Nissan Armada n a capable companion for all seasons
Spring officially arrives tomorrow. But some Midwesterners aren’t easily convinced as they are still being hassled by Old Man Winter. Standing ready to help make the seasonal transition easier is the 2006 Nissan Armada.
Nissan Armada joined the sport utility ranks in 2004 as a full-size compliment to the Japanese brand’s smaller Xterra, Pathfinder and Murano SUV fleet.
Armada is built off the full-size Nissan Titan pickup platform, stretching 207 inches long and tipping the scales at more than 5,000 pounds with either rear- or four-wheel drive in SE, SE Off-Road and LE trim levels.
Turning a dashboard switch activates the four-wheel drive system for a towing capacity that tops out at 9,100 pounds. Switching the dial to “4Lo” provides even greater ground biting grip in deep snow.
Armada’s SE Off-Road model features 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty suspension and undercarriage skid plates to protect the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.
Standard 18-inch wheels and meaty, all-terrain tires validate ground clearance of 10 inches on two-wheel drive versions and 10.7 inches on 4WD models.
Putting that grip into motion is a 5.6-liter, V-8 engine that generates 305 horsepower and 385 pounds of torque, coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission for an EPA rating of 13 mpg city and 19 highway in rear drive and 13/18 mpg when locked into 4WD.
Inside, Armada offers three rows of seats as standard equipment, offering genuine seating for seven adult occupants. Two captain chairs may replace the second row bench seat as an option.
I recently embarked on a 75-mile round trip in the 2006 Armada, riding as a second-row passenger along with two other male colleagues.
Rear seat legroom was comfortable while shoulder room remained adequate for the distance we traveled. A better option would have been to utilize the 60/40 split-folding third-row bench that renders plenty of leg and shoulder room for the trip.
Second-row, split seats easily fold and tumble forward creating a large aisle for rear seat passengers to enter or exit. It is among the roomiest in the three-row seat SUV segment. Headroom comes up short for third-row riders over six-feet tall, however.
Armada will swallow 20 cubic feet of cargo with passengers in three rows and 97 cubic feet of space when all rows are folded flat.
The 2006 Nissan Armada is designed to haul heavy, tow large and carry a boatload of people in full-size SUV trim at a price that starts at $34,500.
source:www.nwitimes.com
