Overview & Reviews
The word "armada" usually refers to a group of large moving things. It's a fitting name for Nissan's entry in the large SUV segment, because pretty much every aspect of this beast is size L or XL. The Nissan Armada's standard 5.6-liter V8, for example, enables you to tow trailers and campers with ease. And then there's the large number of cubic feet in the Armada's cabin -- this is a very spacious SUV that's also loaded with storage areas.
The downsides are typical for this segment. Fuel mileage is poor, and the Armada's supersized dimensions can turn parking into a frustrating ordeal. If brute force isn't a top priority for you, we'd recommend looking at three-row crossover SUVs, which offer superior fuel economy and maneuverability. But if you need a rig that hauls like a gorilla on steroids, the Armada's got you covered.
Current Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV that seats up to eight passengers in its three standard rows. Buyers can choose from three trim levels: SV, SL and Platinum.
The base SV won't leave you wanting, offering side-step rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The SL trim adds 20-inch wheels, an auto-leveling rear suspension, leather upholstery, Bose audio, a power-folding third row and a power liftgate. The Platinum trim includes front parking sensors, a sunroof, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, a rear-seat entertainment system and a navigation system with music storage. Note that the Platinum can be specified with second-row captain's chairs in place of the standard three-passenger bench, dropping passenger capacity to seven.
All Armadas are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission and a 5.6-liter V8 that cranks out 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is the default, with four-wheel drive (including low-range gearing) optional across the board. The Armada's tow rating is a healthy 9,100 pounds, although those 317 horses make for a modest herd by modern V8 standards. Not surprisingly, they're also thirsty -- overall fuel economy maxes out at around 15 mpg.
The Armada's cabin is quite classy, with intuitive controls that are familiar from vehicles throughout the Nissan/Infiniti family. Head- and legroom are excellent in the first two seating rows. The third row offers high, stadium-style seating with adequate legroom, but short seat bottoms make this row one for the kids. Storage space is plentiful, with a generous supply of handy bins and nooks.
In our reviews, we've noted that the Nissan Armada's V8 provides brisk acceleration, but the truck's heft quickly reveals itself in cornering maneuvers and braking. Still, the Armada offers a smooth ride and a pleasant driving experience, both on the highway and around town.
Used Nissan Armada Models
The current-generation Armada debuted for the 2004 model year. It was initially named the Pathfinder Armada, but Nissan dropped the Pathfinder connection for the Armada's second year of production. There were two primary trim levels: SE and LE. The SE Off-Road package, offered from 2004-06, toughened things up with features like skid plates, a lower final-drive ratio and all-terrain tires.
The 2008 model year saw minor exterior changes and a major interior overhaul; prior to that, the Armada's dash resembled a silver plastic boom box. New technology features like keyless ignition, Bluetooth and a hard-drive-based navigation system also appeared for '08. The LE trim level was supplanted by the Titanium and Platinum trims for 2010, while the SE received standard front side airbags.
The current trim level trio -- SV, SL and Platinum -- arrived for the 2011 model year. The SL upgraded to a standard power liftgate for 2012, while the Platinum's entertainment system received standard dual 7-inch monitors for 2013.
User Reviews:
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Nissan what happened - 2004 Nissan Armada
By TNEP - December 24 - 10:00 amMy fourth Nissan ,my first disappointment. The quality of this vehicle is surprisingly bad. 1200 miles so far,lots of rattles ,bad paint on bumper,tailgate button disappeared into the dash, finishes inside are not tight fitting. Im worried Ill run out of warranty before problems.
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Brand new and already needs repairs/replacements. - 2011 Nissan Armada
By denverdan - December 5 - 3:16 amI traded in an Infiniti FX35 that I never had a single problem with. I needed a vehicle that would tow my new boat and since the Infiniti (Nissan) was so good, I figured that the Armada would be the perfect choice. So far the vehicle has 210 miles on it and I have made a horrible mistake. There is a terrible shake from the steering wheel when the vehicle hits 65mph (I never took it that fast during the test drive). The lift gate doesnt shut tight without slamming it and pushing hard at the same time. I feel like my rear window will shatter some day if I have to keep this up. The drivers side rear view mirror begins vibrating at 40+mph and only gets worse the faster I go.
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What was I thinking - 2007 Nissan Armada
By Liz - November 25 - 7:16 amWow this thing is a gas guzzler. What was I thinking when I purchased this thing. I always wanted an Armada, so I bought one but with big regrets. Too many blind spots. I have a hard time seeing when I am trying to back out of a parking space. While this thing is very powerful, the gas mileage is awful. I paid cash for mine. I am going to trade it in in about another month for something that gets better gas mileage. If you want good gas mileage, this is not the vehicle for you.
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Armada= Lemon. Watch Out!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By rob r - October 21 - 5:13 amMy armada is a beautiful car. the reliability of it is the worst. brake problems, and electrical problems that would never end. dealership would not stand behind it. not impressed with nissan now. I have a 2000 pathfinder.. that remains flawless.... what happened nissan??? try again. fix the mechanics and you will have a great car.. until then you lost my business. ps.. train your dealerships... Douglas of Henderson is a HORRIBLE place to buy a car... yo yo finance, lies, typical "used car" sales in a new car dealership. the worst car buying experience ever. From someone who loves nissan, a huge let down
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2009 Nissan Armada LE , 4WD, 5.6L (V8) - 2009 Nissan Armada
By kimber63 - August 29 - 8:25 pmFolks, I have owned my Nissan for over 5 years. It is by far the biggest piece of Nissan crap I have owned. I have had 4 other Nissans before this one. The air conditioning lines have been replaced twice. Side airbag issue, rear passenger door would not open, rear gate would not open. Two sets of front warped rotors have been replaced over a whopping 42K miles. Power Steering line leaking. All covered under warranty with exception to the brakes. And please put some darn tires on the vehicle. The OEM stuff was junk. Every time the repair work done it took 5 business days due to lack of parts. The truck sits at Nissan dealer more than my house. Thank god I bought the warranty.
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Give me a Brake! Please. - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Kids Limo Service - February 16 - 10:00 amFour months of driving and the front end shakes violently when you apply the brakes. Nissan says it is safe. As a mom, I say if it shakes dont drive it. Repair parts are in short supply. I love the room in this SUV. Great for a large family and all the required sports and school gear. Nissan is having trouble with the roof supports and some electrical systems as well. If your DVD system vibrates take it in before it falls off on to your kids. I am betting on this being a great vehicle in the long run. We should have waited for year two, so Nissan could work the bugs out.
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Poor Quality - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Kevin - October 13 - 5:56 amA Nissan Failure. Very poor in quality, poor braking system. Rotors are too small and warp between 3k-4k. Sunroof leaks and rattles. Rattle sounds through out entire truck. Poor radio reception and navigation system will not work in cold weather until vehicle reaches warm temperatures. Also though your wheel alignment may be fine the steering wheel itself becomes off centered. My Armada has been in the shop for all of the above problems 16 times in the first full year. Not where a new vehicle $40K+ belongs unless its a Lemon, the Armada is a lemon. The truck has already lost $20K in trade-in value. Thats a big hit just to get out of this and in to something more reliable.
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Huge,Suv - 2015 Nissan Armada
By Marlon Morales - May 20 - 2:03 am -
Nissans Corvair - 2006 Nissan Armada
By seejanerun - March 23 - 5:23 pmI bought this vehicle used without doing the proper research on this particular model. I basically went on Nissans great reputation as time was not in my favor. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, so bad that I wont consider another Nissan in the future. I have had ABS failure which is common in the Armada but which Nissan refuses to recall - be sure to Google and you will find more info than you ever want! I have also had problems with the engine shutting off while driving down the road - also another widespread Armada problem. There have been tons of consumer complaints on this Armada and probably why 2010 is last production year as Nissan knows this product is crap!
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SAVE YOUR MONEY! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By SLAVA - October 25 - 9:13 amWhere should I start? 2K miles first set of brakes. All windows squeak. Ive been to the dealership 3 times, still cant fix it. Parts are on backorder for 2 months, now. 3500 miles, I lost the brakes COMPLETELY!!! After I was laughed at in the dealership, they found out that the power brakes booster went. Part went from being on "local" back order to "national" backorder. Car has been in the dealership for a week and nobody can say when am I getting it back. I paid $40K to drive a rental car. The only excuse everybody is giving me is that "its the first year" So what????
