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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  Front Brakes Suck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jay Veenis - May 26 - 8:53 am

  After only 20,000 miles the front rotors have been turned down twice. The front braking system was replaced once and it appears that it will require more attention at 26,000 miles. There seems to be 4 - 5 thousand miles between brake repairs. The rotors become warped and either require machining or replacement. It appears that the brakes are undersized. The same braking system is used on the Titan, which has a similar record.

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  good suv, but........ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sean williams - April 26 - 7:36 pm

  the armada has been a wonderful suv for me. the performance is great. there are some flaws in the brake rotors. also the interior overhead console was poorly designed - the plastic rattles.

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  Love our Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Adam - April 3 - 9:40 pm

  The car is comfortable and fun to drive. The safety features are wonderful. I feel very safe driving my family in it. The gas mileage is terrible, but the car itself makes up. Hopefully the gas prices will come down SOON. Love it.

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  Exactly what I thought it would be!!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Nate54SoCal - March 21 - 8:46 am

  After test driving about every medium and large SUV on the market, we purchased an Armada. We bought this off a lease return for about 50% of the original MSRP with less than 20K miles. We needed something that was roomy, family friendly, and just in case we needed it, could tow anything from a car to a boat. We were not disappointed. House on wheels is right. You can fold down the seats, fill up the back with whatever you need and tow. This SUV does it all. When considering this or a midsize SUV, we weighed a higher priced midsize SUV w/better gas mileage against the Armada. In a cost comparison over 5 yrs, the Armada was cheaper even with the gas mileage and it tow more.

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  It was great...at first - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mwahlgren7 - March 11 - 4:28 am

  No doubt the Armada is cool. Step on the gas and it pounces forward, and it looks aggressive. All the pillars are annoyingly thick however. For the first 100000 miles we were pretty happy with it but at that point it kind of started to disintegrate. 6,000 dollars in one year on things that shouldnt go wrong like diffs and suspension components. Also, theres significant rust coming in around the rear wiper and the rear wheel arches. This is unacceptable on a 5 yr old car that is garaged every night. Every time weve used it to do real work, its broken. I like it but I sure wouldnt buy another.

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  Best Value In the Marketplace - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By brokeragedirector - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Easily most truck for the money. More than enough power, awesome Bose stereo, and lots of room for all my stuff, the wife and the kids. Ive upgraded intake and exhaust and now get almost 350hp, def. something to do.

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  Front rotar problems - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By TWM - January 21 - 2:46 am

  I love this truck, but I am waiting for a kit to repair the problem with the front end rotars. I have had the car in three times in four months to have the rotars shaved. They are over heating and causing severe front end shaking. This is a problem in design, and Nissan is putting together a kit that they will install in late June. This has ruined the the joy of purchasing an otherwise great truck!

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  Armada is the Mack-Daddy - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flymike - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2001 Sequoia for the 2004 Armada. So far extremely happy with the decision. Armada has engine power galore [Sequoia underpowered at 4.8L V- 8 vs. Armadas 5.6L V-8]. Independent suspension makes for firm and sporty ride as compared to Sequoias softer Cadillac like ride. Guys will like the nice "growl" -real throaty exhaust sound. Interior a little more "trucky" than Sequoia-in look, feel and sound. This was a turn off at first but grew on me as I checked the vehicle out more thoroughly.

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  love this truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By e person - January 1 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about this Suv except the mpg. Other than that I have no complaints. Its a well built/equipped vehicle

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  Front End Driving Stability - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By blb - December 26 - 10:06 am

  Overall Im pretty satisfied. I love the power!! Not real crazy about the gas mileage...but its hard to have both. Great interior features and love the Bose sound. The one thing my wife wasnt going to compromise on was the "butt warmers!" A must for her...gotta admit...I like em too.