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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A little advice - 2004 Nissan Armada
By A little advice - October 1 - 2:00 amDo not have a DVD installed after market! Even though there is a flip down slot for the screen built in to the vehicle, the installers cant seem to install it properly so that the screen doesnt rattle around and can be opened at any position. I love the power of this vehicle and the roominess of the back seat. Little squeaks and noices began occuring soon after I bought the vehicle - very annoying for an expensive purchase.
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So far, so good. - 2004 Nissan Armada
By lbk2228 - October 1 - 2:00 amSeems like a great car. Fun to drive and good features. The only draw back is the dealership, we got screwed on the deal - even after doing all of our homework. I guess that is our fault, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth!
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GOOD BUY - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Erskine - September 26 - 10:00 amWe bought this for our family trips. It is incredibly spacious. I can fold the third row and the middle of the second row down and sleep fully stretched out. The ride is bouncy with the rancho shocks. I recommend the LE model. Off road performance is good for its size. Clearance is empressive. Low Range is a nice feature. I would recomend the Infiniti over this model. If you want it loaded, for five thousand more you will get better warranty and service. This vehicle will easily accomidate five 65" adults and three shorter passengers. Rear access is great unless you are using more than one car seat.
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Fun to Drive - 2007 Nissan Armada
By brent - August 22 - 10:30 pmThe armada is fun to drive. No problems as of yet. The interior space of the armada is second to none. We have three boys and two large rottweilers, plenty of space left over. We paid invoice minus rebate.
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bad brake and steering system - 2004 Nissan Armada
By cerritosdealer - August 14 - 10:00 amwhen i drive over 75mph, i brake and the steering shaking a lot. when i drive over 80mph the steering shake, and the rear seat incomfortable.
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From Fla to NE - 2004 Nissan Armada
By G. Lance - August 9 - 7:20 amHaving the vehicle in Fla was great until I moved to NE. Being flat, no hills and no pot holes in Fla I believed this SUV was as smooth as silk. Ha! being in the country in NE up and down hills, windy roads, uneven pavement and pot holes I found out pretty quickly how noisy, unbalanced and terrible the suspension was on this vehicle. However I have been quite lucky and surprised by how it handled in the snow considering I have no 4wd and Ive been in 12-18" of snow many of times. I have had issues with the breaks and seem to have to get the pads and rotors redone about 2x per year other that that no other problems with the vehicle.
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Not Sure? - 2008 Nissan Armada
By Christy - June 5 - 12:43 pmJust purchased my new Nissan Armada a little less than two months ago and Ive already had it back at the dealership for service 4 times! Im a little disappointed because I love this vehicle and my husband it now wishing we would have stuck to a Chevy or Ford! I have had the sound system already replaced because the back four speakers never worked, the sunroof worked on because of the loud rattling noise it made as you drove down the road and it had only been opened twice and Ive also had problems with my windshield wipers/washers and its not even due for the first oil change yet! This is my first Nissan and they have yet to prove to me what they stand for!
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10.7 Inches Ground Clearance! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By J. Williams - May 29 - 10:53 amOnly disappointment is that I could not order an Armada with 5 speed manual transmission. Had dealer swap tires from the Armada "Off Road" vehicle to the LE model in order to have 10.7 inch ground clearance. Back seat legroom is more than any other SUV. In my business, I cover highways and ranch roads and farm fields, often with three or more folks who need room for comfort.
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Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
By edmercedes - May 25 - 3:10 pmLove the space, great improvement from the 04 ride, not as bumpy, a more plush drive. Still drives like an SUV but does not rattle as much as the earlier models. Great improvements on the panels and quality of materials. Being a previous owner of the 04 and 05 models I can assure you this is a great improvement. Love the ride. Love my truck!
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Best In Class SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
By rszkodzi - May 21 - 10:00 amThis has to be the best Large Class SUV on the road today. I drove all SUVs in this class, except the Range Rover (Price), and Hummer (Not Enough Luxuries), and this beat them all. The drive is like my old Explorer Limited. Very car like feel, no boat like lean in turns. The on board computers do a phenominal job of traction control and the Auto setting for the selectable 4WD makes you feel like your glued to the road. The best selling point for me was the fold down seats. Perfectly Flat.
