Nissan’s award-winning Armada continues in 2007 to be the family SUV for utility and adventure. Thanks to features like three-row, seven-passenger seating, roof-mounted curtain air bags for all three rows and over 4,000 kg maximum towing capacity, the Armada was awarded the top honors in two customer opinion-based studies. Armada finished first in buyer-perceived overall quality by the Strategic Vision research firm in the Large SUV class of its 2006 Total Quality Index, as well as being named the "Most Appealing Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle" by J.D. Power and Associates’ 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) study.
The 2007 Armada receives only minor refinements from the 2006 model, including engine enhancements that allow for better air intake, resulting in an increase to 317 horsepower from 305 horsepower.
"Armada has always been about choice," said Ian Forsyth, director, Product and Corporate Planning, Nissan Canada Inc. "Its utility offers a choice between secure, comfortable seating for seveb or up to ten feet in storage length; its performance offers the choice of comfortably driving city roads to kids’ soccer practice or off-roading to a secluded camp site.”
Distinguishing Exterior Character
Armada offers a distinctive image, led by its advanced design concept. The combination of a long wheelbase and manageable overall length gives the Armada enhanced stability and handling, and a longer interior with plenty of cargo room - yet short front and rear overhangs for good maneuverability.
Armada design starts with its wide stance, with the body gesture following from the tire sidewalls up. The headlights are straightforward but powerful, the hood bold yet refined. The sheer A-pillar design calls attention to the tight, tailored precision of the upper body with the B-, C- and D-pillars adding to the highly polished feel of the body structure. The tailgate has a reinforced look and the sturdy bumpers project the Armada's structural integrity and reliability.
Other exterior features include a chrome grille and chrome front door handles, dual power-adjustable heated chrome side mirrors with power folding, auto dimming and integrated turn signal, standard running boards, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and standard power rear lift gate, power flip-out rear quarter windows (power-operated) and halogen headlights. Armada is also offered with a standard rear proximity sensor system (back-up obstacle warning) in the rear bumper.
An Interior for Active Lifestyles
Armada follows in the tradition of other authentic Nissan SUVs in providing an interior environment designed for active families. Its advanced, ergonomic interior styling combines a modern appearance with traditional ruggedness.
Key to the Armada design concept is exceptional versatility, roominess and flexibility - including standard dual zone climate control, standard fold-flat 2nd and 60/40 split fold-flat 3rd row seats, the most 2nd row leg room in the full-size, light duty SUV class, standard seating for 7-passenger, ample cargo space behind the 3rd row seat, and a full-length overhead console with six map lights, vents and standard DVD Family Entertainment System.
In front, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and standard 6-way adjustable front passenger’s seat provide a sense of comfort and luxury, while the fold-down front passenger seat features a recessed “work area.” The large front console offers excellent storage capacity. Three 12-volt power outlets are located on the console and instrument panel for use with cellular phones and portable electronic devices.
The standard floor-mounted shifter adds a sporty appearance and enhanced shift control when towing. Also standard are adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock.
Standard Seton leather-appointed seats on the 1st and 2nd rows and an available satellite-based navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD. The standard full-length overhead console includes individual map lamps and ventilation outlets.
The 2nd row features fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with an innovative, removable 2nd row center console.
The 2nd row leg room of 41.9 inches provides passengers room to ride in comfort, while an standard DVD Family Entertainment System with two wireless headphones and remote control and 10-speaker Bose® audio system offers a variety of entertainment options. The Bose system's dual media capability allows use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source).
The fold-flat 3rd row seats are designed for easy operation and easy access. In addition, a thoughtful design feature raises the 3rd row seats higher than the 2nd row to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility for the occupants.
There is also a large amount of storage space behind the 3rd row seat. With the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down, the Armada offers a nearly flat floor. And, with the front passenger seat in the fold-down position, it is possible to carry items up to 10-feet in length with the rear liftgate closed. In addition to ample headroom, the 3rd row includes side storage bins and cupholders. The rear cargo area also includes ceiling and floor-mounted cargo hooks, while available accessories include a cargo net and cargo tray.
Ten cupholders are located throughout the Armada, with some capable of holding 64-ounce size cups. Other storage areas include instrument panel side pockets, the center console main storage bin with side pockets, bottle holders in the front and side doors, and a driver’s seat rear pocket.
Features to Accommodate Full-Size Adventures
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.
Armada’s much-heralded 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine has been retuned to produce an increased 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque for 2007. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque is available below 2,500 rpm – where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving. Armada offers a maximum towing capacity of over 4,000 kgs.
The Nissan Endurance V8, which is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., is shared with the Nissan Titan full-size pickup. The engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain, and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control. Also, Graphite-coated pistons, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshaft help reduce friction to achieve greater engine efficiency.
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.
Armada comes equipped with a Tow Package which receives a higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge. Other Tow Package equipment includes 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 Armada's off-road credentials are equally impressive. The Armada 4WD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.
The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO. The crawl ratio in 4LO is among the best among competitors, providing enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending ability. Under normal driving conditions, 4WD Armadas operate in two-wheel drive mode.
The Armada’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes standard off-road tuning for improved braking on loose gravel, and boasts a high ground clearance of 10.6 inches. While the Armada is well equipped for rugged activities, it is equally capable of tackling everyday driving tasks with comfort and style. The standard all-steel front double-wishbone suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is matched with a responsive independent double-wishbone rear suspension.
Along with compliant handling, the rear suspension design also provides a high ride quality for 2nd and 3rd row passengers and maximizes rear interior space by minimizing the intrusion of suspension components into the interior compartment.
The standard rear air leveling system provides improved handling stability and ride comfort when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The system, which automatically adjusts the air pressure in the suspension bladders, helps maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle when towing or when carrying heavy cargo.
Other key platform components found on every Armada include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
Large 265/70R18 tires are offered with standard aluminum-alloy wheels, plus a standard 28-gallon (105 litre) fuel tank provides excellent driving range.
Advanced Safety and Technology Focus
The Armada offers an extensive list of standard and available safety features, including standard supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover to all three rows and side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat-mounted).
Every Armada also features Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, front seat active head restraints, 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones.
Technology Package
The available technology package on the Armada features 18” chrome clad wheels, Nissan Navigation System – which includes 7.0’” Colour Monitor, Canada and U.S. DVD Map Data, DVD-based Navigation System, Vehicle Maintenance Information – and Rear Vision Backup camera.
Seven exterior colors are offered: Nordic White (white), Galaxy (black), Silver Mist (silver), Smoke (dark silver), Sparkle Red, Majestic Blue and Pewter (tan). Interior color combinations include Sand, Graphite/Titanium and Steel/Titanium.