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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Nissan Armada

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Armada

Overview

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2011 Nissan Armada Review

By KBB.com Editors

Full-size SUVs have taken a beating as of late. First, there was the gas crisis of 2008, followed by the economic crisis of 2009, a one-two punch that had many predicting the demise of the gargantuan family haulers. But, like most things prone to exaggeration, the worst never came. Why? Because, for those families who need room for eight passengers and/or the ability to tow a 9,000 pound trailer, there is no substitute for a vehicle like the 2011 Nissan Armada. Sure, the $100 fill ups won't go easy on the wallet, nor will the $40,000 asking price, but if you can't live without the above listed features, there are only a handful of similar vehicles that can accomplish what the Armada can.

You'll Like This Car If...

Your kids will love the Armada's numerous high-tech toys, such as the rear seat entertainment system with remote headphones. You'll love the on-board navigation with XM NavTraffic to guide you past traffic jams. And, everyone will love the ample power afforded by the standard V8 engine.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The aptly named Armada is as big as tank, and sometimes drives like one, too. Don't look for an easy go of it in tight parking lots or narrow garage openings. Oddly, heated front seats are only available on the most expensive trim.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, two of the three Armada trims are renamed. The Armada SV replaces the previous SE, and the Armada SL replaces the Titanium trim.

Driving the Armada

Driving Impressions The 2011 Nissan Armada's size might have you thinking it should handle like an unruly pickup truck, but in reality it feels more like a midsize SUV. The Armada's short...

front and rear overhangs make it possible to maneuver around close corners without guess work, aided by steering that is taut and fairly precise. On smooth pavement, the Armada sails along with little drama, but upon encountering rough seas-uneven pavement or large expansion joints, for example-the Armada's Titan-based roots quickly make themselves known. The Armada's suspension doesn't do a very good job of isolating road imperfections, choosing instead to send the slightest rude jolt or annoying vibration into the passenger cabin. Of course, with 317 horsepower on tap, you can quickly accelerate to find better roads, or at least have a lot of fun making the attempt.

Favorite Features

Rear Seat Design
The Armada's versatile rear-seat design includes fold-flat seats that create a level loading floor.

Standard Head-Curtain Airbags
The Armada's standard head-curtain airbags cover all three rows of seating.

2011 Nissan Armada Details

Interior

The 2011 Nissan Armada offers a number of interior configurations designed to fit the multiple needs of a growing family. The second row can be fitted with a bench seat, or two captain's chairs divided by a removable center console. With the console in place, second-row passengers have a place to store water bottles and video games; take it out, and passengers have an unobstructed passage to the third-row seat. The rear-most bench seat is slightly elevated (a term known as "theatre seating") allowing its occupants to see over the heads of those up front. When not hauling passengers, the Armada's seats can be folded creating a level floor perfect for carrying long or bulky items. Those concerned about safety can take solace in the Armada's many safety features, including side curtain airbags covering all three rows.

Exterior

In the world of conservatively styled SUVs, the 2011 Nissan Armada's expressive design stands out as one of its strongest attributes. From its arched door frames, to its raised roof, to its huge side fender flares, the Armada is not easily mistaken for anything but and Armada. Some of the styling places form over function, however, such as the high positioned rear door handles that can prove a difficult reach for smaller children. A generous expanse of glass combined with narrow roof pillars provides good 360 degree visibility, and Nissan's huge side mirrors reveal all objects near the Armada's sides. On Platinum trims, the side mirrors include a power folding and auto-dimming feature.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 Nissan Armada SV has a 317-horsepower V8 engine, five-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), front and rear air conditioning, floor- and ceiling-mounted consoles, Vehicle Dynamic Control, rear privacy glass, dual power heated outside mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, front and rear head-curtain airbags (covering all three rows), front side-impact airbags, running boards, eight-way power driver's seat, cruise control, tire-pressure monitor and a rear wiper and washer. The SL adds Intelligent Key keyless entry and start, leather seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth, Bose audio, power-folding third-row seat and auto-leveling rear air suspension. The Platinum Edition includes all these features plus heated front seats and steering wheel, a power liftgate, power moonroof, a hard drive-based navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2011 Nissan Armada vary by trim. The SV can be equipped with the Driver Package that adds a 12-speaker Bose audio system, Bluetooth, RearView Monitor, fog lights and a power-folding third-row seat. Also available on the SV is the Tow Package and a number of dealer-installed options. The SL can be equipped with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a power moonroof, while the Platinum Edition offers second-row captain's chair seating. All models offer the option of four-wheel drive.

Under the Hood

Nissan equipped the Armada with its most powerful V8 engine and the results are impressive. Tow rated at 9,100-pounds (with the available Tow Package), the Armada credits itself well in maximum towing capacity among lighter-duty, full-size SUVs.

5.6-liter V8
317 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 (gasoline, 2WD), 12/18 (gasoline, 4WD), 9/13 (E85, 2WD), 9/13 (E85, 4WD)

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2011 Nissan Armada Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 372 Ratings for the 2004 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.2/10

Styling

9.2/10

Comfortable and Flexible

By paul (FL) on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfortable and spacious."

Cons: "Spend money on gas,Low mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this SUV.It has lot of room for the whole family. Seats are very comfortable and ride is smooth. My kids enjoy the ride in this SUV.We have a 2 wheel drive and its very easy to do the turns than a car."

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More rear seat leg room than anything I could find

By Harry (GA) on Monday, June 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,089

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Better priced and better valu than its competition"

Cons: "Would like a better iPod interface"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased my 2011 Armada as a leftover in December 2011 and already have 50,000 miles. I have owned Tahoe's since the late 90's and feel like I own part of GM with all the repair business they have gotten. Not a nickel so far except for oil changes. Yes, gas economy is not the greatest but comparable to anything in its size class and a much better ride and far more room for both driver and passengers. At 6'6" size does matter and I have a few long legged sons who really appreciate the roomy second row seat."

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Awesome SUV

By jo (CA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 169,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "powerful V8 for a 2004"

Cons: "the gas mileage, otherwise none whatsoever."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought my 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada new with only 12 miles on it in 2004. It now has over 168k miles on it and is still running strong! Did all the recommended services and the truck has not let me down. I do alot of highway driving (to Las Vegas) and I love the way it handles going up the hills. The V8 really kicks in fast, no lagging. Has been good to me and a lot of room for my 2 dogs (Rottweilers)."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Best Car I've Owned

By RegDawg (CA) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Size, Power, Safety, 3rd Row fits Adults, Fun"

Cons: "MPG!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I just purchased an 08 Armada couple weeks ago and love it. Did plenty of research on other vehicles before my purchase and decided to pursue the Armada. Its huge, roomy, and just feel safe in it. I have a newborn so safety and room were my selling points. Oh and this thing has plenty of power however that power eats gas so its not excellent on gas economy but I knew that before purchasing. If MPG is important to you, then you may need to look elsewhere. Also with the SUV high off the ground, much of the maintenance can be done yourself (oil, transmission, etc). Other than that I totally recommend the Armada."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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This SUV offers both quality an safety!!

By Fifes (FL) on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 130,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "safety, comfort, powerful"

Cons: "fuel usage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought our 2006 in 2009 and still have it with no intent to sell it. This SUV is the safest vehicle I have ever owned. It is not that great on gas but the comfort and safety it offers are well worth a little extra fuel cost and I should mention that if you are light on the gas pedal it is not so bad. I have used this vehicle for work everyday as well as on long trips. My husband loves it for its power. We have pulled a 33 foot camper weighing in at 8000lbs all over the East Coast and barely knew it was there all while carrying 7 passengers. I'm not sure about other vehicles in the same class but I am satisfied with this one enough that I really have no interest in finding out. My kids are safe when in this vehicle and to me that's enough to make me recommend it to anyone!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Very Pleased

By Kyleohio (OH) on Tuesday, January 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "smooth ride and roomy"

Cons: "gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was not in the market for a SUV, I just wanted to get rid of my old car and negative equity. Dealership had this on sale and $7k in cashback offers so I bought it! BEST decision...I love this vehicle...I'm a single father with daughter that does competitive chearleading and we are always driving and this vehicle is great on the highway, great driving around town, just all around good choice and I would recommend this to anyone who does a great deal of road travel. Def a nice affordable massive suv. gas mileage not that great but hey its all good!"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 372 reviews