2004 Nissan Armada: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Three months after introducing the full-size Titan pickup truck at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, Nissan issued another big surprise. The Japanese automaker unveiled a sport utility vehicle that is similar in size to the Titan at the New York International Auto Show in April 2003.

Named the Pathfinder Armada, the new SUV is an addition to Nissan’s line and not a replacement for the smaller Pathfinder. However, beginning in the 2005 model year, the Pathfinder Armada will instead be called the Armada. The company also offers the compact Xterra SUV.

“Our SUV family wasn’t complete until now,” said Jed Connelly, senior vice president of sales and marketing, at the Armada’s New York debut. Connelly promised that the Pathfinder Armada delivers “class-leading room, power, safety features and utility” and noted that occupants get more second-row legroom than in any other full-size SUV.

Capable of seating either seven or eight occupants, the Pathfinder Armada is built on an all-new platform with a fully boxed frame. A 5.6-liter Endurance V-8 engine drives a five-speed-automatic transmission. Towing capacity is 9,100 pounds. Nissan says the gated floor-mounted gearshift is the first one in a light-duty full-size SUV.

The Pathfinder Armada is offered in SE, SE Off-Road and upscale LE versions, each with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Pathfinder Armada is manufactured at Nissan’s new plant in Canton, Miss.

Exterior
Despite its large dimensions, the Pathfinder Armada displays a kinship to other Nissan SUVs. Nissan refers to the Pathfinder Armada’s blend of “expressive styling with traditional ruggedness.” Built on a long 123.2-inch wheelbase, the SUV is 206.9 inches long overall.

Running boards are standard. The grille is body colored on SE models and chromed on the LE. The chrome-plated front bumper can have either body-colored or chrome side fascias. Heated power mirrors are standard, and they are available with puddle lamps on the LE model. The Pathfinder Armada is equipped with an independent rear suspension.

Interior
Depending on the seating arrangement, either seven or eight passengers can fit inside the Pathfinder Armada. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats will be standard, and second-row captain’s chairs are available. Folding down the front passenger seat lets the owner carry items up to 10 feet long.

Seton leather seating surfaces are standard in the LE. Privacy glass is used for the rear liftgate and the second- and third-row side windows. Flip-out rear quarter windows are powered on the LE model. A power liftgate will be optional.

The standard full-length overhead console will be available with a Family Entertainment System that includes a DVD-based video console and wireless headphones. Nissan’s navigation system will be offered as an option. A removable second-row console is available with the optional captain’s chairs. Up to 14 cupholders are provided, and adjustable brake and gas pedals are standard. Standard rear sonar sensors warn of nearby objects while the vehicle is backing up.

Under the Hood
Nissan’s Endurance 5.6-liter dual-overhead-cam V-8 engine develops 305 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque; it teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive models have a two-speed transfer case with 4-Lo and Auto 4×4 technology.

Safety
Side curtain-type airbags help protect passengers in all three rows of seats in the event of a rollover incident. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are optional. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system includes traction control. A tire-pressure monitor is standard.

Driving Impressions
Because it’s built on the same platform as the brand-new Titan pickup truck, the Pathfinder Armada’s trucklike ride quality isn’t much of a surprise. On the whole, this SUV doesn’t feel quite as solid as the Titan. While moving, occupants are more likely to hear muted sounds from the Pathfinder Armada’s suspension system than in other vehicles. On the other hand, this SUV is pleasantly quiet, emitting only minimal truck sounds.

Steering is relatively light, and the Pathfinder Armada handles a tad loosely for a truck-based model. But it still steers capably enough and maneuvers with reasonable confidence in turns.

The Pathfinder Armada’s performance is strong but not exceptional — and that would be an apt description for the Pathfinder Armada in various other areas, as this big SUV can’t quite beat its primary competitors.

On a positive note, legroom for second-row occupants is abundant. Getting into and out of this vehicle requires a bit of a climb, but running boards help with this task. The driver enjoys a comfortable seat with a satisfying cushion.