Monday, February 22, 2010

Nissan Armada is a Gentle Giant


The 2010 Nissan Armada might be a behemoth, but it's a gentle giant.
This large SUV, which has been on the market a few years now, remains a fine choice for those who need lots of room to haul family members or those who tow boats or trailers.
But the rugged, powerful vehicle also rides smoothly and is neatly appointed on the inside.
The Armada comes in three trim levels: SE, Titanium and Platinum.
There are options aplenty available, such as XM Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic, touch-screen LCD monitor and Intelligent Key entry.
And that screen isn't just for entertainment; the backup camera, which is very helpful in a vehicle this large, gives a rearview display there.
But if you also want entertainment, the DVD Entertainment System can accommodate video games and videos that you upload, as well as DVDs.
If it's music you fancy, check out the Music Box hard drive that can play MP3 files. And your tunes will sound nice coming from the dozen speakers in the audio system.
To be sure, the Armada, which has a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that makes 317 horsepower, is no fuel sipper.It gets 12 mpg city and 18 highway, according to EPA estimates.
But such is the price of driving such a large vehicle.
The reward is that its spaciousness makes it pleasant for as many as 600 people to ride in comfort.
Ok, that's a pretty big exaggeration, but the three rows of seating easily hold eight people.
There is a whopping 97 cubic feet of storage space, so trips to Wal-Mart that yield 10 bags of stuff won't be a problem.
Safety features abound as well. There is an advanced air bag system with front air bags with seatbelt sensors and antilock brakes, among other things.
In challenging handling situations, Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control adds stability.
The Armada comes standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, but 20-inchers are optional.
The Armada has an unmistakably tough-guy appearance. This is not one of those SUVs that's trying to look like a sedan or station wagon.
But it's an attractive look, both inside and out.
And for those who still need a giant hauling machine, this one fits the build nicely.

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