2008 Nissan Armada

Fleet-Footed ARMADA
"An Armada of one? Is that even possible?" queries Motor Trend assistant art director Mike Royer prior to our departure from L.A. Well, after clipping 0 to 60 in a mere 6.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.3 at 88.9 mph, the Armada conceivably has more on board than the claimed 317. Not only is the Nissan quick, thanks to its 5.6-liter V-8 and five-speed automatic, it's also agile. The lightest by two pounds but the longest by 1.2 inches, the 5713-pound, 207.7-inch-long Armada, riding on 265/60R20 Michelins, consumed the figure eight in a best-in-test 28.8 seconds and the skidpad at a sedanlike 0.76 g. Says Loh, "The Armada offers the best balance of the pack, with great grip and no drama when cornering. It feels like a sports car in comparison--like a 560Z!" Through our test loop, it exhibited the most confidence-inspiring handling, moves heightened by the organic steering and ergonomically sound interior. "This is the nicest cabin of the bunch," claims St. Antoine, adding, "I love the big, clear gauges and controls, the nice matte finish with appealing chrome accents, the smart ergonomics, and, by far, the best/easiest nav system here."

When it came time to drop anchor, the Armada, again, rose to the top. It needed only 128 feet to erase 60 mph, superior to the other SUVs here as well as its sedan sibling, the Altima 3.5 SE, which required 131 feet in a recent Motor Trend test ("Pier Pressure," February 2008). Unfortunately, you'll have to drop anchor often for fuel, as it recorded 11.9 mpg during our soiree in the snow. At least its parched Endurance V-8, like the Tahoe's flex-fuel Vortec, will drink regular unleaded or E85. Perhaps the Armada's unquenchable thirst was due to its wild time in Mammoth's winter wonderland. With a full-time automatic setting, not to mention its sporty chassis, the Nissan proved the most entertaining in the fluff.

In any case, the Armada's handsome body makes it easier to accept its fat fuel fix. "The exterior is the most tidy--she hides her weight well," notes Loh. St. Antoine concurs: "I like this exterior the best--it's chunky, modern, and sporty, and the big wheels and tires look great." As we mentioned before, the Nissan's smart styling flows into the interior, a space that surprised everyone with its functionality and room. The fold-flat second row not only tumbles forward with the pull of a lever for easy ingress and egress, but also outclasses the others' in headroom and legroom, while the third row, which is split 60/40 and can be folded flat, delivers decent midpack measurements.

Need to tow a boat? This Armada is capable of adding a 9000-pound vessel to the end of the line, more than that of the Expedition. That feat, along with its athletic handling, strong acceleration, and striking styling, placed it ahead of the Ford. But there was one it couldn't outpace.

Muscular styling, functional, enveloping cockpit, and gutsy V-8 made the Armada the sports car of the group.