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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  Kansas Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dennis Uecker - August 25 - 2:06 am

  Very pleased overall with my 2004 Armada. Interior design could have been dressed up a bit (LE Model), but performance is excellent. A few rattles in dash and front door panels. Mileage about what I expected - about 16 on the road - but long distance driving comfort is excellent. Mountain performance superb. Very maneuverable considering its size. Like distinctive external styling. No mechanical problems (30,000+ miles). Bose audio and DVD system great. A bit cumbersome to flip second row bucket seats to access third row seating, but once you get there, a very comfortable ride. Like the deep throated rumble and acceleration is excellent.

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  Grandmas Truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Nissan Owner - August 20 - 10:23 am

  Ive purchased nissans since 1981, 1st large SUV. Love everything about it except the rattles & leather compared to other nissans I have own. The power it has compared to other SUVs is far superior.

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  Its Big!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By 41 - August 20 - 10:10 am

  So far, this truck has been fantastic. No other truck has the room that the Armada has. So much space in the back and the features are great. Truly a beast on the road. Safety is what you sense in this truck.

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  Its been a good vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 04 armada - August 10 - 6:50 am

  After studying all SUVs in this size I selected the Armada, overall best price and design features. It has only had one warranty repair (warped brake rotors). Now at 40,000 miles it still drives very well, no leaks or any other issues have come up. Fuel economy is disappointing, other vehicles I have owned of this size have done much better. I would buy another if fuel economy were improved. A very good well thought out vehicle if you are looking for an SUV in this size.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jtl5552 - August 3 - 1:03 am

  For its size, I have found the 2005 Armada easy to drive. However, I have noticed that when driving over 75 miles per hour, the steering wheel begins shaking, which is quite odd and is difficult to get used to. It seems from reading prior reviews that this has been a problem with the 2004 Armada and it definitely is present in the 2005. However, overall I am very pleased with this vehicle. Great ride!

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  I love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer17 - July 30 - 6:20 pm

  We purchased this vehicle after researching several other options, including the Tahoe/Yukon, Escalade and Sequoia. I fell in love with the automatic lifting back hatch, with a 3 yar old and newborn it is very accommodating. My husband loves the 3rd row seating, it is very spacious and your knees arent in your face. Very comfortable and I would highly reccomend this vehicle for someone looking for a large SUV.

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  Lots of Power and Room - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By jomi - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good large SUV with a lot of safety features as well as the performance and nimbleness of a smaller vehicle. There are a few first year modle issues, but nothing that prevented me from buying.

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  Disappointed with some noises. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fambriz - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I noticed a squeaky noise in the dashboard, right behind the steering wheel. I told the sales manager about it and they said they would fix it. I have taken it to the dealer about 5 times and still not fixed. There is another rattling noise that seemed to come from the dash, when I accelerate down the street. I took it to 2 different dealers and they could not find the source (it seems like the exhaust system is causing it), but they agreed it is a strange noise, and that most Armadas have it. I did notice other noises. The windshield had to be replaced because it was deffective, it had some white spots in the middle of the windshield (between the 2 layers of glass).

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  Super Truck - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Dunn Transportation - July 20 - 12:10 am

  This is our second Nissan, but this one tops any vehicle owned before. For the power and economy nothing beats it. I have recommended this vehicle to my busines partner of whom also acquired the same vehicle with no regrets.

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  LE 4x4 Notes - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By UTAH Bill - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I was looking at the Denali, Escalade, and the Armada. IMHO, the LE Armada is the best value in this segment. The Infiniti version was nice but had bells and whistles (and a higher sticker) I dont need. The engine/tranny combination is perfect. And, the V-8 sounds like a V-8 should. Though some have thought the suspension to be a bit firm, my wife likes the fact this SUV does not wallow in turns like other big SUVs tend to do. It really does drive "smaller than it looks." The controls/gadgets are less complicated and easier to master than I thought they would be. Ive already added mudflaps and taken off the roof rack.