2009 Nissan Armada Safety Review

June 4, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the broad expanse of glass allows for good 360-degree visibility
Kelley Blue Book

Side curtain airbags that protect all three rows of passengers
Edmunds

Five stars, front driver impact; four stars, front passenger impact; three stars, rollover resistance
NHTSA

Both the SE and LE trim levels of the 2009 Nissan Armada come loaded with a wide variety of standard and optional features. On the higher-end LE trim level, ConsumerGuide notes that Nissan includes "front side airbags" and a "front-obstacle-detection system." ForbesAutos offers on-road impressions of these systems, saying, "brake-force distribution and brake assist are able to stop the charging Armada quickly and efficiently." Edmunds reviewers report that "Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat active head restraints, rear parking sensors and side curtain airbags," along with a rear-obstacle-detection system, all come standard on every 2009 Nissan Armada.

After conducting both front impact and rollover tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the Nissan 2009 Armada a full five out of five stars for front impact driver protection, and four out of a possible five stars for front impact passenger protection. The one crash-test figure that stands out in a negative light is the rollover rating; The Auto Channel notes that the 2009 Nissan Armada "earned a rollover rating of three of five stars," which is not altogether unexpected on such a large vehicle. The Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet crash-tested the 2009 Nissan Armada.

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com’s editors generally praise the 2009 Nissan Armada for its driver visibility, which typically isn't a virtue on large SUVs. ConsumerGuide says, "visibility is commanding," thanks to the Nissan Armada's "jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests." Kelley Blue Book adds that "the broad expanse of glass allows for good 360-degree visibility," and The Auto Channel points out that the "Rear Proximity Sensor System" will "beep when you are close to an obstacle," further aiding parking lot driving.

Conclusion

Airbags and safety features surround occupants of the 2009 Nissan Armada, though its crash-test results aren’t class-leading.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:the broad expanse of glass allows for good 360-degree visibilityKelley Blue BookSide curtain airbags that protect all three rows of passengersEdmundsFive stars, front driver impact; four stars, front passenger impact; three stars, rollover resistanceNHTSA Both the SE and LE trim levels of the 2009 Nissan Armada come loaded with a wide variety of standard and optional features. On the higher-end LE trim level, ConsumerGuide notes that Nissan includes "front side airbags" and a "front-obstacle-detection system." ForbesAutos offers on-road impressions of these systems, saying, "brake-force distribution and brake assist are able to stop the charging Armada quickly and efficiently." Edmunds reviewers report that "Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability control, front-seat active head restraints, rear parking sensors and side curtain airbags," along with a rear-obstacle-detection system, all come standard on every 2009 Nissan Armada. After conducting both front impact and rollover tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the Nissan 2009 Armada a full five out of five stars for front impact driver protection, and four out of a possible five stars for front impact passenger protection. The one crash-test figure that stands out in a negative light is the rollover rating; The Auto Channel notes that the 2009 Nissan Armada "earned a rollover rating of three of five stars," which is not altogether unexpected on such a large vehicle. The Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not yet crash-tested the 2009 Nissan Armada. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com’s editors generally praise the 2009 Nissan Armada for its driver visibility, which typically isn't a virtue on large SUVs. ConsumerGuide says, "visibility is commanding," thanks to the Nissan Armada's "jumbo door mirrors and unobtrusive headrests." Kelley Blue Book adds that "the broad expanse of glass allows for good 360-degree visibility," and The Auto Channel points out that the "Rear Proximity Sensor System" will "beep when you are close to an obstacle," further aiding parking lot driving. ConclusionAirbags and safety features surround occupants of the 2009 Nissan Armada, though its crash-test results aren’t class-leading. 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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