New Car Review of the 2005 Nissan Armada Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Full-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $35,800 - $41,700
Invoice Price Range: $30,729 - $37,911
Where built: USA

The big idea behind Nissan's full-size SUV is big-time space in a big vehicle with overwhelming power. The cabin is configured in three rows of seats with fold-flat benches on tiers two and three or optional captain's chairs in place of a second-row bench.

Built alongside Titan at Nissan's Mississippi assembly plant, Armada rides on a boxed-rail frame derived from Titan and uses Titan's dual-cam 5.6-liter V8 engine, which delivers 305-hp and tall torque.

When properly equipped with a tow rig, Armada brings a towing capacity of 9,100 pounds. Nissan constructs Armada with either two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) mode for three trim variations -- Armada SE, SE Off-Road and luxurious LE.

Standard equipment for all ranges from a floor-mounted shifter stick for the 5-speed automatic transmission to adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and a broad floor console plus an overhead console with map lamps and ventilation ducts. Optional packages are also offered, such as a sunroof package for SE Off-Road and a leather package for SE with leather upholstery, side air bags and a Bose premium audio system.