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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  my 2004 beast - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Albert Chrost - October 24 - 1:06 pm

  I always feel funny vibration in the whhels, not the smoothest ride as I would like to have for vehicle over $40K. Also both front doors have strange clicking noise. Cant get rid of it. Its annoying!!! have only 2000 miles on it. During first service will make a list for correction. The car is hard to wash - even Embassy car Wash cant do it well; too many edges around the bumpers.

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  Happy but some issues - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By HappyG - September 25 - 9:56 pm

  Had some problems with the brakes, had to take it for service 2 times. Fuel economy could be much much better but for a big V8 should be expected. Some noise in the back but once again SUV, should be expected. Overall I would say a good solid SUV. Ton of room for a large family. Navigation is great. Cargo room is very convinient. Power liftgate helps. SVT is a great feature to have, keeps the truck on the ground. Had the truck since February, goes through snow like knife through butter.

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  Yukon/Tahoe Fighter!? - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By murphy1213 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Nissan could have done a better job of marketing this vehichle. All of the Armadas competition has some sort of financing incentive, it is hard to justify spending the amount of money on this vehicle when you could get a yukon with zero percent financing and similar equipment. The main reasons I bought the Armada over the Yukon; First reason was the safety features that it has over the yukon. The roll over protection is a big deal that none of the competition offers. Second; fold flat third row seating, there is way too much wasted space in the yukon and it is near impossible to get into the third row. Finally engine and transmission.

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  target audience - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By NEW DAD - September 8 - 2:06 am

  I recently purchased an Armada, my son was born 3 months back and it was time to buy a minivan!No way, so test drove the Armada, had instant attraction to the styling, the power and the cool interior. The honeymoon however was short lived. The truck seats 7 (I have captains seats) but once the third row is up, there is very little cargo room,so either you take your friends or their luggage. The truck doesnot have a split third row, so its either seating for 4 or 7. i went to get a cargo (ski) box, neither thule nor yakima make a box that will fit the armada, the crossbars are too far apart! The center roof console willnot fit any dvd system other then the factory installed system.

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  Not the best handling SUV on the market. - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By BigDaddy - August 21 - 1:46 am

  Bought the Armada because my unusually tall husband fit into it but we are so disappointed with the way it drives. If you hit a bump in the road the steering wheel practically flies out of your hand and the Armada bounces wherever it wants to go. Scary. Also, for a large vehicle there isnt very much storage so we always seem to be moving things (like the emergency car care kit) all around the vehicle. If you need to use all 3 rows of seats as we frequently do - only a small cargo space remains. Ill drive this one until it dies to get my moneys worth (maybe) but I wont buy another and I would advise you to keep on shopping too.

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  Nissan Needs to brush up on fit & finish - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Nayeem - August 13 - 6:20 am

  At 4200 miles lost the transmission actuator. Could not put it to reverse. At Park vehicle could move freely with ignition off. Had it towed to dealer. NISSAN Corporate was POOR in pleasing the customer.

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  Nice vehicle ... BAD brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Sandi - August 5 - 7:16 pm

  Beautiful vehicle! WOW. I did however have it in the shop within 2,000 miles. There is a KNOWN defect on the braking system in the 2004 & 2005 Armadas & Titans that Nissan has chosen not to share with the customers unless it becomes a problem. Supposedly there are no parts available to make the repairs on the brakes at this time, so they are temporarily turning the rotors to keep the vehicle from "skipping" when attempting to stop. GAS mileage is horrible. If you enjoy spending time at the gas pumps, then this vehicle is meant for YOU. All jokes aside, it is a beautiful vehicle. I just wish they had shared the braking problem with me when I bought it.

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  Great SUV overall - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Siberian - August 3 - 5:23 pm

  Bought fully loaded 2004 Nissan Armada. Quiet yet powerful V8 engine, fun to drive, great acceleration. Duriong last Xmas, I drove it to Mexico from Minneapolis, MN - not a simple problem. Best features in the class: DVD Navigation, lots of computer settings you can adjust, nice leather with heated seats. Much better than Toyota Sequoya or Ford Expedition. SHIFT_drive!

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  Brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By fishman - June 21 - 10:20 am

  Great performance , nice styling , but the brakes are terrible....i have 1800 miles on my Armada and now I have to have dealer cut rotors because of real bad wheel shimmy when braking. Nissan has a kit to fix problem ,but wont do it until the rotors cant be cut anymore. i figure evory 1800 -2000 miles they have to cut rotors...fix it the first time with the kit and get done with it....otherwise the vehicle is fine..lot of truck for too small of brake set-up..

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  Still great after 8,500 - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ARM - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my armada. It is gigantic but my girlfriend who is very short has no problem driving it because of the adjustable pedals. That said, the rotors warped after about 2500 miles but nissan replaced for free in less than 3 hours.- Seems like it might be a common problem but 6000 mi later the new brakes are still OK. Overall the car is great. I had a ford explorer before and surprisingly the armada gets better milage with a bigger engine and more power.