2007 Nissan Armada

By Daniel Souza

Big, large, tank, jumbo, immense, spaceship; attempting to describe Nissan’s mammoth-like first full-size SUV can go on, but this week’s Spanish Armada-like test drive has proven to have more identity than solely its size.
With a hefty 5.6-liter 32-valve DOHC V8, the 2007 Armada’s powerplant has been retuned from last year and received an extra 12 ponies, amounting to 317 horsepower and 385-lb feet of torque.
Nissan’s biggest SUV still boasts a 9,100-pound maximum towing capacity. So even if you need that extra hmmph with the loaded vehicle and that Titanic-sized boat, the Armada should be able to pull it off just fine.

An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode is standard on every Armada. The transmission utilizes a unique gear set chosen specifically for use in high torque situations, along with an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for improved shift quality. The tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling.

As you take the captain’s seat on the Armada equipped with the tow package, the panel cluster will reveal a not-so-familiar, but convenient transmission temperature gauge. The tow-ready SUV also gets a higher axle ratio along with a receiver hitch, heavy-duty radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery and rear suspension air leveling system. The tow package is standard on the LE model and available for the SE model.

But like most good things in life, all this power will cost you. And soaring gas prices can quickly turn the smile into a frown. Expect a mere 13 mpg for in-city driving. On the highway things don’t get any more promising. Your economy will get shifted to the unpromising 18 mpg bracket.
Beyond the guzzling factor, the Armada—which was introduced to the US market back in 2004—receives an eco-friendly refinement for the 2007 model; the addition of Flexible Fuel Vehicle technology (FFV), allowing drivers to use traditional gasoline or an alternative fuel such as E85, a mix containing 85 percent renewable ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

On the other hand, big dimensions can be a good thing for Utah’s normally super-sized families (or full paintball teams). The Armada features include standard fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, the most 2nd row leg room in the full-size, choice of 8-passenger seating or 7-passenger, a moderate cargo space behind the 3rd row seat, and a full-length overhead console with six map lights, vents and available DVD entertainment system (which ours had it).

For 2007, the Armada features a rugged, F-Alpha fully boxed frame for enhanced crash performance and long-term durability and an independent double-wishbone rear suspension designed for improved roominess, comfort and responsive handling.
According to Nissan, drivers are aided in the navigation process with this bigger-than-most sized SUV through a standard rear proximity sensor system (back-up obstacle warning) in the rear bumper, offered in all models of the Armada. Certainly other assists—such as a side and front sensors—would ease the task of parking this Japanese tank. A tank that blended perfectly with the paintball field east of the Provo airport.

Many of the interior features get its cues from its smaller sister SUV, the Pathfinder. Key features on our tested SE model include a body color grille, P265/70R18 tires on 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-passenger seating and full-length overhead console, step rails, 6CD in-dash autochanger and rear sonar sensors to aid in parking.
Available equipment packages for SE models include a Bose Package, Leather Package, Sunroof Package and Journey Package, which features the contents of the three previous packages, plus available XM™ or Sirius® satellite radio service.


With the most ground clearance in its class, this SUV will allow you to take it off-roading if you so wish, but you will also need lots of monetary clearance to keep it running on the road due to its bad gas mileage—the number one complaint from its drivers according to Yahoo! Auto user reviews.

Base Price - $34,950
Price as tested - $45,125

Daniel Souza can be reached at sixth.gear.herald@gmail.com