Nissan's Armada SUV continues in 2006 to be a full-size SUV for full-size lives. Featuring a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, three-row, eight-passenger seating and up to 9,100-pound maximum towing capacity, the Armada is primed for adventures of all sizes.

2006 Nissan Armada

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2006 Nissan Armada
  • Engine/Motor: 5.6 V8
  • Horsepower: 305@4900
  • Torque: 3600
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic

Introduced in 2004, the Nissan Armada receives minor enhancements for 2006 including standard dual zone climate control, standard 60/40 split fold-flat 3rd row seat, CD-mp3 format capable audio system and two new exterior colors – Majestic Blue and Granite. LE models add new power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim and integrated turn signal.

"Built for full-size adventures, Armada offers its owners the flexibility that they’re looking for to take their outings to the great outdoors," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "Armada is powerful enough to pull the boat up to the lake, sleek enough to valet park and offers utility enough to transport the family to all their desired destinations."

Distinguishing Exterior Character

The Armada offers a distinctive image, led by its advanced design concept. The combination of a long wheelbase and manageable overall length gives the Armada enhanced stability and handling, and a longer interior with plenty of cargo room - yet short front and rear overhangs for good maneuverability.

The Armada design starts with its wide stance, with the body gesture following from the tire sidewalls up. The headlights are straightforward but powerful, the hood massive yet refined. The sheer A-pillar design calls attention to the tight, tailored precision of the upper body with the B-, C- and D-pillars adding to the highly polished feel of the body structure. The tailgate has a substantial look without feeling heavy and the massive bumpers project the Armada's strength and power.

Other exterior features include a standard body-color grille (SE model, chrome grille on LE model) and chrome front door handles, dual power-adjustable heated chrome side mirrors (with power folding, auto dimming and integrated turn signal on LE models), standard running boards, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and available power rear lift gate, manual flip-out rear quarter windows (power-operated on LE models) and halogen headlights. All models are also offered with a standard rear proximity sensor system (back-up obstacle warning) in the rear bumper.

For 2006, Armada offers new power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim and integrated turn signal standard on LE models.

Two new exterior colors are offered on Armada for 2006 – Majestic Blue and Granite.

An Interior for Active Lifestyles

The Armada, Nissan’s first full-size SUV, follows in the tradition of other authentic Nissan SUVs in providing an interior environment designed for active families. Its advanced, ergonomic interior styling combines a modern appearance with traditional ruggedness.

Key to the Armada design concept is exceptional versatility, roominess and flexibility - including standard fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats, the most 2nd row leg room in the full-size, light duty SUV class, choice of 8-passenger seating or 7-passenger, ample cargo space behind the 3rd row seat, and a full-length overhead console with six map lights, vents and available DVD Family Entertainment System. For 2006, Armada adds a standard 60/40 split fold-flat seat to the 3rd row and standard dual zone climate control.

In front, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and available 6-way adjustable front passenger’s seat provide a sense of comfort and luxury, while the fold-down front passenger seat features a recessed “work area.” The large front console offers excellent storage capacity. Three 12-volt power outlets are located on the console and instrument panel for use with cellular phones and portable electronic devices.

The standard floor-mounted shifter adds a sporty appearance and enhanced shift control when towing. Also standard are adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock.

Seton leather-appointed seats on the 1st and 2nd rows and a satellite-based navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD screen are also available. The standard full-length overhead console includes individual map lamps and ventilation outlets.

The 2nd row features a choice of a fold-flat 2nd row bench seat or available fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with an innovative, removable 2nd row center console. The 2nd row leg room of 41.9 inches provides passengers room to ride in comfort, while an available DVD Family Entertainment System with two wireless headphones and remote control and 10-speaker Bose® audio system offers a variety of entertainment options. The Bose system's dual media capability allows use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source).

The fold-flat 3rd row seats are designed for easy operation and easy access. In addition, a thoughtful design feature raises the 3rd row seats higher than the 2nd row to facilitate easier conversation and better visibility for the occupants.

There is also a large amount of storage space behind the 3rd row seat. With the 2nd and 3rd row seats folded down, the Armada offers a nearly flat floor. And, with the front passenger seat in the fold-down position, it is possible to carry items up to 10-feet in length with the rear liftgate closed. In addition to ample headroom, the 3rd row includes side storage bins and cupholders. The rear cargo area also includes ceiling and floor-mounted cargo hooks, while available accessories include a cargo net and cargo tray.

Up to 14 cupholders are available throughout the Armada, with some capable of holding 64-ounce size cups. Other storage areas include instrument panel side pockets, the center console main storage bin with side pockets, bottle holders in the front and side doors, and a driver’s seat rear pocket.

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Power To Accommodate Full-Size Adventures

The 2006 Armada remains the most powerful Nissan SUV ever built. The Armada features a rugged, F-Alpha fully boxed frame for enhanced crash performance and long-term durability; an independent double-wishbone rear suspension designed for improved roominess, comfort and responsive handling; and a much heralded 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine offering one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings in the full-size, light duty SUV class and the highest maximum towing capacity in class (when properly equipped) of up to 9,100 pounds. The Endurance V8 engine is tuned for use in the Armada to produce 305 horsepower* and 385 lb-ft torque.

The Nissan Endurance V8, which is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., is shared with the Nissan Titan full-size pickup. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm – where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving.

The engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshafts, graphite-coated pistons and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control.

An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode is standard on every Armada. The transmission utilizes a unique gear set chosen specifically for use in high torque situations, along with an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for improved shift quality. The tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling.

Armada models equipped with the Tow Package also receive a higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge. Other Tow Package equipment includes a receiver hitch, heavy-duty radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery and rear suspension air leveling system. The Tow Package is standard on the LE model and the SE Off-Road model.

The Armada's off-road credentials are equally impressive, with 4-wheel drive models featuring an advanced full-time automatic control system. Utilizing all-wheel drive technology derived from Nissan’s world-class Skyline GT-R sports coupe, the Armada 4WD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.

The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO. The crawl ratio in 4LO is among the best among competitors, providing enhanced low speed driving force and hill descending ability. Under normal driving conditions, 4WD Armadas operate in two-wheel drive mode.

The Armada’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes standard off-road tuning for improved braking on loose gravel. There is also a high ground clearance (9.9 inches for 2WD models, 10.6 inches for 4WD models). Heavy-duty skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case) are available as part of the Off-Road Grade.

While the Armada is well equipped for rugged activities, it is equally capable of tackling everyday driving tasks with comfort and style. The standard all-steel front double-wishbone suspension with coil-over shock absorbers and stabilizer bar is matched with a responsive independent double-wishbone rear suspension.

Along with compliant handling, the rear suspension design also provides a high ride quality for 2nd and 3rd row passengers and maximizes rear interior space by minimizing the intrusion of suspension components into the interior compartment..

An available rear air leveling system (standard on LE and SE Off-Road) provides improved handling stability and ride comfort when towing or carrying heavy cargo. The system, which automatically adjusts the air pressure in the suspension bladders, helps maintain a uniform ground clearance and departure angle when towing or when carrying heavy cargo.

Other key platform components found on every Armada include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

Large 265/70R18 tires are offered with standard aluminum-alloy wheels (5-spoke on SE, 6-spoke on LE models), while Off-Road Grade equipped models feature P285/70R17 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail All-Terrain tires on 17x7.5J 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. A standard 28-gallon fuel tank provides excellent driving range.

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Advanced Safety and Technology Focus

The Armada offers an extensive list of standard and available safety features, including standard supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover to all three rows and available side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat-mounted).

Every Armada also features Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, front seat active head restraints, 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position), LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones.

An Array of Available Equipment

The Armada is offered in Armada SE and Armada LE models in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive. A number of optional packages are available to allow buyers to tune their vehicles to their exact needs and desires.

The SE model, like all Armadas, starts with the 5.6-liter Nissan Endurance V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension and fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats. Key SE features include a body color grille, P265/70R18 tires on 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, 8-passenger seating and full-length overhead console, step rails, 6CD in-dash autochanger and rear sonar sensors to aid in parking.

Available equipment packages for SE models include a Bose Package, Leather Package, Sunroof Package and Journey Package. Also available is the SE Off-Road, which includes a lower final gear ratio, unique 7-spoke wheels, BFGoodrich P285/70R17 All Terrain tires, fog lamps, skid plates (oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case), leather-appointed seats and Tow Package, including auto leveling rear suspension, 7-pin harness, heavy duty battery and automatic transmission temperature gauge.

The Armada LE adds a higher level of luxury appointments, including a chrome grille with black mesh insert, 2nd row bucket seats with removable center console, power rear liftgate, new power folding mirrors with heat, power adjust, auto dim and integrated turn signal and leather-appointed seats with side-impact air bags and Tow Package.

Armada LE packages include the 2nd Row Split Bench Seat Package, Sunroof Package and Technology Package with rear power lift gate and navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD screen.

A pair of function packages are also offered: the DVD Family Entertainment System with rear display, center console video port, two wireless headphones and DVD changer, and the Tow Package (SE only) and other special towing equipment.

Eight exterior colors are offered: Blizzard (white), Galaxy (black), Silver Lightening (silver), Smoke (dark silver), Deep Water (blue), Red Brawn, Majestic Blue and Granite (tan). Interior color combinations include Sand, Graphite and Steel.