Costa Mesa, CA – If you are in need of a large SUV that can seat up to 8, tow up to 9,100 pounds, offers true four-wheel drive capability, and up to 97 cubic-feet of space to put your stuff, the 2009 Nissan Armada SE 4x4 might be just what you’re looking for.  Chevy/GMC and Toyota offer some competition in this size vehicle but none of them seem as big as this truck based SUV is.

                The Armada is based on the Titan pick-up chassis and the only engine option is the 5.6-liter DOHC V8 making 317 Horsepower and 385 lb-ft of stump pulling Torque.  Of course something this big and heavy, all 6799 lbs of it, does not sip gas offering only 12 City and 18 Highway or a combined 14 MPG when left in the full 4-wheel drive configuration.

                My only regret for the time I spent with this SUV is that I did not have a baseball team or a ski boat to schlep around.  Both tasks would have been a breeze to accomplish.

                The SE model, as you see pictured here, comes very well equipped.  Starting at $37,210 you get dual zone automatic climate control for the front passengers and a separate set of climate controls for the folks in the back, rear parking assist, running boards/step rails, 18-inch wheels, power adjustable pedals, an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and an 8 speaker stereo with in-dash 6-CD changer with a jack for iPods’ & the like.  Move up to the LE and 20-inch wheels are standard along with rear-view camera, power tail gate, front parking sensors, fog lamps, keyless entry and start button, folding side view mirrors, leather interior, power passenger seat and more.  Some of these options can be added to the SE model.  This Armada had the  moonroof, the DVD entertainment system, Tow Package (hitch, wiring harness, bigger battery, self leveling suspension in the rear and gear ratio of 3.357), Bose premium audio with 11 speakers, XM, rear view camera and front sonar, power leather seats, power lift gate, and the list goes on and on.  Total sticker of $47,860 out the door.
                 You are perched high above anything else you pull up next to and this offers a perfect view of what is ahead of you, or next to you for that matter!  I would highly recommend the backup camera and the front sonar options; the size of this SUV can be and is intimidating so these options make maneuvering, especially in tight quarters, pretty easy.  The handling was impressive for such a big beast and the turning

radius extremely impressive, almost as if you can bang- a-Uie back onto your own tracks.  The chassis is upset by bumps in the road especially off camber and the ride sometimes makes you think you are in that boat you just towed to the water but not in an uncomfortable way.  You know you’re in a truck based SUV but overall the ride quality and handling is comfortable and confident.
                The interior is nicely done with everything in relative reach – remember this is a big vehicle so lots of space to fill on the dash and console.  Lots of storage compartments and cup holders galore, there is no shortage of places to stow things for any and everybody on board.                   The 5.6 Liter V8 is very strong even with the mass it is responsible for and has a great growl when you get into it, something you will not want to do very often.  I had a hard time judging whether the speedo was increasing at a faster rate than the gas gauge was decreasing – not true but this is a very thirsty vehicle.  I averaged 12 MPG over the course of 222 miles – most of that in city driving scenarios. 
                As impressive as the punch is from the V8 the stopping power of the anti-lock brake system was even more confidence inspiring. As big as this thing is I was shocked and very pleased with the pedal feel and the performance of the brakes.
                For almost 50 large a Navigation System would seem in order but was not included on this particular vehicle but is available with the Technology Package.  Other than that this was a very well equipped model.
                The other day a friend of mine, who went along for a ride in the Armada, asked me as we drove around in the subject of next week’s review if I missed the Armada?  My answer, and it took no thought, was yes, actually I do.  While I have no need for an 8 passenger vehicle, I have no kids, no boat, trailer, or camper to tow from place to place, but I do miss it.  It was comfortable, great views of the road, a good looking ride and capable of just about any task it would possibly be asked to perform.  What’s not to miss?  I could put the 3^rd row of seats flat and maybe the second row too and make it a mobile suite for my Black Lab, but he likes to ride up front and put his paw out the window.  

Column and photos provided by Rich Branch, EVP of Race Central TV and Radio Network Partners.