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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Few Rough Edges - 2004 Nissan Armada
By JimL - December 19 - 2:00 amIve had my Armada for 3 months and have driven it 3400 miles. Love the design, engine transmission. Real comfortable. My friends rave about the roominess of 2nd row seats. Great dealer experience.
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Pros and cons - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Carter - November 10 - 11:33 pmLove the look and room of this car. We have 22" rimes and tires makes for a rough ride but looks so good. Very roomy we fit 7 adults and infant seat comfortable with bags and a stroller. I wish the AC was better in the front it is terrible! Overall we love this car and would probably purchase another if the fuel was better.
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My Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
By kdocdent - October 22 - 3:56 amI really like the 2005 Nissan Armada, but it feels like a TRUCK sometimes, rather than a luxury vehicle. I have had a Lincoln Navigator (should have never gotten rid of it!), a Toyota Sequoia, and now the Nissan Armada. Both the other vehicles handled better. The color and the build are great, and the interior room especially the second and third rows cannot be beat by any thing! Overall I love it.
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Nissan Armada a refreshing experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Orange Nutcutter - September 30 - 2:00 amThe Nissan Armada is our second experience into the SUV market. It is fun to drive, handles well and is an eye catcher from other SUV drivers. The Armada does not have the clumsy feel that our last SUV had and corners better than the Yukon and Expedition we test drove. For the money, you get more quality and more room than the Armadas domestic competition.
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What a great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Don P - September 24 - 2:00 amIm extremely impressed with the SUV and LOVE driving it. The Armada drives much smaller than it is and is surpisingly maneuverable in tight situations/ downtown. Auto folding mirrors would be a nice touch for narrow garages however. The engine and drive train is phenomenal. The transmission is smooth and there is a lot of power... Im surpised that its only rated at 305hp... seems like more. The ride is a bit stiff but will soften over time. I have not experience any of the resonance issues.. perhaps this is not a problem with more recent builds. This is an excellent vehicle for people with kids/ dogs and the like.
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2004 LE Armada Loaded - 2004 Nissan Armada
By bsmooth32 - September 13 - 10:00 amA serious SUV to travel in. Have had it only for a weekend but so far I am very happy. NO problems with it so far.
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400 miles - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Bill Pechilis - August 18 - 2:00 amOnly 400 miles on it & so far I like my decision.Very comfortable seating in the cloth.The front 2 rows are great 3rd row is for kids or small adults.The engine is very smooth on the highway at 70 -80.It does have a little growl to it while accelerating which I love.The tranny is the best I,ve ever had.Space galore.City driving takes care but becomes easier with pratice.I love it.
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Big Nissan..Big Power - 2004 Nissan Armada
By BigKW - August 12 - 2:00 amI bought the Armada to tow my boat. A little overkill since my boat and trailer only weights 3,500 lbs. The vehicle has had some initial minor repairs with the rear seat cable release jammed. In addition, they replaced the left rear axle since it would make a cricketing noise when loaded (acceleration). I noticed the noise when driving with windows down.
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Not bad for the money - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Fla Mada - July 17 - 5:03 pmI now have 55,000 miles on my 04. Overall I have been happy with it. There is absolutely no other sport ute that has the space, power and value for the money today. I usually change my vehicles every 2 years but I will admit I am spoiled with the attributes this vehicle has and I simply cannot see paying over $50k for trucks with fewer features. It does rattle a bit, my seat squeaks at turns, have had 3 brake jobs but you know we also had an 06 ML500 @ $60,000 and it had just as many problems. We got rid of the ML and believe it or not kept the Armada.
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Good Value All Around - 2010 Nissan Armada
By Bob - July 14 - 5:46 amTried Expedition, Sequoia, Yukon. This is the best bang for the buck. I tow a 5000 pound boat and this has plenty of power. Ride and handling on par for the class. Fold down third row is great. Interior design is attractive and user friendly. Less trucky than Expedition but not Yukon and Sequoia. Blew all others away on features for the price. I expect Nissan reliability over the long haul. Mileage stinks but there is no free lunch when you want space and towing capability. While no full size SUV is fun to drive, it is easy to do lots of miles on the highway without tiring. Its no sports sedan but I already have one of those. Overall, comfortable, roomy, powerful, and capable.
