Nissan Armada

ronshan

I had the exact same experience that you had. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the materials. I am most likely now going to wait to see if the materials improve -- as I anticipate they will - - in the QX56. I do recommend a test drive of the Armada (the engine and transmission get high marks in my book). Best of luck.

shairkhan

"It is possible that using your browser's "refresh" button will cause your most recent message to be duplicated. You can avoid this by using the "Recent Messages" link below."

That may be it then, I keep this message board up all the time and hit browser's "refresh" everytime I want to check the recent messages. The "Recent Messages" does not appear as a link on my computer for some reason... Also everytime i click on anything on Edmund's website I get a Runtime Error, Line 774, Syntax Error, Do you want to Debug?. I have to click on "No" to get the page to display. This ONLY happens on Edmund's. Any ideas?

Thanks.

--
Shair

dieselone

The Armada does come with a 4yr/60000 mile powertrain warranty. With the Infinity they increase it to a 4yr/60000 bumper to bumper warranty. Time will tell, but I seriously doubt you'll be able to buy the Infinity for the same money as the Armada when optioned similarly.

bowke28

nissan-3/36k B2B warranty and
5/60k powertrain

infiniti-4/50k B2B

dieselone

The Armada does come with a 4yr/60000 mile powertrain warranty. With the Infinity they increase it to a 4yr/60000 bumper to bumper warranty. Time will tell, but I seriously doubt you'll be able to buy the Infinity for the same money as the Armada when optioned similarly.

tytrevdad

I am glad to see others making this observation as well. I was very eager to see this vehicle and when I did, I found the exterior design impressive to look at, but as soon as you touch this vehicle, you realize where they cut corners to save costs. The door handles are chrome-plated plastic and the rear hatch handles feel like they'll snap off in no time. The leather grade used felt like "pleather" or vinyl. Maybe they'll improve these for the Infiniti version, but that will probably push the price past the $50K mark. It seems like they built a big Xterra instead of a high-end semi-luxury SUV. It will be hard to justify buying this over a loaded Yukon or Expedition considering the price differentials. The saleman kept harping on the ability to tow 9100 lbs, but most people driving SUVs tow about 3-4 kids and groceries (500 lbs). All this being said, I'm impressed with the design/engineering, just disappointed with low quality "touch and feel". Maybe if enough others feel the same way, discounting will occur in the Spring.

ronshan

I would be buying the Infiniti for the upgrade in materials (hopefully). I would be willing to give up some of the options I would have ordered on the Armada.

stever

No clue about your error message - please send in a Feedback Form . Thanks,

Steve, Host

bowke28

im sitting here with the owners manual for the pathfinder armada. please dont correct me on information that you are wrong about. i think in my profession as a nissan salesperson, i would not only know, but have access to information backing up my knowledge. i will state one more time the warranty information for missan and infiniti:

nissan-3/36k B2B warranty and
5/60k powertrain

infiniti-4/50k B2B

hairong

bowke28, calm down. I don't think dieselone meant to offend you. He/she and tytrevdad might have made the same mistake shairkhan did, refreshing the page after posting a message. Didn't we spend 10+ posts pointing this out to shairkhan right when they were posting/reposting theirs?

dieselone, tytrevdad and whoever, if you see you have repeated posts, you can always delete the redundant ones, there is a "DELETE" button right below your message's title line.

tytrevdad

My apologies. I refreshed the page and unintentionally double-posted. 2nd post deleted. thanks.

pfarmada

I really enjoyed driving the PF Armada(SE Off Road 4X4)this week.It handles much better,parks easier,handles better,& has a faster throttle response(electronic drive by wire)than the Suburban.The Bose Stereo is great & I love the rear sensors.And folks this thing holds alot of cargo with the 2nd & 3rd row folded down. I have had alot of people ask me about it and some looks like what the heck is that thing.

rshe

Impressed with the power and handling. I am interested though if anyone else noticed a mind numbing resonance as you drove this vehicle.. Kind of like you get in some vehicles when you open a back window or sunroof as you are going down the highway? I couldn't stand it, and it would turn me off of buying one if they are all that way. Other notes--as usual they don't hold a candle to the Sequoia on quality and fit and finish.. I was going through and pushing buttons, notably the overhead map lights, and some would jam on to the point you had to play with them to get the light off. In short Nissan has a great design, that needs some refinement. BTW- they are not flying off the lots, like the dealers will have you think--I called 3 dealers in the Northern VA area and they still have the same ones they got early this week.. With all the garbage we are hearing about markup, one would think there should be lines forming as the dealer opens.

coryms

rshe, you're right, they are not flying off the lots. The main dealership that I have been dealing with has had the same three since they got them over a week ago. Another dealership is offering $500 below MSRP already. I'm going to give it to the end of the month and see if they drop.

This may backfire as the ad campaign starts this week.

I'm still undecided between the Sequoia and the Armada. The Armada has fantastic features but after getting my hands on one, the truck feels light. I don't get the same heavy, solid feel when opening/closing doors as I do in my Ford. Maybe this is a good thing.

The Sequoia is definitely a good truck but they're going to come out with new styling in the '05 model and that may immediately hit the resale value. Additionally, it has quality interior materials but the design is still 90's for an '04 vehicle.

I've also heard someone else say something about the resonance that you mentioned. I'll test drive one next week and see for myself.

kf714

Emailed internet sales manager that I wanted to order an se 4 x 2 at invoice plus 750 and they called me back to say that I could have that deal, last week. Don't know if that was for real or not.

dieselone

Typical of a car sales person to offend potential customers, but that is for another board. I was incorrect on the warranty. I quoted the warranty based on my 01 Pathfinder LE which has 3yr 36k b2b w/ 5 yr 60k powertrain. I mistakenly quoted it as a 4 year 60k powertrain warranty, my mistake. My point was that Nissan provides powertrain coverage to 60k.

Here is Infinity's warranty
4-year/60,000-mile basic coverage under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty
4-year/60,000-mile Federal Emission Defect Limited Warranty
6-year/70,000-mile Limited Powertrain Coverage
7-year/unlimited-mileage Corrosion Coverage
Lifetime Seat Belt Limited Warranty

bmwdoug

I too am ticked off at the Nissan dealers for trying to charge MSRP or above. I also think it will backfire, and push potential customers to buy a Toyota, Ford, or Chevy. This is a new SUV and there are a lot of unknown factors, Nissan has not ventured into the full size truck and SUV before. Therefore, If anything, Nissan should be giving consumers incentives to take a chance on their vehicle, especially in a depressed economy, where all the competition is offering discounts.

Also, If a dealer will not take a certain dollar amount over invoice, DON'T go back to that dealer, and tell others to stay away as well. NO car or truck is worth MSRP. The auto industry made the rules as to how cars are purchased, not consumers. So, always NEGOTIATE. And, if they don't want to negotiate, WALK.

I am not trying to deny a dealer a profit, they need to stay in business, which is why I am saying, I would have no problem paying 3% over invoice for a new car. But, MSRP is just sticking it to the consumer. And, sticking it to consumers who are helping a company break a new an UNTESTED product into a NEW market is BULL. MSRP, stick that where the sun does not shine. And, go to the competition.

mrwhipple

I have to agree. The pricing is ridiculous. Toyota has had no problem discounting the new 4Runners from day one.

yickwo

Finally had a chance to check the Armada out in person. After much anticipation and excitement, I was disappointed with this product. Besides the large and smooth V8 and roomy front and back row, the Armada does not appear to have much more significantly appreciable advantage over other full sizers in the market.

The third row is a joke in the Armada (absolutely no head room and lack of shoulder and head support). Materials used could be higher grade for this price range. For example, the third row seats look like some plywood thinly covered with cheap grade carpet. Also, there is very minimal room behind the third row seats (I believe it has the smallest back space). For a SUV this size, it is inexcusable.

I do not intend to be Nissan bashing or to start any thing. I am simply disappointed that Armada is not a real suitable alternative for me from the Sequoia. I guess I will wait for the '05 Sequoia and '05 Oydssy and Sienna and decide. My guess is that the price for Armada will drop very quickely from MSRP.

pfarmada

You guys buy what you want. There is no numbing resonance in my PF Armada. My overhead light swithes are smooth as silk. And I can tell you that the quality is as good,if not better than the Sequoia(I owned a Sequoia for those thinking how does he know). The Sequoia is boring compared to the Armada. I am not condoning the dealers charging msrp or above, but to attack the product because of it seems foolish at best. The dealers are independent business people that can charge what the market will bear. If the units don't move the price will come down.

jschober

C'mon. The prices you are whining about are a reflection on you and your negotiating skills, not the dealer. I have my Armada on the way for cost, invoice. I bought an apple for a dollar. It was the only apple in town. When I went outside there were five people who wanted my apple. I sold it for two bucks. What would you do? The dealership gets a 3% kickback from Nissan, Inc., every armada that is sold. . .at cost or otherwise.

rshe

I'm just telling what I found on the SE I drove.. Yes that is only one truck and could be specific to that unit, but who knows.. But when you can get other vehicles that are comparably equipped(albeit maybe not as stylish) for thousands less.. I don't know about you, but I'm going to be a little picky... And the more they jack up the price, the pickier I'm going to be. That's not attacking the product, that's going in with open eyes and looking and more than the body style and engine size of the vehicle.

stever

Comparison Test: Toyota Sequoia versus Nissan Pathfinder Armada

Steve, Host

rsholland

So where's the comparison test? Or is that it? All I saw was an introduction and some links to pricing and the last comparison test...

Bob

dieselone

If you look to the left under navigation you'll see links to first and second place. They ranked the sequoia over the armada, but he armada was a preproduction 2wd model.

stever

Did you find the rest of it Bob?

I meant it was a mini-shootout as in just two vehicles, not a brief four paragraph comparision :-)

Steve, Host

nitemask

Sorry if I sound naive about this, but I've never had one of these systems in a vehicle. Does this tie into the vehicles sound system? Trying to decide if I'll pay for this option or get it aftermarket.

bhana1

Anyone knows what is the 0-60 time for the Armada.

rsholland

clpurnell

C&D reported 7.0 0-60 might check the above review they may have numbers too.

shairkhan

Steve, Thanks for the Seq & PFA comparison link.

I experienced the resonance problem during my test drive. The sales guy also noticed it. We even stopped to make sure if any window is open. It became quite significant at hwy speeds.

I thought this may be due to the Large Wheels & Tires that the dealer added to jack up the price $5K above MSRP.

Those of you who have experienced this issue please tell us if it had original tires & rims?

I expect a lot more from Nissan. I always had good experience with their product. This weekend I and my family plan to test drive this vehicle again to make sure that if we agree on the issues I noticed on my previous test drive.

--
Shair Khan

rshe

The one I was in was a Base 4X2 SE, stock tires and rims...... That was all the dealer had to drive.. I was hoping it was something that might go away with the 18 inch wheels, as I am looking to buy the 4x4 LE...

BTW did a little shopping today and got a dealer to come off MSRP about $1800 if I ordered one. Downside, they are quoting up to a 16 week wait.

pfarmada

As a current owner of a PF Armada and previous owner of a Sequoia (for over a year) I would not give much credence to this comparison. The article even gives you notice up front that this is not an apples to apples comparison. A fairer comparison would have matched a production model Armada LE 4X4 with the Sequoia Limited 4x4. Several points in the article I will have to agree with and that is that if you need more of a minivan substitute buy the Sequoia and that the Armada is a better choice for families who do serious hauling and towing. Let me say that the Sequoia had great build quality and resale but I am expecting the same from the Armada. Both great SUV's but not clones of each other. After driving the Armada on a long trip today I would characterize it as a cross between an Lexus LS400 and a Suburban of which I have owned both.

rshe

Agreed, not a good comparison. I hope they will revisit this with a LE 4x4, production model...

clemsontiger

I am currently the owner of a Chevrolet Impala LS. My Fiance and I test drove several SVU's today. Among them was the brand new Nissan Pathfinder Armada. I am a very picky driver. While most SUV'S handling allows the vehicle to meander all over the road the Nissan was tight and felt comparable to a car's handling. This SUV has actual seating for Eight people. This was truly amazing since most other SUV's have seating for only five or six people. My fiance and I both sat in the second and third seats and since he is over 6'2 we made sure that there was enough leg room in the back seat for his long legs. The rear hatch area was small but so is the rear hatch area of the Excursion and all of the the other three row SUV's. The SURPRISING difference with the Nissan Armada was that all of the seats have a mechanical spring loaded lever that actually folds the seats forward. The position that the seats rest at is horizontal and that gives ultimate cargo space for very large or lengthy items. The interior was a slightly modified cloth one (or leather/ there were three on the lot).. that didn't feel like cloth at all.. I actually preferred the texturized cloth seats to the leather interior.

The Nissan Pathfinder Armada has the most horsepower in its class and it handled the hills and acceleration like a dream. All of the climate controls were easily accessible from the passenger side or the driver's seat. The most exciting feature that I have not found on any other vehicle is the adjustable gas and break pedals. This means that instead of moving the seat each time my fiance or I change driving positions we can use the automatic adjustable foot pedals instead. Oh and the steering wheel had many levels to adjust as well.. All of the compartments like the overhead bins for sunglasses etc seemed just the right size. Overall the Armada outclassed the American SUV and outsized the imported SUVs. If you are looking for your new vehicle, in my opinion as an SUV you could not go wrong with the Nissan Pathfinder Armada..

bmwdoug

Clemsontiger, your review sounds very much like a Nissan Brochure. I think you might be a Nissan sales person.

auto9999

I was very excited to visit a local Nissan dealer to see an Armada. After courteously welcomed by a salesman, I saw a nice, shining, black-colored Armada. I was unable to see the Armada's interior, because it had been already sold to a customer. The salesman said the next delivery is in two weeks.

From what I saw from outside, the interior did not look so cheap. The angular designs of the interior may look like old day's sedans (do you remember demostic sedans in 1980s?) and I might like soft and thick leathers of Suburban and Sequoia. Well, I think Armada's interior is acceptable.

You cannot compare the interior of Armada to one of Jaguar. Armada is available for about $40k in a full-size package.

I am interested in having an Armada. I always was since its announcement and am more so since I saw one at the dealer today. To me, owning an Armada is the same as driving the superior available mechanics in a full-size SUV package for an affordable price. My wife currently drives a Sequoia and I drive a Trailblazer. The only thing that keeps me from buying an Armada now is that I do not need a new SUV until my daughter starts to drive in two years, and that my wife loves her Sequoia and I reasonably like my Trailblazer, and of course switching my Trailblazer to an Armada is a multi 10s of thousand of dollar decision. All said, I like Armada and my eyes will be caught every time I see one on the road.

stever

There have been a few posts in here (and everywhere else on Town Hall) that sound like product placement ads. But everyone here is an intelligent consumer (otherwise y'all wouldn't be here) and can read between the lines, picking up the useful info along the way.

I don't even trust my own posts 100% (trust, but verify <g>)

Steve, Host

rshe

The last couple of posts sounded like your trying to win an essay contest for the Nissan Corp... LOL...

auto9999

Thanks for a comment, rshe. I wish Nissan rewards me for my essay. I also wish Toyota and GM sends me something for my owning their SUVs.

I will probably buy a Pathfinder Armada LE 4x4 in 12 months if my budget allows me then and if other auto manufacturers do not release more attractive SUVs by then.

davant

Even I couldn't write anything that cheesy (well maybe if I tried, see Volvo posts). If you had actually compared SUV's you would have found out a few things. Nothing, repeat nothing, in an Excursion is small. Actual seating for eight, as opposed to what, SRO? Several large SUV's offer seating for 7 or 8 depending on first and second row choices. The redesigned Ford Expedition also has three rows that fold flat, has ample headroom (even more than the Armada), and the last row doesn't feel like it's cardboard, actually quite comfy for those over six-footers. I guess they aren't compared in the Nissan brochure so you forgot to mention it. I knew of the Armada and still chose the '03 Eddie Bauer Expedition it was meant to copy. I suggest you do more homework if you're a consumer, and work harder if you're a Nissan employee and meant to sway prospective buyers....what's that smell?

Auto 9'er - I believe you are an educated consumer or as Steve put it, you wouldn't be here. Any courteous salesperson would let you peek into and play touchy-feely with a sold vehicle as it might sell another, unless the new buyer was still there. The fishy part of your story is it was going to take two weeks from sale to delivery. I guess they had to drape a cloth over the vehicle so it wouldn't be damaged by prying eyes. If what you said is true, go to another dealer. Best of luck to both of you, whoever you are.

FYI, I don't work in the automotive industry, just an edumacated consumer like you...

pfarmada

davant, We're all glad you are happy with your 03 EB Expedition. We also realize there will be critics of the Armada. I don't think Nissan thought everyone with a Tahoe, Expedition, or Sequoia was going to see the Armada and run right down to the local Nissan Dealer and trade their vehicles. What I do believe, based on being the owner of an Armada, is that they will not have any problems selling the units they produce.

auto9999

Hi all educated customers;

Thanks davant for your comments, I am flattered to be called as an educated customer. Also congratulations on your new purchase of an Expedition, which is a great SUV. I will probably visit another Nissan dealer to see an Armada soon. There are a few Nissan dealers in my neighboring towns. One problem for me is that I currently do not plan to buy a new vehicle immediately, and I do not want to bother a dealer too much. I will probably take a look at the vehicle but will not request for a test drive. Talking about my last visit to a Nissan dealer, I meant to say the next delivery of other Armadas from the manufacturer to the dealer would be in two weeks, instead of the vehicle in the dealership takes two weeks for the customer's pickup. Sorry for the confusion.

By the way, pfarmada, how do you like your brand-new Armada?

ronshan

I test drove the Armada again this weekend. At expressway speeds only, there was a distinct low resonance. All windows were closed (including the rear vented windows). Have any new Armada owners experienced this? My second drive has not yet fully convinced me to purchase, but I am leaning towards the Armada.

coachjenkins

Nice board. I saw an Armada, nice SUV. I did not get an opportunity to drive one, but it looked good. The Aramada seems to have a lot going for it. But, I need to drive one first before I make a decision. I like the safety features. In regards to the airbags, side and overhead too? Is that correct? Also, is the navigation system only available on the LE? Can it be special ordered on an SE?

clpurnell

Nav I think is LE only. You get side seat bags with leather interior and side curtains are standard and cover all three rows.

nitemask

I know that fog Lights come standard on the SE OR and the LE. Does anyone know if it's possible to get them on the base SE 4x4? And at what cost?

pfarmada

auto9999, I love the Armada after a week with it. So far so good. I'll reserve final judgement until some time passes by. I'll also be upfront if I experience a problem with it and I'll also let you know how the dealer handles a problem should it need to go to the shop. I have not experienced the low resonance I have read about on this board. This is only the second vehicle I have bought in its first production year(both from Japanese Auto Companies).On the other hand, I have had my best reliability with the products from Japanese and German Companies and worst with American Car Companies.

davant

Got to play touchy-feely with an $36K MSRP PASE' (Pathfinder Armada Sports Edition as there's nothing special about it, LE is nicer). Not anyone asked but...

Likes:
- Ergo considerations up front, inside door handles, console, controls, all are placed with thought, cubby-holes abound.
- Second row is huge even with the front seats all the way back. Tons of overhead storage, stuff could get lost.
- Style, like a larger version of their others, fits the family look, nice job.
- Power, plenty of grunt, borders on peppy.

Dislikes:
- Price, for a basic model, $36K is too high. Even discounted to 33K, too much. Being an XP fan I'll take an EB at 33K instead.
- Second row outside door handles too high. Kids under about four feet won't be able to reach them.
- Third row entry. Salesman says on this base model they don't spring forward, I imagine they do. Had to climb over a folded seat, if it's complicated they messed up.
- Third row seat doesn't split. 50/50, 60/40, any way at all would be better than this.
- Third row discomfort. Fine for kids, midgets or those under 5-9. I can't imagine what ever possessed Clem-tig to even dream her fiance' would fit at 6-2 as this 6-1'er still has a stiff neck and hit the roof just about ear high. Maybe she was sitting on him while he was la---never mind.

Overall a fine rig but still pricey. If I were one of the other manufacturers I would be concerned as the only new ground broken was the nameplate, IMNSHO.

pfarmada

Davant, You are correct, the back door handle is way up there. Not a good design for kids.
I have an SE Off Road 4X4 and the second seats do spring forward so you can get into the 3rd seat. In my opinion the 3rd row seats of any SUV were not specifically designed for adults to sit in, at least not in comfort.