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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  Ridiculous Nissan and Baker Nissan Dealer - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By max77054 - July 5 - 5:44 am

  I bought a new Nissan Armada SV in 2012. It has been to the shop for 5 times. Within the first 5 month, the front wheel control arms were replaced due to pulling to the right. Before the dealer (Baker Nissan South Houston) found the real problem, the technician cheated me by inflating the right front tire from 35psi to 45psi instead of fixing the control arm. I found the problem shortly before the inflated tire may blow and cause a serious accident in the hot Houston summer. It is very bad for the Baker Nissan put his customer into a risky and dangerous situation.

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  Nothing but problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Wazzzup - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Armada a month ago. In this short time Ive noticed a constant rattling of the overhead console and cracks in the console which eventually lead to the console breaking loose and hitting my son on the head. The rear hatch locking and automatic opening/closing system sucks. It is constantly beeping on accelerations and over bumpy terrain. The beep is to indicate that the hatch is not closed properly. Ive removed the mats in the event they may be in the way but that doesnt help. The locking mechanism for the center glove box is made of plastic with slight pressure on the handle it pops open so dont leave your valuables inside.

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  HUNK of JUNK - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By general - November 8 - 1:30 pm

  Brakes, Rattles, Wheel Alignment, Wind noise front doors just about blow off in the wind, quarterpanel Rust Through, Poor Front Seats Hard as a Rock no Side Support, Electrical Problems, Takes Months to get Parts, Have to Fight to get Warranty I am trying to get the lemon law going. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE OR ANY NISSAN JUNK. It spends more time in the shop then on the road. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves.

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  I would never buy another nissan - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By js - February 21 - 6:40 am

  Problem, after problem. Nissan isnt as cooperative as they should be, considering they know many of the problems associated with this truck. They pretend theyre hearing these problems for the first time. Ive had this truck at the dealership more than any vehicle Ive ever owned. I am never 100% satisified with their repair work. Ive had problems with the brakes & rotors, 4 -wheel drive, roof console,(it fell)and now still rattles after it was repaired. I had to replace the tires after only 25,000 miles(my last truck I got 65,000 Miles out of the tires) The sunroof also rattles. The dealership said rattles are only covered for the 1st 12,000 miles(read your owners manual)Poor quality.

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  Wheel Shimmy Problems - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By KTD260 - May 4 - 1:40 am

  When looking for an SUV this one was top on the list. We have had it for a year and a half and it has been back into the dealer over ten times for warranty issues. Top problem on this SUV is the wheel shimmy. The steering wheel shakes at speeds over 60 mph and going down hills. Each time I take it back into the dealer it is a new story as to what is going wrong and how they will fix it THIS TIME. Repair number 4 has just failed after two weeks of driving. Nissan should be ashamed they cannot fix the shimmy problem that affect nearly all 2004 - 2005 Armadas because they put undersized rotors on these trucks.

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  Thinking of a Nissan? A cautionary tale. - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By Glenn Urban - October 13 - 9:57 pm

  Shortly after our Armada was out of warranty, a rear AC line corroded through so the AC did not work. The part was installed in one piece, so the repair meant removing body from frame to replace it.....at a cost of $4,000.00! So far the company refuses to talk to me about it. Pathfinders have had the same design "feature".

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  This is a lemon - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Moberly - July 11 - 7:50 pm

  I have had to service this vehicle 8 times in 6 months. It leaked transmission fluids, needed a new windshield, the brakes have been replaced 3 times and I have had to replace 6 interior plasic pieces. I tell everyone not to buy one. This car is all style and no substance. I have a 7 year old Lexus LX470 that drives better, is more reliable and has 110K miles. Nissan of America will not do anything to support this hunk o junk. Scott

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  Learn from others mistakes - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Grapes - May 16 - 3:43 am

  Purchased this vehicle new in DEC of 2003. I knew it was the first model year but it was a Nissan. So how many problems could it have? Ill tell you how many, more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. This vehicle is a piece of junk and I felt the exact same way as another reviewer. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves! Problems?, exhaust, window, levelers, brakes, overhead console, electronic powertrain module, oem tires, and squeaks, rattles and shakes that are by far the worst of any car Ive ever driven. And Im 53. Dont know if things changed this year but the armada was rated one of the 5 least reliable vehicles for 5 years running.

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  Armada.......a big disappointment - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By james28 - May 10 - 7:13 pm

  This vehicle is the worst i owned. I owned a supercharged xterra which i assumed was the biggest leamon of all time. 3 recalls and numerous problems we traded for the armada. Nissan refuses to provide parts to fix the brakes and we have driven this shakey vehicle for 8mths. We have a water leak, rattles all over, power steering pump moans and a wind leak around the door. The transmisson has a shutter in it. Nissan has fallen to an all time low. I have owned nissan since 1985 and will never own another one. Stay away from nissan products if your smart.

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  2004 a bad year to buy - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By tpk - February 2 - 4:00 am

  Well my experience with this vechile still continues. The quality factor is awful compared to what nissans used to be. Trying to get nissan to buy this vehicle back or give me a new one..