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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New Armada Replaced My Suburban - 2004 Nissan Armada
By New Armada Driver - May 4 - 2:00 amAfter 3 Chevrolet Suburbans I was not actively shopping for another type of vehicle. The Armada became it when we saw the legroom in the second row and better styling inside. Its a lot nicer then the Suburban that has a clunky, utilitarian style.
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Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Funky - April 27 - 10:03 pmThis SUV is large and modern, it has good road presence and feels safe and dependable. I opted for the car for safety and thought it may have better residual values than many of the dated looking SUV competition. It is a nice package with some great features. I like the modern exterior styling, safety features and the refinement of the ride. The engine growls when pushed a little I would just prefer it kept quiet. I do not like the seats, I find the drivers seat uncomfortable despite electric adjustment. Visability can be poor due to the large pillars front and rear. I like this car but I dont love it - it feels functional as Nissans usually do but also lackluster and bland.
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Armada 2006 - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Mohamed Almarzouqi - April 18 - 11:53 amit is a nice car but if they can work on the exterior design (rear door handl & roof shap, bigger size wheel, bigger hood "the engine is squeezed in, back roor flat, tire to be held on back instead of underneath,..etc).
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I love this SUV! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By jilinsocal - April 17 - 10:00 amWe have had this SUV for 6 weeks and love it! We did a lot of research first and knew that we wanted something that would get a 2nd glance, with a big a** engine, we made the RIGHT choice. 2005 will add a rear camera to navigation system, neat to have I would think, but not necessary as rear sonar is awesome.I have every option available EXCEPT 4X4, love all my bells & whistles, although I need about 6 more months to figure out all the gagets.I am hearing some vibrations on the freeway,around 70-80 mph, not 40-50 mph as most complain about.Seems to have something to do with the sunroof. Kids say the DVD screen "shakes" a lot at these same speeds.
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Nissans Corvair - 2006 Nissan Armada
By seejanerun - March 23 - 5:23 pmI bought this vehicle used without doing the proper research on this particular model. I basically went on Nissans great reputation as time was not in my favor. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned, so bad that I wont consider another Nissan in the future. I have had ABS failure which is common in the Armada but which Nissan refuses to recall - be sure to Google and you will find more info than you ever want! I have also had problems with the engine shutting off while driving down the road - also another widespread Armada problem. There have been tons of consumer complaints on this Armada and probably why 2010 is last production year as Nissan knows this product is crap!
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Great but must like big things - 2005 Nissan Armada
By hapieone1 - March 23 - 7:13 amWe purchased this suv in July and traded in my Acura TL since it was too small for our growing family. My only conflict with this Armada is that it is not the Acura. I miss my car, but it is a great SUV !
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The Big Bad Boy!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Spike-in-SD - March 11 - 10:00 amThe power of the Armada is only matched by it interior room. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Great towing capacity, terrible gas mileage (what do you expect!). I love drag racing the other SUVs!
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Look Out - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Kbmexec - March 11 - 10:00 amWatch out GM, Nissan has a new wildcat on the road. It has all that you have plus quality!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ALMOST A PERFECT 10 - 2004 Nissan Armada
By R LAMBERT - March 11 - 10:00 amTHE VEHICLE IS MORE STABLE AT HIGH SPEEDS THAN OUR DENALLI WE TRADED IN OR OUR PREVIOUS NAVIGATOR. THE LUXARIES ARE 2ND TO NONE. NEED TO WORK ON THE GAS MILAGE A BIT BUT OVER ALL I GIVE IT A 9.5 RATING ONLY PROBLEM, IS YOU CAN NOT BUY A TEMP. CONTROLLED THERMOSTAT WITH OUT THE SUN ROOF AND DVD INTERTAINMENT SYSTEM OR THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM $3600.00
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Tough truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Mark - March 5 - 8:00 pmI have 120k miles on an 04 Off-Road, and there has only been the brake rotor problem, which Nissan took care of, eventually. I routinely tow 8500 lbs. with it and haul about 500 lbs of tools always, and the truck has held up really well. Better than my previous 2 Expeditions on all accounts, especially comfort & handling.
