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:
Showing 1 through 10 of 662.00-
Almost Got it Right - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Islander - December 30 - 2:20 pmThe 2005 Nissan Armada has tons of power and is fun to drive. The interior is very flexible. Every seat folds down. I have 21,000 miles on my Off Road 4x4 and have worked through a few issues. The brakes were fixed on the 3rd try after a service bulletin came out. The Bose stereo system does not sound like a $750 system. I still have rattle sounds in my dash and doors. Overall, I still like the truck and would recommend it though.
-
great vehicle - 2011 Nissan Armada
By gorilla7 - December 28 - 7:43 amthis is the best choice and value in a large suv dont bother with the tahoe or yukon no room on interior, no tow capacity cost 7-10M more for equel equipment expedition = no power, ugly sequoia = toy like dash, no handeling dont knock it till you drive it you must drive this vehicle to really appreciate the luxury
-
Best SUV in its class by far - 2007 Nissan Armada
By best suv yet - October 29 - 4:26 pmThe Armada has all you need for an SUV, when I purchased the truck I had to put it to the test, so me and 4 of my buddys took a road trip to south beach miami. Needless to say 4 fully grown men fell asleep 20 min into the trip. They all said that that this truck was smooth, and roomy, and the bose sound system was really nice. They gave the truck tens all around. The only thing is this truck does eat gas so know that when you purchase this vehicle, but all SUVs are gas guzzlers.
-
Ride On - 2017 Nissan Armada
By Javier Solis - October 6 - 7:16 pmSpacious and great technology package.
-
Family cargo transporter - 2004 Nissan Armada
By llajumpvid - September 23 - 10:00 amIt drives like a sports car, rides like a luxury car(almost). It makes trips enjoyable until the gas pump:). The gas mileage is expected though. so far average 11 in city and 15 hwy with 3000 miles. Im happy with the purchase, a few rattles that can be fixed but overall glad I bought it.
-
love everything but the brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
By dubld98 - September 23 - 7:26 amthis vehicle is a joy to own and drive butr there is a problem with the brakes and I have had to have them replaced 3 times in 4 months so far. I hope they resolve the brake problem soon.
-
BAD REAR END CRASH******RESULTS - 2007 Nissan Armada
By ufocafe - September 6 - 3:53 amI love my Armada! I was rear ended by a Water Tanker Truck when I was stopped at a traffic light. And I wasn hit so hard,that I crashed into an Police car stopped in front of me. I found out from the police report that the tanker weighed over 33 thousand pounds. What a scare. But,I was barely scratched. I was not hospitalized and I was back to work the very next morning. I owe all of this to the fantastic design of the Armada. I WILL be an Armada owner from now on. Thanks Nissan.
-
Better than expected - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Yoh - July 6 - 10:00 amI was little bit concerned about quality issue because there were several posts here, however, I did not have any problem at this time. People at Canton began to get used to the line I think. Considering high technology Nissan provided, price setting is reallyl good deal. I am very happy that Nissan has completely revived and began to expand line-ups.
-
Worth It! - 2007 Nissan Armada
By John S. - May 29 - 2:10 amIve owned 2 Jeeps, 4 Blazers, a Bravo,5 loaded Tahoes. This SUV is miles above these in performance (Tahoes close). Tahoe interior is more comfortable & pleasing. Rides like a sports car if one knows how to drive it. Staggering power readily avail. when needed. Handling amazing for such a large unit. Wonderfully controllable in all driving situations. Not ideal for average soccer moms but terrific for serious drivers w/ fun, work, and quality travel in mind. I own a Jag and a Mercedes sports car. When behind wheel of Armada I dont feel loss of control or power as one might expect after driving true sports cars. The difference in cornering is obvious but not uncomfortably or dangerously so.
-
Not bad at all.... - 2004 Nissan Armada
By armadian - May 24 - 10:00 amSo far, the Nissan Armada has been about what I expected after doing my SUV homework. Its definitely "different" and not easily comparible with other SUVs.
