[wwjdwithca]

After 1 month, I've put over 1000 miles on it, towed with it once, and had a DVD system installed and had problems with the ceiling bracket, so I've spent some time with the Dealers and Nissan USA, so I've kind of gone around the horn with this truck already.....at least it seems.

Overall, it's really a good truck with just a ton of slick features that make it really a high-end vehicle; rear-camera, NAV, windows roll down from the key fob, auto-darkening review mirror, 2nd row captians chairs folding easy, transmission gauge, auto leveling suspension, excellent engine and trans, sits high, looks great, top notch brakes (regardless of the recalls) and just a ton of other things.

The thing rides pretty good for a truck based vehicle, but that brings me to the thing about this vehicle that just makes me scratch my head: this is NOT very good Soccer Mom vehicle. A Nissan Quest rides better, handles better, parks easier, accelerates with equivelant ease, is plenty roomy, doesn't eat as much gas, and is TWICE as easy to keep clean. I just finished fully detailing my truck, and man, if it doesn't take twice as long as a car......I just can't believe it! No wonder I see so many full size SUV's dirty. They are a beast to clean! I'm 6'2", and can barely wash the truck without a ladder. It took me a 1/2 hour just to chamois it for pete's sake! My wife's mini-van can be washed and chamoised in 35-40 minutes....tops.

Now I understand that some people have a need that a mini-van just cannot meet, i.e. towing, or off-roading. Safety I don't understand....our Sedona is 5 star crash rated. Inclimate weather I don't understand, Subaru's have all wheel drive.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone has to justify why they want an SUV, but man after owning one for a bit I just don't understand why someone would want to subject themselves to the added issues and costs if they didn't have to, this friggin thing is a pain to keep nice, and averages so far about 11-12 mpg, and I soft-pedal the vehicle big time, mini-vans can easily average 18.

Just a thought for any decision makers lurking on this site.

 

[armoody]

Many relavant points. One key point for many is towing, that was a requirement for us. Ditching the Ford P/U and going from 3 vehicles to 2 meant whatever we got had to be driveable on a daily basis and tow not only what we have but what we may get later. Also space, and after sitting in a 4Runner, which drives really nice and is available w/ a V8, it just wasn't large enough. Honestly, I'd rather be ripping around in an M45, but then I have to give up too many other things I need the utility for (plus, I'd probably be getting a bunch of tickets).

 

[92TripleBlack]

You gotta get a system down for washing it. I use a sheepskin fabric brush. Its a 5' brush with the tip made of the same stuff they make sheepshkin mitts from. Wet down a side with the hose, dip and wipe the sides down with the brush, rinse. Dry off with an absorber. I use a spray on wax as I do it each time. Spray on when wet, and wipe off to apply. I can wash, dry, and wax in 40 minutes. Do the roof once a month unless it has bird crap, etc. Noone will see it anyway. And the brush makes that easy also.

http://www.meguiars.com/?car-washing-tools/Ultra-Plush-Wash-Mop

 

[ldb]

I now have 2000 miles on my 05 LE. Mine was built late July, I have the updated brakes and the new harness for the tow package already. I have not had a single problem. No sqeaks or rattles. The size takes some getting used to if you have been driving smaller vehicles. The back-up camera helps some but it still a big vehicle to get into a crowed parking lot. I am getting 13 mpg around town and 18 on longer trips. MPG should improve a little as it brakes in. If you want better gas mileage you would have to sacrifice towing ability, power and size. Cleaning this beast is a big job, but no worse than any other full size SUV.

 

[Tmation]

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone has to justify why they want an SUV, but man after owning one for a bit I just don't understand why someone would want to subject themselves to the added issues and costs if they didn't have to, this friggin thing is a pain to keep nice, and averages so far about 11-12 mpg, and I soft-pedal the vehicle big time, mini-vans can easily average 18.

.

Have you had the first service done yet? I was getting 10-12 mpg whilst running in and complained about the fuel consumption when it was serviced. The dealer reset the computer and I now get between 18 and 21 mpg, driving it a little harder.

I agree its a big vehicle to clean, don't you have any car wash places near you? They are everywhere here in Saudi and it costs between $5 to $8 depending what you have done. $8 gets you body, engine and chassis clean plus inside and glass clean. I have my cars valeted (by ziebart) about twice a year to keep them in top condition, which costs about $100.

 

[Campfamily]

If we didn't tow, we wouldn't own a SUV. We'd probably be a mini-van family.

Keith

 

[FL_Crushin]

Minivan or SUV

If we didn't tow, we wouldn't own a SUV. We'd probably be a mini-van family.

Keith

I didn't tow before I got the SUV, but gave up the minivan for the Armada. Can't say that I would ever go back (not a chance). The minivan was for when the kids were young and and couldn't climb in. Minivan was very functional for that period of time. I now pull trailers and pack the SUV like crazy. You should know what you are getting into when you get an SUV though. Like anything weigh the pros and cons. If you don't like to wash, fuel, climb up into, or tow, or most importantly, you don't mind the "minivan man" image, then the "van is for you man". I love my truck and hope my friends who now drive my old van are loving the functionality (they have 3 kids).

 

[VeeTec]

The Nissan Quest is ugly, doesn't drive anywhere close to as good as this truck does, it doesn't have the power, or acceleration, and it doesn't shift as smooth.

The Armada is a truck though, and a minivan will net you easier access, if that's what you want. I haven't had any problems so far with my 5, 4, 2 1/2 and 1 year olds.

Yes the Quest gets better mileage, but it's a car based minivan. Most people looking into large SUV's should know that the gas mileage is not going to be there. I have been averaging 13 mpg in the city, and have seen it go as high as close to 20 on the highway.

As far as which looks better, and is funner to drive, has ground clearance, and is a much better utility vehicle, which also carries up to 8 people, it's the Armada, no contest.

So what that it takes longer to wash it, it's just bigger.

 

[pdiddy]

Have you had the first service done yet? I was getting 10-12 mpg whilst running in and complained about the fuel consumption when it was serviced. The dealer reset the computer and I now get between 18 and 21 mpg, driving it a little harder.
QUOTE]

How are you getting 18 and 21 while driving it harder? I'm assuming the numbers you quoted are city/highway. I don't understand how resetting the computer will give you an extra 5 mpg increase. Are your roads mostly flat?

 

[abstrakt51]

Have you had the first service done yet? I was getting 10-12 mpg whilst running in and complained about the fuel consumption when it was serviced. The dealer reset the computer and I now get between 18 and 21 mpg, driving it a little harder.
QUOTE]

How are you getting 18 and 21 while driving it harder? I'm assuming the numbers you quoted are city/highway. I don't understand how resetting the computer will give you an extra 5 mpg increase. Are your roads mostly flat?

Maybe he is driving downhill all day?

 

[Tmation]

Yes the roads that I drive on are completely flat and 90% highway. I now cruise at about 70 to 80 mph using a light throttle with the odd burst up to 100 mph.

The dealer told me they reset the computer, but what ever they did made a big difference in driving feel and mpg. Maybe they are set up different for running in here.

In a magazine article about Nissan, one of their top guys claimed that the Middle East is the hardest market for them in the world. Dust, heat, UV, high speeds and long distances (most of the Saudis I work with average 50 to 70,000 miles a year private driving). Also there can be up to 500 differences per model for the Middle East market.

 

[wwjdwithca]

I didn't tow before I got the SUV, but gave up the minivan for the Armada. Can't say that I would ever go back (not a chance). The minivan was for when the kids were young and and couldn't climb in. Minivan was very functional for that period of time. I now pull trailers and pack the SUV like crazy. You should know what you are getting into when you get an SUV though. Like anything weigh the pros and cons. If you don't like to wash, fuel, climb up into, or tow, or most importantly, you don't mind the "minivan man" image, then the "van is for you man". I love my truck and hope my friends who now drive my old van are loving the functionality (they have 3 kids).

My Wife drives a mini-van. I drive the Armada. We bought it because we needed a vehicle that could carry us on long hauls through the mountains with a 3000 lb boat in tow. It does a very good job of that and I'm satisfied with our choice, but I just don't get this vehicle for someone who doesn't have those types of requirements.

Furthermore, mini-vans are much more capable than you give them credit. Check out the attached pic. That's a 2300 lb camper, and notice how the rear-end isn't sagging. Also, I personally don't have a problem with any labels that may be attached to me because I own a mini-van. I'm personally very satisfied that we made a decision together that met her needs....not mine.

 

[inf3rno]

bah bah and bah!!! ive had it reading that is so hard to clean, so hard to park, so hard to wash, mpg is horrible, the truck this, the truck that... like edmunds.com says a LOT of people buy cars/suv's without knowing their needs, they hesitate at the dealer and bam!! go home driving a car/suv they do not like/do not need. first off there is NO comparation in mini-vans and SUV's. wanna compare quest? ok do it with honda or the toyota sienna. armada takes long to clean? ok compare it with expy tahoe and all the rest... im in the market, and im very well AWARE of my needs and if i do get the armada what should come with it... gas prices, maintenance, cumbersome to park bla bla bla. im doing my homework searching long and wide seeking information about this truck but im done reading that some fellas are "finding" that the mada was not the right choice :censor: :airhead:

 

[Mary]

I've test driven the '05 Armada LE. I think it is so much easier to get into than my current '03 Suburban! To me, it felt like getting into a mini van. I liked it a lot. I didn't have to step up as far.
I figure if I can drive my suburban in the Mts. of Tn. and park it just about anywhere; then the Armada is going to be a breeze to drive and park.
What do you all think?

 

[92TripleBlack]

I've test driven the '05 Armada LE. I think it is so much easier to get into than my current '03 Suburban! To me, it felt like getting into a mini van. I liked it a lot. I didn't have to step up as far.
I figure if I can drive my suburban in the Mts. of Tn. and park it just about anywhere; then the Armada is going to be a breeze to drive and park.
What do you all think?

Should be just as easy if not easier. Armada has better field of vision out the front, and I like the rear camera. Its also about 6" or so shorter than a Burban and has better turn radius.

 

[NTB]

Bought the truck 14 months ago for towing and the wife. Needed something that would tow a 8000 pound boat, and this truck fits the bill. I have pulled the boat up the ramp with the emergency brake on in the truck still only had to go 1/2 throdle.

 

[andy]

NTB, sweet! Not sure which I like better, Armada or Boat.

 

[wwjdwithca]

bah bah and bah!!! ive had it reading that is so hard to clean, so hard to park, so hard to wash, mpg is horrible, the truck this, the truck that... like edmunds.com says a LOT of people buy cars/suv's without knowing their needs, they hesitate at the dealer and bam!! go home driving a car/suv they do not like/do not need. first off there is NO comparation in mini-vans and SUV's. wanna compare quest? ok do it with honda or the toyota sienna. armada takes long to clean? ok compare it with expy tahoe and all the rest... im in the market, and im very well AWARE of my needs and if i do get the armada what should come with it... gas prices, maintenance, cumbersome to park bla bla bla. im doing my homework searching long and wide seeking information about this truck but im done reading that some fellas are "finding" that the mada was not the right choice :censor: :airhead:

Ya know, the idea with bulletin boards is that you need to be able to read.......so what did I say has anything.....ANYTHING to do with your rant?

 

[armoody]

Hey NTB that is a nice boat.
** AND **
That is one surefire way to feel pretty dang good about the mileage that your Armada gets, cause its gotta be nothing compared to fillin' up the boat!

 

[gabe2]

Hello everyone. As far a turning radius is concerned, we purchased a new Chevy Equinox for a grocery getter and that thing can't make u turns as well as the Armada and also It can't get into tight parking space like the Armada can. Now I'm stuck with the Chevy and the wife drives the Armada. Did I get the short end of the stick or what! I told her not to park in tight spaces. :amazing: