for delivery before 12/31 I might accept one as a suitable alternative - as long as it had the bench seat (a must for me as I show dogs and need a uniform flat surface for their crates/beds).

BTW I test drove an LE on the highway for the first time as I was wary of the resonance issue and wanted to experience this problem first hand before placing my order. I cruised at 70 mph and could quite distinctly hear the dull roar of the engine and the sound of wind buffeting. I must confess that I don't normally drive with the radio off and my current vehicle is a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport (not an especially quiet SUV) so to me the noise was negligible. The salesman thought the wind noise could be caused by the oversize side mirrors. Whatever the cause I don't think the noise is a deal breaker and it certainly was not as disconcerting as the "resonance" reverberation that has been variously posted on this board.

okkin · November 2003

axxman34 · November 2003

I am looking to get the best deal in Denver on an LE Armada. Any advice would be appreciated

okkin · November 2003

dawg23 · November 2003

I asked earlier, but nobody seems to know the answer. How much rougher (stiffer) is the suspension on the 4WD Armada compared to the 2WD?

I can order either at invoice +$150. Don't use 4WD very often (maybe once or twice a year), but am used to having it on my Tahoes (peace of mind). But I would hate to have too rough of a ride for the 99.9% of the miles I'll be driving on the highway.

peter_in_atl · November 2003

Why don't you drive them yourself? You are asking a very subjective question. What may fine for me is not fine for you.

rshe · November 2003

I ordered mine on 10/26 (or thereabouts). My dealer told me it could only be ordered the 1 week of each month. I got an order # from my dealer on 11/7. Like you I wanted mine before the end of the year, so I could write it off this year. My dealer told me it would be close since they are quoting 45-60 day delivery times. So I have to think your dealer is taking your order in hopes of matching something up in the system.

The resonance we have talked about in this group is nothing you have to listen for. I actually gets inside your head and turning up the stereo had no material effect for me.. I have heard very few complaints as of late, so I have to assume it was something they remedied. Some suggested tire inflation, others that the roof rack bar could be moved and make it go away. I never heard from anyone if this helped at all or not.

bowke28 · November 2003

there is no suspension difference for the 2. the extra transfer case adds about 400 lbs. thats it. if the price difference is ok with you, grab the 4X4.

Nissan Armada

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