Nissan Armada

shark715

I'd be curious to hear from any owners about their experiences towing more than 5000 lbs. with their Armada. How much weight are you towing, and how capable a tow vehicle is it compared to other tow vehicles that you have used? Does the rear suspension leveling system do a good job of keeping the truck level? Thanks.

h20ski

Isn't every LE model supposed to come with automatic temperature control (heat/AC for front seat area)? Mine does not seem to have it (I have the rattling/ squaking ceiling like others though).

h20ski

I am waiting to hear back from the dealer but I think they did not calculate the VPP correctly- if they try to screw me has anyone had a similiar experience and contacted Nissan Corporate??

wildwills

Thanks for the information. One other question maybe you can answer for me. Since the tranny is sealed, does the what does the maintenance schedule call for replacing the fluid and filter? Is it like every 20 - 30 K miles? Just curious.

I'm still about 8 months away from purchasing my next vehicle and want to get as much information I can. To me the drivetrain is th emost important thing.

Thanks

rshe

I must admit, my heart was really set on an Armada. Toyota is bending over backwards to sell me a Sequoia. Haven't committed yet. To say I am disappointed with Nissan is an understatement. Unfortunately I need the rear bench seat and really want the NAV.. Yes the NAV is a want, not a need... But I must say, my decision between the Sequoia and Armada was always a close one... I think the Toyota is better overall quality (no flames, just my opinion), but the Armada is one sweet vehicle. If Nissan comes through I'll buy the Armada, but based on the way things are going it is looking like the Phantom Gray Pearl Limited Sequoia is going to be the winner.. I seriously question how Nissan will stand behind their vehicles based in my experience so far. I feel incompetence abounds in the Nissan organization.

ceric

Section 2-7, page 89 (out of 336)
"This gauge indicates the temperature of the automatic transmission fluid. The automatic transmission fluid temperature is in the normal range (1) when the gauge needle points within the zone shown in the illustration."

-> There is a bar about 1/4 from the 'H'. Between the bar and the 'L' is "the zone"(1). In other words, when the needle points withing 3/4 from 'L' it is in normal state.
-> There are two other dash indicators for transmission, but they are for checking transmission operation (just like any normal cars with auto tranny). They are not related to the "temperature" of the tranny. Unless, of course, the temperature gets so high the tranny freezes up! That would be way too late.

I have the Armada manual (336 pages) in PDF format (it is about 5.7M bytes). Send me an e-mail, I would send it to you (I found it from google.)

ceric@ieee.org

Hope this help.

shark715

I was able to find the owners manual by doing a search on Google, and it answered my questions. Thanks!

drich2

Kiplinger's mag(current edition)gave a tie to SRX and Armada for BEST large SUV.

Summary of all categories is on MSN home page for today

bowke28

filter and fluid for teanny should be done every 6 years/105k miles according to the manual, unless you do severe driving (lots of 4X4), which it should be done every 3 years/60k.

shamahl

Does anyone have any inside info on whether Nissan will offer the Armada with the two screens in the overhead console as an option for the DVD Ent. like in the Quest?

bowke28

ok, pal...youve put that in about 5 different threads. we know...now lay off and keep it in the appropriate thread. please.

stever

It's gone :-)

Steve, Host

teddybear3

Made a 8 day trip to south tx and back to wi. About 15 mpg @ 75-80. No cabin noise after off frozen rough roads. Great power, brakes, cruise control, heating/cooling. Best suv ever! Everthing worked. Hit ice/snow coming back, geat control. Only one speeding ticket on two pull-overs. That hurt, was a deputy marshall.

firefactory

Thanks onederdog! Can you tell me the difference between the LE and SE models??

shulaj

Usually it is cheaper to buy a vehicle in Canada than the USA but I am thinking that with the US $$ worth less (considerably) in the past 3 months, that maybe the people at Nissan plugged in the retail selling price before it dropped, and now the Canadians who buy Nissans are getting screwed with the price difference. If you look at the price of a loaded Armada, it is $5000 less in the USA. Go to www.nassanusa.com and www.nissan.ca and build your own loaded Armada.

onederdog

Difference=4500.00 base. LOL
or all the answers here
http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/ModelHomePage/0,,30846,00.html

vmccaul

Just bought loaded LE, silver, with everything...including dvd, navigation. Paid a thousand over edmunds posted invoice so they are dealing a bit now. Also they do seem to have plenty of navigation system equipped Armadas now. I had read some people were having trouble finding them. Apparently not a problem in California.

ateixeira

Cool. Sounds like a great deal for such a new model.

-juice

rshe

Just got a call back from a supervisor at the Nissan Customer service site... She was nice enough, but pretty much told me I was SOL. I asked her if she would do a national search for me and she balked.. She said to call my dealer and they could do it or go to another dealer..Got to love that French attitude..Oh well, Toyota here I come...

kcflyer

If you get the Armada without the towing package do I understand correctly that you still have the transmission oil cooler, etc. I ask because I would be willing to have a little less max towing capacity to avoid the lower geared rear end and accompanying lower gas mileage.

kevindow

I will be taking ownership of a 4x2 Armada LE in mid-January, and was wondering what kind of oil is provided from the factory? And if it is ordinary oil, when is it safe to change to synthetic, as this type of oil should prolong the life of the engine? Thanks in advance.
Kevin

ceric

Synthetic oil is 3-4X more expensive. It prolongs the oil change cycle to near 10K or more. It also endures higher temperature (less breakdown of oil). Other benefits are very marginal. For average owners, it is waste of money, really. But, it definitely won't hurt your engines (assuming same SAE rating oil). If you tow a lot with your Armada, then it may be worthwhile.

BMW and most high performance vehicles use synthetic, since their owners tend to drive more aggressively, and the electronic oil-change cycle is very long (8k to 15K miles).

This is just my opinion as a BMW owner. This topic was widely discussed on BMW board.

shairkhan

I agree with Ceric that the benefits are very marginal for an average user. I push my vehicles quite a bit. I use non-synthetic oil and have been able to successfully achieve 150K - 200K plus miles from my engines.

Some people tend to believe that the use of synthetic oil will extend their service intervals. While that is true for the life of oil itself under ideal conditions, but there are several other factors that absolutely necessitate keeping the same oil change schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. For example, the oil accumulates acids and other pollutants that are harmful for your engine and need to be removed. Keeping them in there for longer period is actually harmful for your engine regardless of the ability of the oil to keep its properties.

I have learned from personal experience as well as my experience from years of serving for powertrain development for one of the largest automobile manufacturers… Always change your oil based on the manufacturer’s recommended service interval for “Severe” or “Special” operating conditions and not the “normal” operating conditions… “Normal operating condition” specifies close to an ideal condition with minimal idling, dust, exact gasoline specs, mostly highway driving, non aggressive, no towing, no 4 wheeling. etc.

Just felt necessary to express my opinion… Take it for whatever it is worth!

Sincerely,
Shair A. Khan

berisimus

As you know I have a special order for the same vehicle as you. I ordered mine on November 18th but the order was not processed until December 4th. The vehicle is supposed to be built in January - too late for the 179 deduction. Anyway, I just performed my weekly inventory search in my area on the Nissan web site and surprise, surprise... there are 3 LE's with Tech AND BENCH SEAT! The selection is 2 Galaxy and 1 Smoke. I am trying to see if the dealer who took my original order can acquire the Smoke Armada for me. It may be tough as I gave the new dealer my information and the price I would accept (the original 1K over invoice)and now the car may be "red tagged" (whatever that means). In the worst case scenario I may be forced to drive the 100 miles to the new dealer provided they match my original price (they have said they would over the telephone). Of course, I would prefer to give the business to the original dealer and I am awaiting a call from them to confirm. If they cannot make the deal I hope they can see clear to refund my $500 deposit.

E-mail me if you need information on the other 2 vehicles. Depending on where you live it might make sense to look into acquiring one of these Armadas.

rshe

Thanks for the info... I have talked to a few dealers here who have them on their inventory list, but when I called they were called for...I would be interested to give them a call though. rshe64@hotmail.com is my e-mail address..

Thanks again.

berisimus

No problem. That is the beauty of the web. I just got a call from my dealer...seems the contact person at the new dealer is off until tomorrow. We are awaiting a call from one of 2 assistant managers to see if we can do the deal. When the dust clears I will be e-mailing you (probably tomorrow morning).

BTW, on my way into work this morning a Sequoia Limited in the color you wanted pulled up next to me. Sweet color combo IMO. I like it much better than the Armada Smoke. Regardless, the Armada is the vehicle for me. Can't wait to accessorize mine with xenons, custom grill, satellite radio, chrome wheels and possibly the Q56 side moldings and cladding. I am also checking out the other Nissan forum for pictures on the aftermarket wood kit.

h20ski

good luck with getting your Armada. Get SIRIUS satellite radio- it's awesome!!

onederdog

berisimus, please post what you find out about the aftermarket parts. I have been searching for things myself. So far all I've ordered is a 2nd row cargo mat. I have also been looking for a grill guard. The wood kit you mentioned sounds nice. I did find a link on e-bay for a billet chrome grill insert (150.00) but its not something I like the looks of. Tonight I just received my license plates, and of course they are not the personalized plates I ordered (can the dealers do anything right). So now I have to do it again. I work in the computer industry and where I also train dogs for a hobby, I thought I'd get a plate the reads "BYTE ME" what do you think?
Cheers
Onederdog

rshe

Just talked with my original dealer.. They are going to trade out for a Smoke with Steel interior.. The only trade off is I lose the navigation.. Just getting the sunroof package and DVD...Costco is selling this Garman Nav unit with TFT screen that is portable, so I might just buy one of those instead..

berisimus

Sounds like you are making progress. My journey continues...The original dealer called me last night to tell me the new dealer won't trade and claims 4-5 people have been calling for that exact vehicle and that it was "sold". To my salesman's credit he told me that was probably BS and that they were probably holding the vehicle for me. Sure enough when I called they said the vehicle was available but that they could not give a price on the phone. I told them I would be p___d off if I drove the 100 miles to present the offer in person and they started to play games with me over price. They know my original offer and what I expect. I should know if I have the vehicle by late this afternoon.

One correction to my previous post. The vechicle I ordered (and which they have 3) is the LE 4 by 2 with Tech and bench seat. It does not have the DVD. If you are still interested I will e-mail you the particulars when I get back home tonight. Otherwise, good luck with your purchase!

gkatz1

You will be happy with the Sequoia, I wouldn't worry about it. As far as power, the Sequoia is more than adequate unless your towing big. It will be a much quieter ride also. I'm not sure I would be bending over backwards to aquire a first year model anyway.

thylantyr

The Toyota SEQ and Armada have interesting
engines sonics.

SEQ - It's weak engine requires higher RPM
so when you accelerate you hear the high pitch
wine.

Armada - A tap of the gas pedal and the vehicle
moves, push down harder and you hear the roar
of the engine, similar to a muscle car.

It seems that the SEQ engine strains more to
do the same job.

rctennis3811

remember, the Sequoia is only a 4.7L iFORCE DOHC 32V V8 VVTi with less than 250HP moving about the same weight as the Armada which is with a 5.6L DOHC 32V V8 VVT with more than 300HP. The Sequoia obviously needs a beefier engine!!

gkatz1

There is no "high pitched whine" from the Toyota's engine. The engine has consistently received praise from reviewers for its quiet and smooth power. Yes, if you want to hear the drone of a muscle car than get the Nissan. As for being a "weak" engine, it depends what you consider week. The Toyota has very good performance #'s. Too many people think they need 300+ Hp. It's a farce based on marketing. Years ago everyone was running around with 200-250 hp in heavier trucks with no complaints. If you have to have the biggest engine than get the Nissan as the Toyota is not for people who need "manly" compensation.

gkatz1

I actually considered a new Armada to replace my Sequoia this year. Prior to buying the Toyota I owned Nissans. I have a 2002 Maxima and traded my 2001 Pathfinder for my 2002 Sequoia. Because I needed a full size and Nissan didn't offer it I went for the Toyota. So, when the Nissan came out I considered going back to Nissan.

Well, after checking out the Nissan, Im not interested anymore. My opinion is that Nissan spent most of its money on the powertrain and used what was left for the rest of the vehicle. My wife did not like it at all. Everything had an insubstantial feel, the door handles, console, knobs and switches, fabric. I was really hoping Nissan would rebound from the Altimas chintzy character, but it appears that its the Nissan way now.

I really wanted to like the Armada, but was left bummed. And, the first year glitches are already cropping up. If I had an absolute need to tow heavy loads I might overlook its shortcomings. As for the Sequoia being underpowered, I think its generally a misconception by people. My Pathfinder had the same HP, albeit with less torque, but it was quick. I havent missed any power since going to the Toyota. Im very satisfied with the engine. For those who would like a comparison test, you can go here Armada / Sequoia Comparison

twinbladesz

Yes the Seq's engine is a very good one. But I think many people want more then adequate for an engine that is moving a 5K+ fullsize SUV. Most of the domestics offer more power then the 240HP that Toyota has. That is good for a Midsize SUV but not for a full sizer weighing 5270lbs. I think its the torque 315 is what makes it as adequate as it is.

GM gives you these engines for its 1500 Tahoe and Suburbans which weigh 5050 and 5219 respectively both lighter then the Seq(according to Autovantage.com)
4.3L 285HP with 295lb-ft more HP less torque
5.3L 295HP with 330lb-ft more and more
6.0L 329HP with 365lb-ft more and more
8.1L 320HP with 449lb-ft more and more.

Ford has these engines for its Expedition which weighs 5499lbs (chunky butt)
4.6L 235HP 291lb-ft Less and less
5.4L 260HP 350lb-ft more and more

Armada weighs in at 5290
5.6L 305HP 385lb-ft More and more

Except for Fords 4.6L all the domestics and Nissan have more HP and torque #s then the Seq. Although the EXP's big butt does take away some of that power lol.

Personally I want a vehicle that has more then an "adequate" engine in it. The Comparison on Edmunds was also with a Pre-pro model 4x2 SE Offroad Armada which lost to the LIMITED 4x4 Seq by only 7 points. So the top of the line Seq which trounced the Ford and Chevy nearly got its butt handed to it by the Bottom rung Not even production model Armada. Which goes to show that if a Pre-Pro model can finish that close imagine how the Production model will fair.

thylantyr

The SEQ we drove had a high pitched engine whine
that my old lady could not stand. She didn't
like the SEQ leg room either. She wants the
Armada, but I can't stand the exterior, /lol

I'm trying to figure out a way to convince her
to like the Excursion diesel, but that is
a long quest for me. /lol

It's been a long journey to find the right
vehicle for six people. /hehe

I guess I might have to give in only because
the Armada is in our price range, about $30k.

sigh....

twinbladesz

If you want a vehicle that will do some work, tow, or even be going through hilly terrain the editors of that Comparison also said the Seq needs a better engine. I doubt that the other Automakers put those engines in their vehicles to compensate for the drivers lack of "manlyness" LOL . Its more likely because a fullsize truck needs a fullsize engine to compensate for all that weight it needs to move. But then like the Tundra which its based off of the Seq is just shy of fullsize not that its not an excellent truck because it really is. But for the price something with more getup and go is the choice of many.

heinzh2

Took an Armada out for a test drive! Wow, what a nice vehicle! It did not feel it's size at all with a very sporty feel and beautiful sounding engine. My wife loved it the moment the drivers door was open, and she could not believe how easy it was to get in and out despite being pregnant. My question, that I hope some of you can help me with, is if it makes much of difference between 4x2 or 4x4 if I were to be pulling a boat (bass type boat) in and out of water? Or is the 4x4 mainly for poor weather and off-roading. I know the Armada is very heavy, and I am hoping this is enough to use the 4x2 version of the vehicle.

twinbladesz

Models can tow slightly more then their 4x4 counterparts because of the weight of the transfer case. If where you live doesnt get foul weather often then a 4x2 might be good for you. Although I have heard of trucks being pulled down the boat ramps by the trailers and boats and the 4wd has saved many a guys Tow Vehicle from becoming a submarine.

jschober

Are you on an Armada site? If you like the girly sequoia go onto their site and sing your praises. Try this> take your sequouia to sixty-five on a two lane hwy, then try to pass somebody. Remind yourself that, "you think you can", as you press the accelerator to the floor and very little happens. Better make sure it's a long straight road.

jschober

Does anybody know of available ski racks for the pfa? Multiple ski trips would like to be taken this season!

gkatz1

Yes, I did realize this was an Armada forum, did you not read my posts? As a long-time Nissan owner I posted my opinion of the Armada and chimed in on another posters desire to purchase a Sequoia instead. I'm not a slave to brochures and like to look at the whole package when purchasing a vehicle. I don't believe in sacrificing overall quality just to have a huge engine under the hood. Compared to my 2001 Pathfinder, the Armada is a step back in materials. Even my wife commented that the rear gate latch felt like it was going to break off in her hand. The fabrics and plastic quality were not designed to surpass domestic offerings, but to meet them. Where Nissan plans to compete, is in the brochures and having more power than everyone else. When I sit in a new vehicle in the showroom I don't expect the arm rests to wiggle like their going to fall off or the center console to feel like a 97 Expedition. Yes, I like the fold away third seat, but you can't split it! Obvious cost cutting. I'm sorry you don't like my opinions, but I expected more from Nissan. It should be obvious now that Nissan is more about profit than Quality right now.

As for Sequoia passing poower I'm not sure what you're talking about. I've never had problems passing anyone in my Toyota. At 65 or 75 for that matter. The truck has plenty of power for highway driving. It's a truck not a sports sedan.

When compared to the Ford and Chevy, it is quicker than the Ford (5.4L) and within about a second to 60 of the Chevy (5.3L). So if its acceleration you're talking about than the Toyota is right their with the rest. Since most people don't consider their full-size SUV a sports car it's really a moot point.

Obviously, the Armada has raised the bar as far as power and performance, but it certainly does not render everything else obsolete, especially when the rest of the package is lacking in many areas.

twinbladesz

In the recent MT SUV of the year competition the Armada was the 3rd fastest SUV in that competition at 7 seconds flat for 0-60 times. It was beaten by the Cayenne Turbo of course, and the FX45. Itwas faster then the Hemi engined Durango but I cant remember the numbers for the Durango. So for a giant SUV its plenty fast if you like that kind of thing lol. Which I do enjoy a bit of being pushed back into the seat.
The Seq is better then the Exp even the 5.4L in usable power because it weighs signicantly less plus it has pretty good torque numbers for its 240HP. I just hope when they bring a bigger engine for its Double Cab Tundra counterpart that they plant that engine in the Seq as well. The I-Force is a very good engine it just needs a bit more on paper oomph is all.

twinbladesz

What areas to you do the Armada lack in? Sitting in both cloth and Leather versions all seating positions were comfortbale for me and my wife. I do like the reclining 2nd row outboards seats. But I wont ever purchase a 1st year product so will reserve my final decision until the vehicle gets more time under its belt.

gkatz1

If they were smart they would add the bigger engine as an option and keep the current one as standard.

I hope no one thinks I'm simply bashing here. I went to look at the Armada in considering buying one. Since I'm eligible for VPP I always keep my options on the table. That said, I think Nissan has really stepped backwards in many areas. Even the new Quest is riddled with sqeaks and rattles. I can't live with those types of nuances, many can.

andrewtran71

For me, it's no contest.
The Armada has the Navigation system and the Sequoia does not. The Armada has more interior room. Has chrome grill. Basically the Armada has a lot more for your money.

gkatz1

Toyota should have made the Sequoia available with NAV for the few who want it. But, then again, those who want it in the Armada can't get it either because of a very limited supply.

The Armada is priced better in the showroom, but it remains to be seen whether it will depreciate quickly like other Nissan products.

popinjay

This Armada vs. Sequioa thing is kinda crazy! Why even bother with the bashing? I was a toyota owner for 20 years. Loved 'em. Did they have their own particular problems? heck yeah they did. My last truck was recalled at least 2 times that I was aware of, and the radiator was about as reliable as Al Gore.
I seriously compared the 2 SUV's. I have no problem whatsoever with the Armada interior. It's certainly no worse than the interior in my last Toyota. I don't live in the thing, I just drive it for maybe an hour a day.
Why did I pick the Armada? I'm one of those that like the extra power...and I seriously could not see staring at that Sequioa for the next 10 years. I'm just not crazy about how it looks.
Would I buy toyota again? Yep. Would I buy nissan again? Yep.
Now...all that said, has anyone had any problems with the DVD in the Armada? Mine seems to have stopped working. haha

mariner7

Recently Nissan resale values have shot up the charts. Now they're much above industry average. Not in Toyota/Honda territory yet. But give them time...