An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2017 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD. The last time I reviewed an Armada was in South Carolina for a golf outing with a group of friends. When you have 4 guys with luggage and golf bags you need a large vehicle. Armada fit the bill – just dandy.
Today the Armada remains large despite some who think no one should be allowed to drive such large cars… it just isn’t politically correct they tell me. Really, there are also some who think everyone should drive electric cars or at the very least “Green”. Time will bear out what is the most efficient mode of transportation. Who knows it may be ‘tele transporting and we won’t need cars at all. In any case, a free market is the best way to determine the matter best. Only few will choose the least efficient way to do anything.
As to Electric Technology I remind you that in 1903 electric cars performed as well as today’s electric cars. What does that tell you? Pursuing that technology appears a path going nowhere.
So, when you need a large vehicle I trust you will chose the best one for the need. And the next time I have a large group with golf clubs and luggage you can bet it won’t be in a Prius.
With 22 models of Nissan you should be able to find something that fits your want or need.
Opinion:
Everyone has one (an opinion), so voice yours – it’s your constitutional right in America and not so much everywhere else in the world. How’s that for UNIQUE, especially since America only represents 5% of the world population. God bless America. Go ahead, speak up, speak out – That’s my opinion. What’s yours?
General Information: It is assembled in Los Angeles, CA. Classification is Standard SUV. Cars from Nissan: Altima, Armada, Frontier, GT-R, JUKE, LEAF, Maxima, Murano, NV Cargo, NV Passenger, NV 200, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan XD, Versa Note, Versa Sedan, 370 Z Coupe and 370 Z Roadster.
Handling & Performance:
Special for a large car / SUV. It performed spectacularly during my “over-the-Crest” Test mountain curvy road route.
Styling:
Armada hasn’t changed much over the past years, and that is fine with me.
Fit and Finish:
Nice, very nice.
Cost:
You get what you pay for, so if you need a large SUV for lots of folks, kids, dogs, cats, soccer teams or golf buddies this Armada should be on your shopping list.
Conveniences and comfort:
If there is something else you can think of that you need in an automobile, like the kitchen sink I’m sure they can add it for you. Yep, if it had any more features you’d call it HOME.
Consumer Recommendations:
We all have our favorite car makers so perhaps the following information could be helpful. Oh, if you will be hauling 7 or 8 people buy LARGE – it will take as many as 7 cars off the road.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Armada $62,000, Ford Expedition $62,000, Toyota Sequoia $63,000, Mercedes Benz GLS $68,000, Chevrolet Tahoe $63,000, Lincoln Navigator $65,000, Infiniti QX 80 $65,000.
Good News:
Beautiful handling, great safety features, a huge number of comfort and convenience features, competitive pricing, comfy and spacious.
Bad News:
Some will complain about the fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
5.6 liter 390 HP V8 engine, 7-speed auto transmission, four wheel drive, 20” alloy wheels, Hill start assist, front, side and curtain airbags, LATCH system, 4-wheel ABS braking system, dynamic control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitor, security system, anti-theft system, distance control assist, forward emergency braking with predictive forward collision warning, land departure warning, and lane departure prevention, blind spot intervention and warning, back-up collision intervention, Leather seating with 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar support, heated and cooled front seats, power folding 60/40 3rd row seat, intelligent Key with memory and remote engine start, power tilt and telescopic steering column, smart cruise control, 13-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM/SXM/ CD/MP3 and Aux input and 8” color display with Navigation, USB connection Port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hand-free phone system, family entertainment system with two 7” WVGA color displays and two wireless headphones, dual zone climate control, 12 volt power outlets, power windows, power sliding moonroof with front tilt and rear slide, front and rear sonar, ‘around view monitor with moving object detection, rain sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, heated mirrors with memory, roof rails, side step rails, front fog lights, power liftgate, trailer brake controller, receiver hitch with 7-pin wiring harness.
Gas Stats:
$3.05/ Gal avg. October 8, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
13 City and 18 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $59,990