2004 Nissan Armada Walkaround Review at Automotive.com
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2004 Nissan Armada Review: Exterior

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2004 Nissan Armada Review

All-new full-size SUV starts at the front of the class.
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One of the first things you notice about the Nissan Armada is its gargantuan proportions. Nearly 207 inches long, Armada is a foot longer than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. It's 3 inches longer than the Toyota Sequoia and an inch longer than the Ford Expedition.

The very first thing you notice about the Armada is its bold looks. Part of that is its size. Its wide stance and long wheelbase with short front and rear overhangs give it a look of strength. In other words, the wheels are pushed out toward the corners of the truck, making for easier maneuverability in tight quarters as well as rock-solid stability on the highway.

Adding to the Armada's bold presence are its big chrome bumpers. It's big grille is body-colored on the SE, chromed for even more visual strength on the LE. It makes for an imposing image in rear-view mirrors.

Viewed by some angles, the Armada almost looks like a cartoon drawing. The rear-door handles are mounted on the C-pillar instead of down on the door panel. Those rear doors are part of the design signature because instead of angling straight down or toward the rear of the vehicle, their rear edge is more of a dogleg that turns back toward the front of the car. The impression is to visually enhance the structure around the main passenger section and to give the Armada a distinctively strong side view. The standard running boards are a good feature because step-in height is 21 to 22.5 inches, depending on drivetrain and wheel size.

Viewed from the rear, the Armada has a wide rear window, which can be opened separately. The hatch is large, providing a big opening for loading or unloading cargo. Though large, the rear door feels light when opening or closing it. A power option allows the door to be opened or closed at the touch of a button on the key fob, useful when approaching with an armload of groceries on a rainy day. Enhancing the Armada's wide stance are narrow shoulders that frame the vertically stacked tail lamps and a tall chromed center section of the rear bumper.

As mentioned, the Armada is based on the Nissan Titan, a full-size pickup. For its part, the Titan is the first pickup from an import brand to go head-to-head against the full-size Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Chevrolet Silverado. (The Toyota Tundra is smaller and doesn't quite go head to head.) Next Page



2004 Nissan Armada
  
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