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:

• 

  Nice Secret - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Happy Camper - June 14 - 10:26 am

  Bought this 05 model in 12/05 preowned with 16K miles, in immaculate condition. No brake problems at all. We have had it 18 months and it now has 39,500 miles. It literally has never been in the shop, and it still drives perfect. Wifes daily car and she loves it. I am impressed every time I drive it, to the point that I want one also. Were considering a new 08 with all the extra options (roof, 4X4, DVD, nav). I loaded it with 4 adults, 2 kids, too much luggage, roof luggage rack, trailer hitch rack and drove it 80+ mph on West Texas Interstates for 1,200+ miles round trip to NM. It surprised me how smooth, powerful, and stable it was. Still got 17.3 mpg

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mike2003 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Just traded in my old Sequoia because it just could not handle my 28ft boat. Guess what, this baby pulls it like a dream. Ive heard some people dont like the rear of this truck, but when you see it up close this truck looks great, and it has very good interior materials and finishing, unlike American trucks.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Kenyadrick Wallace - May 24 - 2:00 pm

  I love it so much. It has enough space. The only thing is the SE should have fog lights. That would bring them out also. Other than that the Armadas are Great!!!!!!!!!

• 

  New Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BDB - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Former Tahoe owner -- 200,000 miles on a 1997. Test drove Yukon/Tahoe, Suburban, Lincoln Navigator. Although I thought I wanted a GMC -- I fell in love with performance, safety and new look of Armada. 1,000 miles in first 5 days -- Las Vegas -- Phoenix and back. Have nothing but praise for the handling and engine performance.

• 

  BEATS THE DOORS OFF THE SUBURBAN - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SCOTT F - May 22 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT VEHICLE I LOVE IT! IT HAS GUTS AND DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD LIKE A DREAM. I CAN TOW MY BOAT AND IT STILL HAS POWER TO MAKE IT UP THE HILLS. GREAT JOB NISSAN YOU GOT ME. GAS MILEAGE IS NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT BUT I DIDNT BUY IT FOR ECONOMY REASONS. BEFORE YOU BUY YOU SHOULD AT LEAST DRIVE ONE.

• 

  The best SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Peggy - May 6 - 11:30 pm

  I looked at all the large SUVs. Toyota seemed top heavy. Ford felt cheaply made. Chevy seemed too much of a truck. Dodge is just ugly. When we tried the Nissan, I thought finally a good looking SUV with all the specs and still cheaper than Chevy or Ford. I have never bought a Nissan before. Ive only owned Ford, Pontiac and a Jeep so this would be a new experience. I can honestly say this is the best car Ive ever owned and planned to buy Nissan again. I have 4 kids and this has been a life saver. Everyone has plenty of room and comfort and I dont feel we compromised getting what I wanted. The kids have the DVD and I have piece and quiet.

• 

  Big Power, Big Room and Big Style. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By CSW - April 10 - 6:10 am

  Overall it is simply the most powerful, best looking and most roomy SUV in its class.....and that alone is saying a mouthful. Sure the interior is a little cheap, but you can’t have everything. Bold bodacious styling, all aluminum DOHC V8 that will dust a hemi, and a huge, roomy and comfortable interior. Nissan spent the money where it counts in my book. Compared to where GM, Ford, Toyota, etc., etc. spent their money....I would go with the Armada any day. With that said, I did have to replace the front brakes. I got online, found some slotted rotors and ceramic pads, and fixed the problem permanently myself for about $300. I didnt fool around with the dealers poor service.

• 

  Move over for the Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By David - April 9 - 2:06 am

  If you see this monster in your rear- view mirror, pull over and let it by. The 305 hp engine in the Nissan Armada with its best in class torque means this SUV really moves. Its gas mileage is nothing to write home about, it gets only around 13 mpg city, but this is about the same as all others in its class. This is the third largest SUV on the road after the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion. Its 9,800# towing capacity will pull the largest of boats, which is made even easier by the longer wheel base than a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. The interior is very nice. The updated interior that obviously got a lot of attention from Nissan. The cloth seats are really comfortable, so much so that you may just want to pass on the leather. This definitely is the vehicle for a family on the go.

• 

  Move over for the Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By David - April 9 - 2:06 am

  If you see this monster in your rear-view mirror, pull over and let it by. The 305 hp engine with best in class torque means my Nissan Armada really moves. It is nothing to write home about on gas mileage as it gets 13 mpg city, about the same as all others in its class. It is the third largest SUV on the road after the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Excursion. Its 9,800# towing capacity will pull the largest of boats, which is made even easier by the longer wheel base than a Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. the inside is very nice, updated interior that obviously got a lot of attention from Nissan. The cloth seats are really comfortable, so much so that you may just want to pass on the leather. this is definitely the vehicle for a family on the go.

• 

  Pathfinder Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Marc Hunt - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I bought this vehicle I was skeptical about all of the positive things that were being said about performance and handling. After driving it I was blown away by how well such a big vehicle could handle. The body roll is A LOT less than the Suburban/Tahoe and the Ford Expedition. Nissan did their homework well when they built this model!!!!