Used 2011 Nissan Armada SE for sale 

For 2011 the Nissan Armada comes in different wrappers, but the contents remain the same. In other words, the brand has renamed the three trims previously provided and now will be coming in as the SV (replacing the SE), the SL (replacing the Titanium), and the Platinum. The list of standard features remains unchanged. 

Options on the SV include a power-folding third-row seat and a Driver package that adds many of the SL's extra features. Second-row captain's chairs are available on the Platinum model as a replacement for the standard bench. The DVD entertainment system is a stand-alone option on lower trims.

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We believe that an SUV should always be equipped with the best of mechanisms it can get. Hence, the 4WD version of the SL trim is recommended. It inherits a lot from the Platinum trim including a rear air suspension and a tow package. Besides, a whole lot of electronic accessories also make their way into the SL trim. 

Powering this mammoth-sized SUV is an equally sizable 5.6-liter V8 that produces 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission on the Armada. The combination can be had in two options. A default RWD that is good to go on flat surfaces and cruising speed or the highly functional and versatile 4WD. 

The Armada's steering is notably weighty -- nice at higher speeds, but potentially off-putting to some when maneuvering in parking lots. On the plus side, the highly intuitive powertrain makes the Armada what someone might call brisk, in the sense that it is very eager to get on the roll. 

7.5 seconds is the split time for the Armada between 0 and 60 MPH. Armada's robust V8 feels stronger than its numbers suggest, though the massive weight of this truck is obvious when cornering or coming to an abrupt stop. The ride too is usually comfortable, but some ruts can send considerable impact harshness through the steering wheel and seats. Newer truck-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Sequoia provide a smoother on-road ride.

One of the major concerns for Nissan’s sales team is convincing the customers against an inspiring fuel consumption rate of the Armada. It is understood that the Armada is a huge vehicle with a pickup-like powertrain. Thus, a substantial decrease in fuel consumption is nothing but prominent. 

According to the EPA, the estimates are 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on highways leading to a combined economy of 15 mpg for two-wheel-drive models. Meanwhile, the AWD estimates are 1 MPG more than the former. 

Compared to chief rivals like Chevrolet Tahoe and Toyota Sequoia, Armada’s figures are substantially below the par level. With 18 MPG combined, the Tahoe manages a segment-best figure, but can only be guaranteed using an 85 Octane fuel. Meanwhile, with just 28 gallons to store fuel, refueling will come fast in the Nissan Armada. 

The 2011 Nissan Armada features an attractive, comfortable interior. The overall design is pleasing and the quality of most materials is above average. Controls are well placed and simple to operate.

While the standard eight-passenger setup inside SV and SL models uses a 40/20/40-split bench in the second-row, Platinum models can be had with an available pair of captain's chairs (separated by a center console) that drops seating capacity to just seven. Whichever way you go, you'll find a number of handy storage cubbies scattered throughout the interior.

Nissan has moved to dress up the Armada's interior in recent years, but overall, there are too many dull plastics in this interior and trims still look on the cheap side. In the back, the third-row bench is just passable for smaller adults, but it leaves almost no cargo space and the headroom is tighter back there. the Armada offers 20 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded -- a number that's roughly 10 cubic feet less than its full-size SUV competitors.

• Cloth or leather seating
• Available faux wood or metal trim
• Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, plus rear controls
• Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Standard eight-way power driver’s seat
• Optional power passenger seat
• Optional heated steering wheel
• Optional heated front seats

2011 Nissan Armada Infotainment:

The Armada has a pretty simple lineup and a limited list of options. Ability to play MP3 formatted CDs is standard on the base Armada, while the SL adds the privilege of Bluetooth hands-free, a Bose premium audio system, and a rear-view monitor. Meanwhile, the top-end Platinum adorns a rear DVD entertainment unit and a nav system with real-time traffic capability and hard-drive space for music storage, but that comes at a considerably high price. 

• 8 Total Speakers
• Radio Data System
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
• Diversity Antenna
• Bose Premium Brand Speakers (O)
• 265 Watts Stereo Output (O)
• Video Monitor
• 12 Total Speakers (O)

In the world of conservatively styled SUVs, the 2011 Nissan Armada’s expressive design stands out as one of its strongest attributes. From its arched door frames to its raised roof, to its huge side fender flares, the Armada is not easily mistaken for anything but an Armada. Some of the styling places form over function, however, such as the high positioned rear door handles that can prove a difficult reach for smaller children. 

A generous expanse of glass combined with narrow roof pillars provides good 360-degree visibility, and Nissan’s huge side mirrors reveal all objects near the Armada’s sides. On Platinum trims, the side mirrors include a power-folding and auto-dimming feature.

Apparently, the Armada has less to speak about beauty but more about utility. A ground clearance of 10 inches is nothing but extraordinary, and so is the self-leveling rear suspension. Despite its bulk, the Armada is the lightest of the lot. Ironically, the Armada is stretched in all three dimensions more than any of its competitors.

• 18- or 20-inch wheels
• Standard running boards
• Standard power side mirrors that can be heated and folded
• Optional integrated turn signals for side mirrors
• Optional fog lamps
• Optional moonroof
• Optional power liftgate

The 2011 Nissan Armada comes standard with antilock disc brakes and brake assist, stability control, front-seat active head restraints, front-seat side airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. While it hasn't been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash-testing procedures, the Armada's 2010 frontal crash-test scores (which aren't necessarily comparable) were five stars (out of five) for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection. With less to offer on this front, the Armada could be considered as only moderate safe.

• Standard front, side-impact, and side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats
• Standard anti-lock brakes with brake assist
• Standard electronic stability system and traction control
• Standard rear backup sensor
• Optional rearview camera

Like every SUV, even the Armada has its own ups and downs. While the economy and safety fronts are extremely weak. On the other hand, the Armada is existentially spacious and practical. Plus, it has a very powerful heart that is hardly second to any other competitor. So, we believe these points should be more than enough to get you your new Nissan Armada. However, if the economy is important, it is advisable to look for other options in the market.