Teresa’s View: This bruiser can move

Sat., Oct. 9, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

We Americans are easy to please when it comes to automobiles — just give us the biggest, most powerful vehicles money can buy. So when Nissan decided to add a full-size sport-ute to its lineup, they built a vehicle as imposing as a fleet of Spanish warships, and called it the Armada.

Introduced this year as a 2004 model, Nissan’s newest family member sports a 5.6-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 305 horsepower. It’s a genuine overachiever, offering class-leading towing capacity (when equipped with the towing package), the longest wheelbase and more second-row legroom than any full-size SUV and as many as 14, count ‘em, 14 cupholders.

Running boards are absolutely necessary for small people of any age to clamber aboard. Inside, a wide center console houses scads of storage space and bridges a vast expanse between front-seat occupants. Three rows of seating hold eight people.

Despite its size, the big bruiser is deceivingly fast, running the 0-to-60 dash in 7 seconds. Do be careful not to get a speeding ticket. It’s easier than it seems.

Too bad the Armada arrived about the same time gas prices went sky-high. On the plus side, it uses regular fuel.

What Is It?: The entry-level SE, SE Off-Road and top-line LE trims are offered in two- and four-wheel-drive versions. Prices start at $33K.

Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Standard equipment includes front and rear air conditioning with rear controls, an in-dash six CD audio system and power everything.

Favorite Feature: The standard parking sensors are handy for a vehicle this large and slabby. Small nations can get lost behind this big-boned fella.

Safety Features: Even the SE trim comes with anti-lock brakes, vehicle dynamic control, power adjustable pedals and roof-mounted curtain air bags.

The Back Seat: My niece and nephew pointed out that the rear doors open wide and the windows roll down all the way. I like that the third-row seats fold into the floor.

The Name: Nissan calls its new baby the Pathfinder Armada. However, the Pathfinder reference is merely a blatant marketing gimmick to enhance name recognition. The Armada is actually based on Nissan’s manly Titan pickup, not the midsize Pathfinder.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Armada is assembled at Nissan’s new plant in Canton, Miss.

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