Nissan Armada

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  • peter_in_atlpeter_in_atl Member Posts: 42
    Unfortunately, that tool doesn't list the Armada.
  • wastintimewastintime Member Posts: 5
    We have been driving our new PFA LE model for a several weeks now and I'm happy to report that all is well. Silver Lightning color with graphite interior, tech package, aftermarket DVD/TV, and most importantly for my wife, 2nd row bench.

    The engine is a trip. When I drive, I can't keep my foot out of the gas (14 mpg avg, hope it gets better as it breaks in). The PFA has the perfect sound emitting from it's tailpipe, and it definitely has the power to pull itself around, much better than Sequoia, Expedition, or Tahoe, (we compared these others extensively, Sequoia was runner up but due for a model change next year).

    We have not noticed one bit of the resonance issue in our LE with sunroof and Continental tires. They were over inflated a bit from the factory but we left them that way for the first week to see if there was resonance (no), then lowered pressure to recommended and all we did was improve the ride a bit (along with the life of the tires).

    First year production bugs? None noticed or found yet. We have a slight buzzing or vibration from under the car when sitting in the driveway idling, I suspect something loose around converter, we'll get it looked at first service.

    Nav system is a must have for me. Keeps me from bitching at the wife for not telling me where to turn on time. Now I just yell at the dash to shut up. I know where I'm going (yeah right). Stereo sounds great, DVD is great for the kids and we can listen to radio while they watch their DVD and listen on wireless headphones.

    Backup sensors are a savior also. I can't remember if all models came with these or not, but if not, consider getting the model with them. Don't be fooled, the PFA is a BIG vehicle. It has a nice turning radius and handles and rides like a car, but as soon as you pull up next to an Accord in a parking lot you realize you could smash it like a bug.

    Okay..I'm done. I tried to be objective about the PFA, but I can't! We love it. Looks, Power!, Room, Features. Stylin' and profilin' ~~~~~~~~~~
  • armada4wdarmada4wd Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone know if the Infiniti QX56 LED tail lights would fit on the Armada. They seem to use the same body (side view) except for the front and the rear hatch.

    That would be awesome if this could be done (Rear break/reverse lisghts Only!!!)

    Any advise!!!
  • twinbladesztwinbladesz Member Posts: 104
    All Armadas come with the Rear Sonar. It is a good thing to have it standard on such a large vehicle.
  • jabcpajabcpa Member Posts: 11
    where did you get the aftermarket DVD/TV? is it an installed unit or a bag slung between the seats?

    thanks
  • wastintimewastintime Member Posts: 5
    No not a bag. Complete install except I had them put the unit under the passenger seat rather than the console because my kids are old enough to change their own DVD's.
    I had it installed by Jay Wolfe Nissan in KC and I chose them because they had already installed this system in more than one PFA. What I didn't want was some local yocal tearing into my $45K + rig, before he knew what end was up.
    We went with the overhead console, Icon 9" DVD, FM Modulator and power converter all under pass. seat. Looks "almost" factory. Nothing ugly about it, however because I went with 9" rather than 7", there is about a 1/8" lip when folded flat. If you hadn't seen factory first, you wouldn't know difference, until you see two inches more movie. I'm sure I could have found a cheaper system, but I wasn't comfortable being an installers first PFA.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    I drove a client's Armada today, and compared it to my Lincoln Navigator. I was very favorably impressed! It feels just as comfortable, just as sure footed, at least as powerful, and at least as quiet. It was a very enjoyable ride! I was particularly impressed with the 4WD system, as I tested it - half on pavement, half on gravel, and got almost 0 wheel spin on the gravel. Functionally, it feels about flawless, and would be a delightful truck to drive.

    The only knocks I would have is the interior seems terribly ugly to me, even when not comparing it to the Navigator. Just on general principles, the leather seats looked and felt like cheap vinyl. The dash and instruments were miserably plain and ugly. Climate buttons were a challenge to read and figure out. Interior just seems extremely cheap; worse than GM interiors. I'm not really fond of the exterior design either, but these are personal perferences only. Again, functionally, it's an awesome truck, and should put the Sequoia out of business, IMO. It will also give the domestics a run for their life as well! If they could dress it up inside, which the QX-56 will undoubtedly do, they'll have a real winner here.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    is much more a competitor for the Navigator. The Armada is positioned against the Expedition. So yes, the interior would come up short against the Navigator.

    Bob
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Understood, Bob, but it also came up short IMO against damn near anything I've seen since 1970. It's just plain ugly. Functional, but ugly. Cheapish plastic, unattractive layout, ugly dials, ugly wheel. Oh, well, I digress. It's ugly to me inside, wierd outside. BUT, the best performer I think in one package I've ever driven! Driving my Navigator home tonight after work wasn't as much fun as driving the Armada at lunch. What does that tell ya? Nissan has a winner on their hands. If the QX can improve the interior appeal some, I could be moving over next time.
  • cjs2002cjs2002 Member Posts: 341
    I was wondering what a typical monthly payment on a base Armada would be on a 36 month lease and on a buy. I really like the extra size, and I like how suvs ride as well.
  • auto9999auto9999 Member Posts: 86
    Navigator is a great "American Luxury" and I say it as a compliment. A while ago I entered a drivers seat of a Navigator at a Lincoln dealer before I purchased my Sequoia and I was not impressed by Navigators' interior at all. I felt it was too decorative. When I sat on an Armada's driver's seat I liked its simplicity. It is a matter of taste. You do not have to believe my comments, as I am a person who felt the interior and the driver's seat of a Porsche (it was a coupe, not an SUV) tiny, antiquated and "cheap".
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    And I would agree with you, auto, on the Porsche. Never was impressed with them either. I know, it's just a matter of taste, and I don't mean to rail like I did on the Armada's interior "simplicity", really. Did I mention how wonderfully it performed and how great a drive it is???
  • soldaustinsoldaustin Member Posts: 91
    I saw a post earlier where someone installed the satellite radio. How does it work? Since we don't have a "Sat" button, how do you get to the Sat? Does it automatically program it into the menu when you install it? I am thinking about getting a kit but want to know how it would operate. I think the installation won't be a big deal so not worried too much about that. Thanks! Also I had a link to Grubbs Infinity. Doesn't Nissan also sell it? If so how much? I am checking on it tomorrow so if I don't hear back I will post the response. They told me they have installed it on a couple of vehicles, just not the Armada yet. The murano or whatever it is called is one. I think this is the same kit though.
  • shamahlshamahl Member Posts: 13
    Where did you hear or read about the Sequoia being due for a model change next year?
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Again, a matter of taste. I like the exterior and interior (except the 3rd-row seat) of the Armada a lot. I don't see the interior as cheap. I know a lot of people have mentioned that, but I don't agree with them.

    Bob
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    Just go to the Nissan web site and it has a section that will estimate your payments. You can change the numbers in the calculator as well to fit your rate and actual amount for either a purchase or lease.
  • rshershe Member Posts: 236
    It is due for a change in the 05 Model year, to include mostly interior updates and the addition of a NAV system in the Limited.
  • shamahlshamahl Member Posts: 13
    rshe, it is not on edmunds' future vehicle list or motor trend. i also haven't seen anything about it at any auto shows.
  • gkatz1gkatz1 Member Posts: 296
    Put your glasses on!
  • rshershe Member Posts: 236
    I don't think there is going to be enough changes to warrant it being in the "future vehicle" list, this is not going to be a major remodel.. I originally read about it in AutoSpies, but have since read about it in some of the Toyota threads. You'll notice that the 03 was a carryover to the 04, not a single change. When they see the market share they are losing to the Armada and other models with updated features, I'm surprised they aren't going to do a major overhaul..
  • shamahlshamahl Member Posts: 13
    I see your point. The reason why I'm really asking is that I'm in the market for a new SUV. I like the PFA very much but if I can get the QX around the same price as I can get the Nav on the X-plan then thats what I'll get. I don't know if you know or not but the bird(wife) chirps in one ear. She likes the Seq especially because she has the new Solara. And women like to match even cars.
  • wastintimewastintime Member Posts: 5
    Motor Trend TV or one of the others had a blurb on the Sequoia being changed for the 05 model year. I agree with shamahi that the change probably won't be major, but I'm sure they will have to add NAV, memory seats, etc. to remain competitive with the newbies on the block.
    As far as the Navigator vs. Armada..it's all taste. I too drove a Navigator and Expedition along with others. To me, the Navigator makes a lot of noise and has a bunch of buttons, but it's soft and not very inspiring. I don't want to close the doors over the controls for a clean look.
    The Armada controls are logically laid out and easy to read, and the vehicle is much more fun to drive. The design of the exterior is probably one of those either love it or hate it looks. The funny thing is...those that hate it still look!
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Between the Armada and the Sequoia there is no contest for me. The Sequoia doesn't even come close.
  • scott174scott174 Member Posts: 74
    I have an Armada with the terrible resonance/pressure issue on the freeway. I have heard about a possible resolution to the problem on this website but can't seem to get anywhere with Nissan service depts here in California. They keep saying that they dont have a TSB or any other info. HELP!!!! I really like the Aramada except when I drive on the freeway. I'm going to have to pursue the lemon law if I cant't get this fixed. If you have any HARD FACTS about this "TSB" then please post them for the rest of us noisy Armada owners. Thank you
  • bowke28bowke28 Member Posts: 2,185
    tell me the model, MSRP, and state you will register it, and i can get you the exact figures.
  • darrenydarreny Member Posts: 7
    I bought the kit from Grubbs, and had my local stereo shop install it.
    They found a cable connected to the sat radio port on the back of the radio, but couldn't find the other end, and I didn't want to pay them to trace it out, so we used the one from the kit.
    They mounted the sat radio tuner in the rear side storage compartment by the jack. Mounted the antenna in the middle of the roof in the very back. You can't even see it from the ground.

    To play sat radio channels, you press the radio button just like switching from AM to FM, there is now a third band there. You can save channels as presets, works just like AM & FM stations, just sounds a whole lot better!
  • tiggerguytiggerguy Member Posts: 76
    When I first started looking, the interior turned me off too. But i'll tell you, after living with it for a few weeks in the real world, I have grown to love the ergonomics, especially the climate control knobs that I can manipulate with gloves on (was 7 degrees below zero the other morning)Even the textures are growing on me- it is certainly better than that crummy setup GM has that I lived with for too long. As for looks, I'm just happy to have something that stands out! Personally, I'm sick and tired of the "Gangsta Rap" look of the Escalade and Navigator- taste is in the eyes of the person looking. If everyone liked the same thing, it would be one heck of a boring world.
  • sub9904sub9904 Member Posts: 72
    I liked the looks the first time I saw it. I'm still waiting on purchasing though. The vehicle is a blast to drive no doubt about that. Resonance issue needs to be taken care of. Just strange that not everyone has it. Think they just need to get the first year kinks worked out. Oh and the wife likes the interior. Especially the middle seats with all the legroom.
  • dtagsdtags Member Posts: 3
    Ordered Armada on 10-06-03, still have not rec'd. Anyone have a good address to complain to other than Consumer Affairs. They're no help, have not returned any phone calls.
  • warmsodawarmsoda Member Posts: 9
    More of an outdoorish recreational look and use, not wanna be rolls. As stated above with gloves on you dont have to fret about tiny buttons or getting your fake expensive woodgrain look dirty. It keeps the weight down so you can have the big horses and pass the cute ones. If you need all that cute stuff wait for the Q56 and pay more. I own one and it works great - the quickness for that size of suv is outstanding.
  • soldaustinsoldaustin Member Posts: 91
    I think doing the factory style install is the ticket. Any brave person out there want to find the end of the cable coming from the radio? That would certainly cut down on the price and ease of install. I might have to attempt it myself. There is just no telling where is is. Again, thanks for the info.
  • dboogiedboogie Member Posts: 71
    Hello all, I just found this site and decided to make a post. I have a 4x2 LE with Upgrade Package and overall I'm head over heals in love with the vehicle. I do I have 2 issues of concern that i'm wondering if other folks are having. First issue.....the heater. When I turn it on, there is a "rattling noise" thats coming from the bottom of the dash on the front passengers side. I don't know how best to describe this, but the "rattling" sounds just like when a piece of paper or piece of plastic is caught in front of a blowing fan. The noise, even and the lowest fan setting, is unusually loud and annoying. To me, it definitely shouldn't sound like this. My second issue....rear passenger driver side door. When opening/closing the door, it makes this slight screeching/snagging sound as if "something" isn't perfectly aligned. When I open and close the other doors, they work perfectly. The problem door DOES close flush with vehicle, but JUST BEFORE it closes it makes the screeching sound and sometimes takes a little extra effort to close completely. Also, immediately after pulling the door handle to open the door, it makes the same sound. THIS DEFINITELY ISN'T THE WAY A NEW CAR DOOR SHOULD BE SOUNDING OR WORKING!! I tested ALL doors countless times before buying and I swear my wife nor I noticed the sound. The vehicle only has 60 miles on it (it had 4 on it when we took delivery). I will be taking it back to the dealer tomorrow, but I'm still curious as to whether others have noticed similar issues.
    Thanks in advance for any responses
  • chasmanz28chasmanz28 Member Posts: 109
    all you have to do is call up nissan and tell them what problem your having and the tech department will contact your dealership and talk to the service manager about the bonding agent fix or tsb, im going though this ordeal right now, at first i was going to wait until other customers got it done first, but nissan called them up asking if they fixed my armada yet, so needless to say im going to be the first one in my area to get this work done, ill let you know how it goes its going in next week, maybe the dealerships in your area arnt aware of this problem but nissan is
  • jabcpajabcpa Member Posts: 11
    I too had the clunking noise when opening the rear door (only one rear door made the noise). The dealer fixed it easily enough...just realigned the latch. No more clunk. Now, if I could just stop the low frequency rumble that drives me literally nuts...Waiting to hear how chasmanz28 makes out and/or for the TSB to come out.
  • dboogiedboogie Member Posts: 71
    Am I correct in assuming that when you say "they realigned the latch" you mean realigned the mechanism IN the door...right? You don't mean they physically removed the hook thats on the door frame and redrilled new holes so that IT aligns with the mechanism in the door....correct? Sorry if my question sounds immature, but I just wanna make sure I'm understanding what you're saying. Oh yeah, which door did you have the problem with? My problem door is the 2nd row passenger door on the drivers side.
    Thanks for such a quick response by the way.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Glasses are on and the lens are clean. I stand by my statement. Just because you don't like the looks, doesn't mean it's bad design. Styling is something very personal. One man's passion may well be another man's poison, as the saying goes. :)

    Bob
  • rparnellrparnell Member Posts: 27
    Just saw this on a news board..

    Infiniti’s QX56 SUV goes on sale in February at a price of $48,080 for the rear-wheel-drive version and $51,080 for the all-wheel-drive model.

    Looks like I'm sticking with plans to buy the Nissan variant !

    Richard
  • gkatz1gkatz1 Member Posts: 296
    It's really not the look. I acually like the design. It's the overall quality of materials that's disappointing. Plastics are very thin in many areas, climate knobs are cheesey and wobbly, fabrics and leather are awful and some have terrible upholstery fit and finish. But, if you don't mind this stuff then more power to you. It bugs me though and I think it really corrupts an otherwise nice package.
  • popinjaypopinjay Member Posts: 50
    Does the aux port on the stereo support an mp3 player? I'm sure it says something about it in the owner's manual, but I'm too lazy to walk out and get it.
    Had my DVD player replaced at the dealership. Works fine now, although it steadfastly refuses to play any Ben Affleck movies.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Greg: I kind of felt the same way. The interior seemed to suffer from a little bit of cost cutting. Not as much as the Altima, but still, even the Quest seemed to have tighter assembly.

    Funny thing? I went to the dealer *with* Bob, yes, that Bob, and he didn't really think there was anything wrong with it. I pointed out the things I thought weren't of the best quality and none of them bothered him.

    Maybe it depends on your expectations. In that price class, I expect better.

    I'm telling you because if I couldn't convince him in person with real live examples, you won't convince him in print. ;-)

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    which is a mainstream-oriented full-size SUV. It's not a luxury SUV. Nissan spent their money on things that I care about more: engine, tranny IRS, and the like. If the interior quality that you all are referring to means the car will break or wear out before it should, well it's just too early to tell...

    Now if the QX56 comes up short in the areas you mention, then that's a different story.

    Bob
  • jabcpajabcpa Member Posts: 11
    No - nothing as serious as you describe. While I don't know exactly what they did, there was no redrilling. It was the same door, 2nd row door, driver side. Maybe that robot needs to be placed on probabtion.
  • vmccaulvmccaul Member Posts: 27
    Yes the Aux port will support mp3 players. Just need a 3.5mm cable to connect it. Belkin also makes a nice charger for the ipod specifically which has a line out built into it. This way you can charge the ipod and play it at the same time. Works great and sounds a lot better than those FM transmitters!

    By the way. Has anyone had luck improving the reception of the radio? It is terrible... (Although now that I have the mp3 player hook up it isn't such an issue anymore because don't listen to the radio much!)
  • jabcpajabcpa Member Posts: 11
    Please advise if anyone is having this happen to them. Occassionally rear sonar will beep the solid tone (the uh oh..it's too late sound!) when in reverse even though nothing is behind the vehicle. Seems to happen after rain or carwash. If I wash the car on a cold day, it persists for quite a while as it must somehow frost over the sonar openings causing the problem. Dealer checked it out, could not find any reason.
  • popinjaypopinjay Member Posts: 50
    Thanks for the mp3 info! I'll check out the belkin deal you are talking about.
    I've seen the same radio reception complaints on the titan boards. Kind of a shame, but on the other hand the radio here in Phoenix isn't really worth listening to anyway. I assume it's an antenna issue.
  • gkatz1gkatz1 Member Posts: 296
    It's a good thing alot of people don't mind because they wouldn't sell many.
  • warmsodawarmsoda Member Posts: 9
    The price on this suv is not bad if people are willing to pay the same price for a ford???
  • tiggerguytiggerguy Member Posts: 76
    I had the same problem a couple weeks ago, i went thru the touchless car wash, it was a very cold night, and the sonar malfunctioned. I originally panicked, but after talking to several people with various vehicles with sonar, I find this is a common thing. I took it to the dealer anyways to be safe, they parked it inside for the morning and it thawed out and worked fine. They checked it all out anyways and found nothing wrong. My sister claims she's so used to this problem in her Ford aerostar that it's actually taught her to look behind her when backing up for a change! Guess us lucky New Englanders can't wash our Armadas on a sub zero day =o(
  • photoguy2photoguy2 Member Posts: 164
    You do realize that it can be turned off manually, right?
  • cericceric Member Posts: 1,092
    I haven't owned an Armada yet. I'll decide between PF and PFA when the new PF comes out this fall. That said, I installed after-market backup sensors (bought from eBay) myself for my 2001 Odyssey. Went to Lake Tahoe for skiing. On very cold morning, the sensors started beeping (constant tone). After the sun came out, it went away.

    My take: the sensors are based on ultra sound. If there is a layer of water or ice covering the sensors, it would reflect the sound wave and creates false alarm. This is a foundamental problem with ultra sound backup sensors.

    A simple fix is to wipe it clean often (after wash, cold morning, etc.) If that is too much for you, just igore it then,
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