Nissan Armada

bullwag

We've had the BEAST for a week now. Already have given it a bath and polished the rims daily. Felt like washing a bus. Feels great driving and love the sound of the exhaust.I agree about the Bose system. Wife has the maxima with Bose system and it sounds much better than the Armada, but I can live with it. Can't completely tell if I've escaped the resonance curse.I've read and worried so much about it, that sometimes I think I feel it while driving. Wife tells me that I'm just paranoid. Had other passengers, they don't notice it. Glad to hear that Nissans fixing others! Kids love the DVD. Getting ready to take a trip to Florida. That will be the real test with resonance. Great site to read everyones experiences with their Armadas. I'll keep reading and posting when possible.

shopinful

Hey Sub9904,

We took the edmunds.com prices with me when we did our negotiations. Edmunds said that for our LE 4 x 4 equipped with the additional options we wanted the average edmunds buyer was paying $39,870. We got it for $39,500. We thought it was a fair price especially with tires for life. Since we keep our vehicles for ever (our last two 4 Runners our boys 21 & 18 now drive) my husband was especially happy. The deal is we have to take our Armada to the dealership for maintenance and tire checks. Which we would do anyway, they measure the tread and when it gets to a certain level (can't remember what that is but have it written) they automatically replace tires. We have never bought 18" tires before, but we figured it could be pretty pricey. What do you think......did we get a good deal? You too can get the deal....come to the sunshine state!

shopinful

Bullwag - I can't believe you refer to the Armada as the BEAST. After the 1st day of owning the Armada, my husband nicknamed it
"The Beast". And that is how we have referred to it since.

sub9904

Maintenance, most likey just oil changes and aren't that expensive even at a dealer. So yeah I'd say you got a good deal. Only thing is what kind of tires do they sell? I like Michelins (even though they are French) so not sure a deal like yours would be right for me.

An Excursion would be a beast. Suburban is just a notch smaller and after 8 years of driving one everyday think nothing of it's size. The Armada to be honest seems a tad small and is very easy to drive. More importantly it's fun to drive.

dboogie

I just read Scott174's message (msg#1926) where he talked about a clicking/popping sound that seems to be coming from the rear axle area. Today, about 5 minutes after getting my first oil change at the dealership, I heard this noise for the very first time. The noise would appear whenever I accelerated from a stop and would last for about 5-7ft as I drove away and then would disappear...until i accelerated from another complete stop. The noise sounds as if a piece of metal is broke and is "clacking" against another piece of metal.

I wasn't in a quiet area when I noticed this...I was downtown during stop and go lunch time traffic. Sooo, the noise is definitely loud enough that you don't have to strain to hear it. I had my drivers side window down by the way.

I pulled over into a parking lot and I also heard the noise when shifting from park INTO reverse and when shifting OUT OF reverse into drive. I then got out of the vehicle and looked underneath but nothing looked as if it was broken or dangling from the vehicle.

Scott, you say you've taken it to the dealer 3 times for this....do you know what they've checked to determine that THAT wasn't the problem?

I hope this doesn't turn into my first issue with "The Mothership"!!

onederdog

Here in Utah I've only seen two since Thanksgivng (when we got ours). One is a silver color, in my general neighborhood.
I glad someone mentioned the Hummer thing. When we first got ours, I thought the same thing. BTW, I see alot more Hummers on the road here then I do Armada's, aka the "Tank" as a dogshow friend of mine has named it ! So I guess its fair after she named my car I named hers, the "HEAP"

cwoferg

I recently bought a 27' travel trailer that weighs 5000 lbs dry and will use it at around 6000 lbs. I am now in the market for something to pull it and I am between the Durango and the Armada (yes, I know about the resonance problem in the Armada and I also know I put the cart before the horse!). I know the Armada is rated at 9100 lbs, but has anybody actually PERSONALLY towed anything that heavy with it?
I have been searching for reviews on towing and have come up empty. Found one on the Durango is anyone cares:
The only review I was able to find on towing (other than regurgitating factory capability) was at http://www.truckinssuv.com/features/0402suv_durango/. They pulled a 6500 lb boat, but only put one sentence in it.
"After a day of driving the Durango in nearly all trim levels, all three engine options, as well as while towing a 6,500-pound, 26-foot boat with the Hemi, we were surprised at the stability and agility of this truck."
Not much help, but otherwise a good read. I am also aware of the Moter Trend article (have the mag) and am waiting to get a hold of the Car and Driver one.

Thanks

scott174

I have been to the Dealer nine times regarding various issues I've had with the Armada. Three of them have been for the clicking/popping noise. On attempt one they said that the rear axle nuts (both sides) were improperly torqued. Second visit was even "tighter". Third visit they ordered a "rear hub assembly". On another note, I now have 4430 miles and the last 100 or so miles I noticed the steering wheel vibrates and the car acts like I have warped rotors. I'm getting worried about all these little things. Is the Armada made by FORD? I know [non-permissible content removed] happens, but I hate going to the Dealer so often with a NEW VEHICLE.

sub9904

I like the Armada over the Durango for towing for a couple of reasons. One it's a bit longer in the wheel base. You'll be towing a 27' trailer which is pretty long. You should also get a distribution hitch. The second thing is the Armada has higher torque at lower rpm. You should also think about getting the SE Off Road and Tow Package together since the radiator is bigger in the Off Road. Either that or just get a bigger after market radiator. Having said all that if I was going to tow 9100 lbs. I wouldn't get either vehicle. I don't think either one are built to tow that much weight over a long period of time. Ratings be damned. I'd be looking at a 3500 Ford or Chevy diesel. I wouldn't even tow that much weight with a Suburban.

Scott I remember reading but can't recall where that someone else went through a set of rotors after only 3k miles or so. Not a good sign. At what speeds does the steering wheel/car vibrate? Does it do it when coming to a stop?

shopinful

Sub9904 - I think the tires are Continental tires which came with the vehicle but when they do change them out you can pay extra to get different ones if you like. I will see how we like these and go from there. Well this is a BEAST for us....we come from Toyota 4 Runners.
I am listening to this ticking/popping noise so we will keep our ears open.

cwoferg

Thanks for the input. I agree on towing something bigger, getting a diesel. But I need the additional passenger space that the 7-8 seat range can provide. I will be getting a distribution hitch as they included that with the trailer. But I will only be pulling 6000 so either should do. But I am looking for someone out there who actually has towed with them. Have you?

shopinful

Sub9904 - I think the tires are Continental tires which came with the vehicle but when they do change them out you can pay extra to get different ones if you like. I will see how we like these and go from there. Well this is a BEAST for us....we come from Toyota 4 Runners.
I am listening to this ticking/popping noise so we will keep our ears open.

sub9904

No sorry I haven't towed with one. I'd still pass on the Durango if you are looking at 6klbs towing. That's over 2/3 its max rating. The Armada is right at 2/3. You plan on taking long trips? How often you tow? Even though the Armada has a high tow rating I think it's built more or less on a half ton frame. I don't think the overall components are as beefy as a 2500 Ford or Chevy to be honest. Also the differential is something like 3.55 or something when a 4.10 is much better for towing. Since this is Nissan's first venture into a heavy vehicle there isn't any information to draw upon. Guess you might have to be the guinea pig. Good luck with what ever you buy.

adjmcloon

I have a 6x12 cargo trailer that weighs in around 5000 lbs, and the Armada tows it like it's nothing. I've had no problems so far, but I'm only at around 2200 miles.

If you aren't going to be towing all the time, I'd say the Armada is a safe bet. For the record, I have the towing package on mine. The leveling suspension is sweet!

Good luck,
Nathan

cwoferg

I would be getting the 3.92 axle with the Durango if I get it. Better than 3.55, but at least it is an option. The Armada has an automatic rear-suspension leveling system which I would like to learn more about, but I am trying to stay away from the big rigs. I plan on towing around once a month - once every 2-3 months for medium-long range trips. As for being the guinea pig, I will take the torch and run with it. Luckily, I have a couple more weeks before I need to decide and order. Hopefully someone else can be the guinea pig!

cwoferg

Thanks for the input. You must have sent while I was typing. That is what I am looking for. How badly does it affect your gas mileage?

adjmcloon

I've been getting around 15-16 on average (hopefully that will improve) depending on how much I get into it. It sure is hard not to...:)

When towing I'm getting around 12-13mpg. Not nearly the hit that my old Chevy Tahoe used to give me. The Armada sure does drink some gas though..

If you're only towing once a month the Armada will suit you just fine. I did some reading about it, and the frame they built specifically for the Armada and Titan was beefed up considerably over a normal 1/2 ton pickup. Thus the incredible 9000 lb. rating.

The rear leveling suspension is pretty sweet too..it's a little bit of a pain when dropping the trailer as you have to wait for the suspension to lower back down, but otherwise I love it.

Overall, this thing kicks the crap out of my old Tahoe, and I'm a big Chevy fan. I drove a new model Expedition today as well and there's just no comparison to the Nissan in my opinion.

No idea about the Durango as I've never driven one, but I have read many reviews that say that Dodge's build quality is pretty bad. Don't know though...anybody driven a new Durango? I know the Nissan has more torque.

Good luck,

Nathan

cwoferg

Outstanding. Exactly what I am looking for. Thanks a million. The only thing I am concerned about is this resonance things since my wife gets migraines (legitimately). We test drove an SE off-road and she got a headache within 5 minutes and was starting to get nauseous. We chalked it up to the rougher ride of the off-road model, but as I read, I guess it really is a problem. I know Nissan is all over it like a bum on a ham sandwich, but like I said, I have a little time waiting out my lemon law suit. The Duango does have the better freeway ride, but I HAVE TO think about towing which is of high concern to me right now, and I only have a one-sentence review to go off of on the Dodge. Thanks again, great help.

bowke28

the axle ratio is 3.36 with the towing package, 2.96 without. you mention the 4.10 ratio that ford has, but ford doesnt have a 5 speed tranny. the 5th gear makes the 2.96 put the same power to the rear wheels as ford's 3.55, and does the same with the 3.36 compared to the 4.10. the advantage is that the higher (lower #) ratio gives better gas mileage, which is why people are still getting mileage in the teens with a heavy load behind the armada.

sub9904

Well for that matter neither Ford nor Chevy have a 5 speed automatic but Ford does have a 6 speed manual. Having a 4.10 I'm well aware of what it does to my mileage and rpms. However, for towing a boat and pulling it up out of a steep ramp it does a very good job. For heavy towing I think the 4.10 is better suited imo.

Guess I was off by .2 on the Armada ratio. Did say something like 3.55 though. Guess I better check my numbers from now on.

bowke28

wasnt to correct your #'s, it was to illustrate that since the titan has a 5-speed auto, it makes nissan's 2.96 like a 3.55/4-speed, and the 3.36 like the 4.10/4-speed. they do the exact same job. there is a mathematical formula that proves it...i will try to remember it so i can post it.

basically, it proves that the 4.10 is not needed if you have a 5-speed auto. if you have the 5-speed AND a 4.10, it DOES increase the towing capability of the powertrain, but it wouldnt increse the towing for the truck as a whole, since the frame and brakes are limited.

also, the f150 doesnt offer a 6-speed manual, only a 5-speed, and even that is only available with a v6. the only 6-speed manual is in the super duty, and that illustrates exactly why a 1/2 ton truck cant have a 4.10 AND a 5-speed auto.

sub9904

Kind of figured that there was a formula although I'm pretty much clueless on it. I just know what I tow with and my friends. All big vehicles and all 4.10 and all heavy loads.

You only reemphasized what I said earlier about the Armada and it's capabilities. I don't think it's built to tow it's full rating. The drive train is more than capable but don't think the rest of the vehicle can handle it. Then again I could be completely wrong. You could tow a 9000lbs boat and blow the trannie out in a year.

Wasn't even thinking about the F150 when I mentioned the 6 speed to be honest.

Regardless of what I think about the towing capabilities of the Armada I still like it and it is my top choice (only choice) when I get rid of my Suburban.

roborig

Greetings,

I'm a newbie here with a question on an LE that I ordered the end of January. I've done a search on this forum, but was unable to find anything to answer my question.

Is there an LE wheel shortage at the factory? I've had the VIN for my new Armada for over two weeks and was anticipating its delivery any day now. Yesterday my dealer told me that my rig won't leave the factory until March 10th because of a lack of wheels (for the LE model only).

I find it hard to believe that Nissan is just going to park hundreds of LE's in their lot. Or, maybe they will just make SE's and Off Road's until the LE wheels arrive. Can this be? Anyone else hear of this.

Thank you,

Robo Rig

bullwag

Hey Shopinful, I've been reading this website months before buying my Armada and probably did read your post about naming your Armada "The Beast." Not trying to take your name but I think it fits the vehicle perfectly.
 Hey Roborig, when I was ready to purchase my Armada LE w/ roof,DVD,graphite interior, and smoke in color, my dealer did not have it on the lot. Told me I could order it, or they could locate a dealer that did have it and bring it in for me. I had it in 10 days with just 47 miles on it. Surely have a hard time believing that rims are holding the vehicle up. Dealers will tell you anything.Good luck getting your Armada. Love mine!

roborig

Sounds like that worked out great for you bullwag, getting your LE that soon. Good deal!

When mine was ordered, two dealers couldn't find what I wanted anywhere in the western US (LE / Smoke / Steel / Tech Pkg. / Mats / F & R Splash Guards). I think I'll have my dealer check again now, so maybe I won't have to wait until the end of the month. Thanks for mentioning that.

Cheers!

Robo Rig

bowke28

too bad you are on the west coast...i know exactly where one is...(as i look out the window...lol)

shopinful

Hey Bullwag
I think the name is very appropriate and I am going to be "The Beast" will catch on!

mpower

  Just fell into the deal really. Black on Black SE w/ leather/bose/rear DVD/tow pkg. I negotiated to roughly $200 under invoice...am really pleased methinks. Obviously NMAC must have some underlying support, but I feel like I really stole this deal...why can't BMW let me sneak out w/ this kinda deal...yeah right.(I own a '01 525ia)

llajumpvid

I don't want to hear that....I have the same order but with graphite interior. It has a VIN and its ETA I was told last week is 3/12.

roborig

bowke28,

That's mean to tease people on the internet. :-) I must say you have excellent taste when it comes to SUV's though.

mpower,

Yes, you got the steal, I mean deal, of the century. Congrats! What type of weapon did you threaten the dealer with to get them to come down that much?

llajumpvid,

Just curious - when did you get your VIN and were you told anything about an LE wheel shortage? I got my VIN February 18th (indicating that it was built - yes / no?) and was told it won't ship until March 10th. I find it hard to believe that it's just hanging around Canton, Mississippi (with a whole bunch of other LE's) waiting for wheels to come in.

llajumpvid

I ordered mine Jan 4 and they said it would be at least 45 days probably 60 days. I called and talked to the sales guy at the 45 day mark to get an update. They said when they pulled it up it just said March? I called back March 2nd and talked with the sale manager and he said it had been assigned a VIN with an ETA of 3/12? I'm probably a 2 day haul from Canton so 3/10 makes sense. If you ordered end of Jan. be happy with an early to mid March delivery as I've had to wait an extra month:). I was told they only put orders in at the beginning of the month and it approximately 60days after that. So your order probably didn't go in until beginning of Feb and your 60 days would take you to early April.....

bowke28

actually, the sales manager is the one who ordered it...lol.

scott174

My Dealer finally received the "rear hub assembly"
and so far the problem/noise is resolved. The service tech said Nissan is aware of a problem during production, and that the rear axle bearings were over torqued (numerous vehicles). The only resolve, is to replace the damaged bearings. Long story short, if your Armada makes the noise (see previous post) then better see the Dealer. They also had to order the two front rotors, which are already warped at 4600 miles. Anyone else experience brake problems?

dboogie

Big time thanks Scott for the update on that clicking/popping sound coming from the rear axle. Glad to hear that it seems to have fixed the problem. I've been keeping an ear out for the sound on my ride and the frequency of the noise still only happens when accelrating from a stop or when move the shifter "through" the reverse gear (although i don't think i'm hearing it as often as i was at initially when passing it through reverse). Just so I understand, is "rear hub assembly" the actual name of the part your service guys ordered??? I gotta see if i can get mine in the shop this week so they can look at it. Its nice to be armed with the info that will hopefully fix the problem. THANKS ONCE AGAIN! Oh yeah, I haven't experienced any braking/rotor problems.

mess

Keep those problem updates coming. At this time I have to resolve a few of my own #1 Paint issue on the tailgate...swipe in the silver under the clear coat #2 RESONANCE issue #3 small dents upon delivery

No brake issue at all...no rear hub issue either. Either way..all warranty stuff and expected to have some of these with first model year. When test driving my wife and I noticed loose screws on the doors of 3 vehicles (could hear pop upon max opening) and the wobbly passenger seat twice. My passenger seat is good..although the fold down option really limits adjustment..(can't angle it up in front)..could do with out that anyway. Also wish the rear seat split 50/50. I'm sure it won't be long before they hear that request. If you front passenger doesn't wobble i would suggest not laying it flat.

galvang

I saw a camparison article in towing boats with 3 big rig pick-ups and one was the Nissan Titan. Since the Nissan Titan is very similar to the Armada the performance should be almost equivilent. It was a good article, a must to read if anyone plans to tow something large like boat. Guess who one the comparo??? I am not surprised.

http://www.iboats.com/sites/trailerboats/site_page_1483/article_p- age_259.html

scott174

Along with the my long list of "issues" that have cropped up in the 3 months I've had my Armada are 4 areas of dirt in the paint. I have a "deep water blue" Armada and brought it to the attention of my Dealer which offered to repaint the affected areas.(I declined for now) I also noticed two perfectly spaced "dimples" (actual tiny dents) just above the front lip of my hood. About five inches above the grille. Its no big deal to me now, I have covered it up with the hood protector.
Regarding the "engine ticking" that has been popping up here and under the Titan discussions, I hear it too. My engine does it when its warmed up and seems to be coming from the front drivers side of the engine.(was my car built on a Friday or what!)We'll see what happens. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is my fifth Nissan in nine years, I'm really discouraged with all the problems I've had. I have had "first year" Nissans in the past that have been problem free. Oh yeah, the back windows are now making a loud noise while they are raised.

mbclk

some info about Lemon Law.....

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e_article000127422.cfm

rparnell

Hi,

Did the Nissan engineer come and see your car? Any udpate yet?

Thanks

carzar

looking for an elusive spec. can't find it referenced anywhere. what is the overall width including mirrors?

llajumpvid

Read on another forum 7'-8"

adjmcloon

It's strange to me that a few on here call their Armada 'The Beast'. My fiance' and I were tossing around nicknames the day I picked it up, and that was the one we settled on. Too funny! I guess Nissan really did create a monster.

There are a couple of pics of my Armada on cardomain- check out http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/547845

I just added my 20's and a stainless grill from Trenz. The Beast is bling bling now. Heh-

-Nathan

bowke28

7'8"?!?! where do you get that?!?! thats 92". i dont think anything but a semi truck would be that wide.

rshe

Sweet looking ride.. Based on the color of your Armada, did you consider Moby for a good name. LOL

llajumpvid

Someone measured it. (actually I think it was rshe) It sounds reasonable to me. Specs say 78.8" wide? I believe that is not including the mirrors. So +/-6" per mirror gives you the 92"+/-?????? Only a semi...well it is afterall called the ARMADA

rshe

7'8" is on the mark...Mirror tip to mirror tip. Thank God my garage doors are 9' wide. I can't believe Nissan didn't think to put folding mirrors on a vehicle this wide. BTW the mirrors are 10 inches wide alone.

bowke28

color me corrected! ;-)

llajumpvid

Sounds like the spec width includes the mirrors but in a folded state....

sub9904

I went for a test ride (again). Local dealer had the color and package I want (SE with Tow). Went out on the freeway which is pretty bumpy. Too much traffic to really get it going but did manage to hit 80mph once or twice. What can I say? Anyways, I noticed that my ears felt like they needed to pop like when you are going up into the mountains. Maybe not quite that bad but there was something different. Kind of like a fluttering in my ears? My wife didn't notice it and of course the sales guy didn't either. My question then is this what the resonance feels like? Oh and the car still had all that white protective tape on it including the roof. Wonder if that could help in lessening the effect?

ateixeira

My guess is it could if it disturbs the air flow over the roof. They say a golf ball would not travel nearly as far if it didn't have dimples.

Maybe I've been playing golf all these years with dimple-free golf balls. That would explain my handicap. ;-)

The Beast looks nice, great tint BTW.

-juice