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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  Armada is off the hook !!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By zambak - February 18 - 8:36 pm

  I cant say enough about my new SUV. It is just superb. Well built and designed. The ride is awsome.

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  a truly underrated car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By m stennett - January 27 - 5:30 pm

  Being a BMW lover for years I must say this truck impresses me because of its handleing and manuvering in emergency situations, its comfort surpasses all styling in and out could not be better, I have a family of 5 and I am a trucker therefore i love driving always. on road trips this truck is the best purchase ever, and dont worry about fuel because if you have a mini cooper and the price goes to $10 gal we would still be buying it.

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  we love it - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kelbell - January 23 - 10:00 am

  We were skeptical about buying an SUV thats only been out for a year. We are so happy that we did, so far! Weve had it about a month now and I cant wait to drive it. It is so comfortable and spacious. It rides beautifuly and the pick-up is great for an SUV of its size!

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  noisey sunroof - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By kevin+carmen - January 14 - 6:23 pm

  This a fun ride with plenty of power performs very well in interstate trafic . The sunroof is anouther story, It sounds like you have a window cracked open. we took it back and had a wind deflector installed a the dealer an it helped a very little.If i was going to buy anouther Amarda LE 4+4. I would not get it with a sunroof.the climate control doesent seem to work right either, and the mirrors hav blind spots this could han been easly fixed at the plant, the trucks have the right mirrors.

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  Colorado 2004 Armada LE - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bgilgall - January 13 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle used from a BMW dealership in August 2005. It was only 10 months old and had 27K miles on it, came loaded with DVD, NAV, Bose. I also bought with full knowledge of the problems that the 04s have, rattles, brakes etc. This prompted me to buy an extended warranty. So far so good, Ive put 9000 miles on the truck in 4 months without a single problem. The brakes are great no dust or pulsing i.e. none of the problems that have been reported, possibly because it had the brake rework done on it before I got it. A Nissan dealer confirmed that for me yesterday.So it appears that, for me at least, the brake rework makes a difference. Its big, lots of airbags and comfortable.

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  Always enough room - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Cindy in SouthernCal - December 30 - 9:23 pm

  Purchased my SUV over a year ago and just love it. Parent with teenagers, always room for all the kids and bikes. No problems with anything and the Nissan service dept is excellent for regular maintenance. I recently purchase a small car (another Nissan) for gas purposes but refused to give up my Armada.

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  BIG BUT DRIVEABLE SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JMD - December 27 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH FOUR KIDS AND DVD IT WAS ACTUALLY A NICE TRIP. SECOND ROW SEAT LEG ROOM IS AMAZING. THIRD ROW ISNT BAD EITHER FOR ME 6FT 1IN., MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR SMALLER PEOPLE. ENGINE IS STRONG THROUGH OUT DRIVING RANGE. EASY FOR ME TO DRIVE IN TOWN. PARALLEL PARKING IS NOT BAD ,ESPECIALLY WITH REAR SENSORS. NAV SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO USE.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Michael Mcnally - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Armada for about 6 weeks now and absolutely love it. The drive is smooth the power is there if you need it and the size inside and out is great. The stereo system is great. I recommend the captain chairs for second row we love it. we love everything about it.

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  Fun Machine - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By TMRST - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have put 1,000 miles on the Armada - city and highway driving - and it is averaging a little over 20 miles to the gallon; why does the editors review state that mileage is dismal? This is better mileage than the other large utes. The seats in my Armada are leather; and again I disagree with the editor in that my wife and I find the seats very comfortable. This is a fun vehicle to drive.

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  Greatest SUV on the planet - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By justtara - December 10 - 10:00 am

  The Aramda is the biggest and the best SUV in it class. It offers more standard features(Safety)than any of the other vehicles in its class. Ive tried the Fords, the Lincolns, the GMCs, Dodges and the Toyotas SUVs and none of them stack up to the Aramda. The Aramda rides and handles like a smaller SUV and has great off- road capablities. Its fun to drive and its very quick 0-60, I think around 7 seconds, none of the other competitors even come close.