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2009 Nissan Armada Quality Review

June 4, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

an excellent set of optional second-row captain's chairs
Kelley Blue Book

Armada's interior still lags behind the solidly executed examples set by General Motors
Edmunds

wind and road noise are nicely muffled
ConsumerGuide

While the comfort and quality of the Nissan Armada has steadily increased every year, the 2009 model still lags behind its competitors.

The Nissan Armada has been criticized over the years for the use of some low-quality materials, but the 2009 Armada offers "more soft-touch materials and wood-tone accents," according to Edmunds, but while "it's much more inviting than before, the Armada's interior still lags behind the solidly executed examples set by General Motors." ConsumerGuide affirms that, observing "interior decor is mostly plain with materials that trail Armada's large-SUV rivals." ConsumerGuide also finds some build-quality issues, as their "test examples had various creaks and rattles, including a squeaking steering column." Despite these concerns, the Nissan 2009 Armada offers a decently quiet highway ride. ConsumerGuide reports "wind and road noise are nicely muffled," aside from some "wind whistle from the cargo area."

The large dimensions of the 2009 Nissan Armada shine through when it comes to interior comfort, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com unanimously praise the "roomy cabin," as Edmunds refers to the Armada's interior. Up front, ConsumerGuide reviewers find "roomy, supportive seats" and "standard power pedals," as well as "standard tilt steering wheel" that allow drivers to "fine-tune a comfortable driving position." The second row also "outclasses the others" in terms of "headroom and legroom," according to Motor Trend. However, The Auto Channel warns "third-row passengers are going to feel smashed." In its standard configuration, the 2009 Nissan Armada has "seating for up to eight," says ForbesAutos, though Kelley Blue Book notes that "an excellent set of optional second-row captain's chairs" reduces capacity to seven.

Cargo space, like seating capacity, is ample within the 2009 Nissan Armada. ConsumerGuide praises the "terrific interior storage" on the Nissan Armada, as "bins, pockets," and "beverage holders abound." As for rear cargo storage, Edmunds says the "second and third rows are split and easy to fold flat, allowing one to optimize most any combination of people and cargo," but even with "both rows folded down, maximum cargo capacity stands at 97 cubic feet, which rates about 10 cubes less than the Armada's domestic rivals." One convenient feature of the folding rear seats is that "unlike some competing vehicles, the headrests do not have to be removed first," according to Cars.com.

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan Armada provides ample and comfortable seating room but doesn’t present the same high-quality feel inside as many of its rivals.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:an excellent set of optional second-row captain's chairsKelley Blue BookArmada's interior still lags behind the solidly executed examples set by General MotorsEdmundswind and road noise are nicely muffledConsumerGuide While the comfort and quality of the Nissan Armada has steadily increased every year, the 2009 model still lags behind its competitors. The Nissan Armada has been criticized over the years for the use of some low-quality materials, but the 2009 Armada offers "more soft-touch materials and wood-tone accents," according to Edmunds, but while "it's much more inviting than before, the Armada's interior still lags behind the solidly executed examples set by General Motors." ConsumerGuide affirms that, observing "interior decor is mostly plain with materials that trail Armada's large-SUV rivals." ConsumerGuide also finds some build-quality issues, as their "test examples had various creaks and rattles, including a squeaking steering column." Despite these concerns, the Nissan 2009 Armada offers a decently quiet highway ride. ConsumerGuide reports "wind and road noise are nicely muffled," aside from some "wind whistle from the cargo area." The large dimensions of the 2009 Nissan Armada shine through when it comes to interior comfort, and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com unanimously praise the "roomy cabin," as Edmunds refers to the Armada's interior. Up front, ConsumerGuide reviewers find "roomy, supportive seats" and "standard power pedals," as well as "standard tilt steering wheel" that allow drivers to "fine-tune a comfortable driving position." The second row also "outclasses the others" in terms of "headroom and legroom," according to Motor Trend. However, The Auto Channel warns "third-row passengers are going to feel smashed." In its standard configuration, the 2009 Nissan Armada has "seating for up to eight," says ForbesAutos, though Kelley Blue Book notes that "an excellent set of optional second-row captain's chairs" reduces capacity to seven. Cargo space, like seating capacity, is ample within the 2009 Nissan Armada. ConsumerGuide praises the "terrific interior storage" on the Nissan Armada, as "bins, pockets," and "beverage holders abound." As for rear cargo storage, Edmunds says the "second and third rows are split and easy to fold flat, allowing one to optimize most any combination of people and cargo," but even with "both rows folded down, maximum cargo capacity stands at 97 cubic feet, which rates about 10 cubes less than the Armada's domestic rivals." One convenient feature of the folding rear seats is that "unlike some competing vehicles, the headrests do not have to be removed first," according to Cars.com. ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan Armada provides ample and comfortable seating room but doesn’t present the same high-quality feel inside as many of its rivals. 2009 NISSAN ARMADA STYLING | [8 out of 10] ForbesAutos: "the full-size Nissan Armada is certainly as large as some boats” Edmunds: "The cabin's aesthetic is just as testosterone-spiked as the rest of the ride” Kelley Blue Book: "Unconventional styling may not be to everyone's liking" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Some of the SUVs mentioned here offer better performance than the 2009 Nissan Armada, but the Armada has them beat when it comes to looks. The Toyota Sequoia is worth consideration, but for those wanting a more affordable choice, the Dodge Durango is almost as large as these full-size SUVs and offers comparable towing ability for a bargain price. Ford's Expedition has an especially well-designed interior, though its performance lags other competitors. GM's full-size SUVs, including the Tahoe, were completely redesigned for 2007 and have much better handling, roomier interiors, and more fuel-efficient powertrains while still being as responsive. The Armada's city fuel economy rating of only 12 mpg makes it one of the biggest gas-guzzlers, even among full-size SUVs; if that gets to you, you might especially want to take a look at the new Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid.

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See the Nissan Armada in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

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