2004 Nissan Pathfinder

Review

2004 Nissan Pathfinder Armada - Big is Beautiful, Baby

When does size matter? When pulling a large, heavy trailer or loading up a payload of eight people and their cargo. Nissan figures there are enough new car buyers who use their SUVs for more than commuting to work who will want to step up to its full-size Pathfinder Armada.

To be clear, the 2004 model doesnt replace the midsize Pathfinder, but instead adds to the brands diverse SUV line. Other than the Pathfinder, that line includes the tough little Xterra and the all-new car-based midsize Murano.

Unveiled at the New York Auto Show last month, the big sport utility pulls much inspiration and architectural underpinnings from the brands Titan pickup that was much of the excitement at the Detroit show in January. Most evidently similar is its pronounced hood bulge, conforming headlamp clusters, bold grille and chrome laden lower fascia.

Continue on past the front door, however, and the Armada takes on a look all of its own. The rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillar, similar to previous Nissan SUVs including the current Pathfinder, while the arc in the door outline dips just above in an unorthodox but nevertheless effective styling detail. The Armada pulls a little heritage from the first generation Pathfinder in its chiseled fender flares, but the way they continue on toward the rear of the vehicle and then transform into the taillights is all new.

"From the stepped-up roofline and two-piece roof rack to the standard 18-inch wheels and tires, you get a strong sense of quality, style and individuality. Theres a familiar Nissan link without being a virtual copy of our other SUVs - a freshness that we think will endure for a long time to come," commented Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

And thats the key ingredient that the Pathfinder Armada brings to the large SUV table, newness. Its no copycat design, but an entirely fresh outlook on the full-size segment of the market.

"Along with improved driving dynamics and more functional flexibility, one of the key unmet needs of the segment is uniqueness and distinctiveness," added Kirrane. "Buyers are ready for something new and different - not just another generic SUV."

While the tailgate looks heavy it isnt, and it wont matter if ordered with the available power option. But before I get ahead of myself talking about options a few of the standard items include running boards, manual flip-out rear quarter windows and privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows. Inside, adjustable brake and accelerator pedals should make getting comfortable in the standard 8-way power-adjustable drivers seat - a 6-way adjustable front passengers seat is available.

The flip-out rear quarter windows are power operated on LE models, that also come equipped with Seton leather seats (optional on the SE) the second rows of which are twin buckets instead of the standard 3-place row. A chrome grille differentiates the LE from the SE.

Standard safety features on both models include halogen headlights and a proximity sensor system in the rear bumper, to warn of obstacles when backing up. Of course passive safety items such as dual front airbags are standard, but the Armada goes a step further by offering standard roof-mounted curtain airbags to improve rollover and side-impact protection to the outside positions of all three rows. Standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags are also included. The front seat adds an occupant classification sensor, which will stop the airbag from deploying in the event of a crash when a child is occupying the position. The front seatbelts also include pretensioners and load limiters while 3-point seatbelts are included for all rear seat occupants.

A full-length overhead console integrates reading lights and HVAC vents plus, if ordered, a DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones and remote control. As part of the package a 10-speaker Bose audio system with dual media capability lets rear passengers receive the audio portion of the DVD while those in front enjoy some peaceful music from a favorite CD. Obviously rear seat passengers would have to be using their headphones to take advantage of this. A satellite-based navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD screen is also available.

Specific features aside the new Armadas cabin is particularly well finished. Like the Titan that impressed me in Detroit, the big SUV reflects Nissans new focus on perceived quality. The result is softer touch plastic surfaces, high-grade metallic trim and improved switchgear. The overall interior design is also a big step ahead for the full-size segment, showing a sense of contemporary style not offered by the domestics and lone Japanese entrant.

Yet along with that style Nissan customers will get a serious amount of interior roominess. This is the first eight occupant vehicle in the Japanese companys history, opening up the brand to large families who otherwise have been left buying domestic SUVs and full-size vans (and a couple of minivans). Those who dont need as much seating space can opt for 7-person seating, that replaces the 2nd row bench seat with two captains chairs for a more intimate and comfortable passenger compartment. A removable 2nd row center console adds to the executive class experience.

Whats more Nissan boasts the most 2nd row legroom in the full-size light-duty class, plus a decent amount of cargo capacity behind the 3rd row seat. Whats decent? Even when all passengers are aboard it can take 19.5 cubic feet of luggage, which is about the size of a large sedans trunk. Fold the 3rd row flat and 56.9 cubic feet becomes available and a sizable 96.9 cubic feet when both rear rows are folded. In this last configuration its possible to carry something up to 10-feet in length with the rear liftgate closed. When the 3rd row seat is in use passengers will experience a little less claustrophobia than usual, due to its raised theatre-style position.

Nissan has designed the front passenger seat to fold forward, integrating cupholders and a recessed work area, perfect for those who use their vehicles on the job, like contractors. The console between the front seats is also handy, due to its large capacity and trio of 12-volt power outlets located inside.

Just ahead on the front half of the console is a first for the full-size, light-duty SUV class, a standard floor-mounted shifter. While improving gearbox control when off-road and towing, the shift lever also adds a sporty touch to the cockpit.

But more importantly havent you grown tired of living without enough cupholders? The Armada remedies this problem with a total of fourteen, some even capable of holding 64-ounce cups. The SUV also includes bottle holders in the front and side doors, handy grocery bag hooks, various covered storage bins and fold out pockets to keep items from rolling around the floor and valuables away from inquiring eyes when parked.

But while its handy to tuck a few items into a tidy little storage compartment, what advantages does the Pathfinder Armada have for hauling heavy payloads. Along with the aforementioned interior roominess the big SUVs fully-boxed high-strength steel frame is just the ticket. The suspension is fully-independent, consisting of an all-steel front double-wishbone setup with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar plus a double-wishbone rear configuration. Its a good compromise in an SUV, as this class of vehicle wont be carrying the payloads of leaf sprung pickups. The independent setup should make for good manners around town or on the highway and impressive off-road capabilities.

Four-wheel drive models feature a full-time automatic control system, which is basically a version of the all-wheel drive technology made legendary in Nissans Skyline GT-R sports coupe. This is a highly sophisticated drive system that immediately sends torque to all four wheels when needed, while improving fuel economy in 4WD mode. When dry pavement conditions prevail the Armada runs in 2WD, even better for saving fuel.

A 2-speed electronic transfer case can be switched between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4-Lo. Nissan states its 4-Lo crawl ratio is one of the best in the class, improving traction over rough terrain and the large SUVs hill descent capabilities.

The Armadas 9.8-inch ground clearance will help it to clear big rocks and stumps while heavy-duty skid plates protecting the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case can be purchased as part of the Off-Road Package - that incidentally also features Rancho off-road performance shock absorbers. The SUVs standard ABS brakes are tuned for off-road use as well, which improves their effectiveness in slippery conditions.

The 4-wheel discs improve on road braking performance too, with their Bosch ABS system enhanced by Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other electronic active safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). The Armada also sports speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for improving on pavement feel.

And that on road feel will be important as the 5.6-L Nissan Endurance V8 will have no problem accelerating the Armada to beyond legal speeds in no time at all. The engine incorporates an all-new aluminum block, cast iron cylinder liners, and a forged steel crankshaft, the last of which is also microfinished like the camshaft. It also includes molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps and a Super Silent single-stage time chain. Rated at 300+hp and 375+ lb-ft of torque, its mated to a specially designed 5-speed automatic transmission complete with sequential manual shift mode.

With nearly 90% of its torque available from below 2,500 rpm, towing should be a cakewalk. When properly equipped with the towing package, that includes a receiver hitch, heavy-duty radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery, a rear air suspension leveling system, higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge, the Armada will be capable of towing up to 9,100 pounds.

High-speed handling will be enhanced by the Armadas BSW Conti-Trac SUV 265/70R18 tires. Aluminum wheels are also part of the largest diameter standard wheel and tire package in the full-size SUV class, with the base SE getting a set of 5-spoke rims and the top-line LE featuring a 6-spoke pattern. A set of P285/70R17 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail All-Terrain tires mounted on 17x7.5J 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels come as part of the off-road package.

In conclusion the Pathfinder Armada is a giant step for Nissan, and a big event in the automotive world. As it seems the Japanese automaker has done their homework, resulting in a full-size SUV that should cause some commotion among the Big 2 in Detroit - Dodge doesnt have a full-size SUV - and arch-rival Toyota in Japan. More importantly it offers a distinct alternative in a market that has been a little too bland, at least in the lower end of the scale. While it probably wont be a volume seller, the Pathfinder Armada raises Nissans brand charisma to an entirely new, full-size level.