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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  Transmission gave away at 378 miles! - 2015 Nissan Armada
  By Matts Mathews - November 25 - 11:16 am

  After two months of research, i decided to go purchase a new Armada SV to avoid the troubles that come with a used one. Everything was fine until recently & i even loved the driving experience- it even gave me 13 mpg in city as stated in their manifesto ,havent driven it long enough to comment on on Highway mpg . However just 2 weeks of ownership and 378 miles, the transmission gave away at a stop sign near a small bridge and the vehicle started rolling backwards. I barely managed to drive it back home,On further inspection the transmission fluid leaked all over the place, still dont know what the exact problem is but its most likely the transmission. Unfortunately this happened on a Saturday evening, hence no support or on call. I have to wait until Monday to report this issue to the dealership, and will update this review on how it goes after that. Either ways, this was not expected from a new Armada- which is supposed to be a rock solid vehicle. Disappointing!!!

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  Perfect Options - 2014 Nissan Armada
  By nutfarmer - November 20 - 6:00 am

  I actually use the features of a large SUV. I frequently use seating for 8 so a 2nd row bench seat was a must have feature. Leather seats and DVs were a required luxury. In addition I wanted actual tires, not the wagon wheels that new SUVs come equipped with recently. Believe it or not, that is a very difficult combination to find in todays market. I was surprised to find the luxury and utility combination I needed in the Nissan Armada. Glad I did. Very nice running, powerful, luxurious and filled with usable technology. All seats are comfortable with good legroom. Whole family loves it on the highway, dirt roads and around town. Price is very good for the group.

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  GREAT SUV FOR ME! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Victor Salgado - November 15 - 10:12 pm

  so I bought my 06 Nissan armada LE 4x4 back in 2005. I was very first owner of this SUV.... I think the price wasnt the best. I paid $54k+ tax and all so it went up to $58k. This truck has been to mexico and back 7 times! And has never gave me a problem on the way. I drive two days straight no stopping only for gas&food.. When I drive past Arizona it is about (105-120°F) and it has never over heated on me. Now I see many people on the comments giving this SUV 1 star because the breaks got worn out? Of course they will go out eventually. I love this truck. I own a 2008 ford f250 6.4 lariat 4door 4x4 I have had it for a year and a half and so far wasted $+10,000 in repairs including transmission it has been in the shop 7 times so far...... And my armada has always been there for me! My son also drives the armada and like every teenager he drives it like shi*! Full throttle. Burnouts and stuff and yet the truck is still up ! Reason why the truck is still up is because I actually spend time on it. Spark plugs , filters. Oil and the rest. Some people never change that stuff and expect it to go for years! I give this truck a 5/5.

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  My second armada - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By duckman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second armada i also owned a 2005 se i love the power and reliability we use ours to tow a travel trailer extensively the self leveling rear end never gave us a problem and the power this unit has a fully loaded 29 trailer fells like your not pulling any thing ive owned fordm Chevy and dodge you can keep em these are in my opinion the most comfortable, powerful,and reliable suv/truck 4x4 on the market.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Peppershaker - November 2 - 11:23 pm

  We bought this last week and we traded in a 1997 Nissan Quest with 135000 miles and never had it in the shop so we bought another Nissan product. This truck is the bomb and it gets 16.5 with a K&N air filter around town and 19.5 on the hwy, so if your looking for a great big SUV this is the Truck. Our old van only got 16 in city and 21 on the hwy so theres not much difference in the fuel economy, and the power is awesome with the 5.6 liter V-8 engine.

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bsyokoyama - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. I purchaed the LE which has many many standard features. The automatic liftgate and rear back up sensor are great additions. Very confortable, very well built except for the sunroof controls (very cheap looking). I was about to purchase a GMC SUV, but 3 of my neighbors who own one talked me out of it and I am glad I took their advice.

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  all the space youll ever want - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By el_santo - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car except for the a/c unit. Took it on a trip and on the way back it started doing funny things(the vents seem to have disconected and a very little if any iar was coming trough the vents, temperature of air went up as well). Took it to dealer and since the problem went way on its own they could not do a thing about it.

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  SAVE YOUR MONEY! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SLAVA - October 25 - 9:13 am

  Where should I start? 2K miles first set of brakes. All windows squeak. Ive been to the dealership 3 times, still cant fix it. Parts are on backorder for 2 months, now. 3500 miles, I lost the brakes COMPLETELY!!! After I was laughed at in the dealership, they found out that the power brakes booster went. Part went from being on "local" back order to "national" backorder. Car has been in the dealership for a week and nobody can say when am I getting it back. I paid $40K to drive a rental car. The only excuse everybody is giving me is that "its the first year" So what????

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  My Favorite SUV to date. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Gaptozak - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Toyota Sequoia for the 2004 Nissan Armada. Reason, the design was excellent, has tons of power has all the features I wanted for an SUV for a whole lot less (cheapest in its class). I love the heck out of this truck.However the build quality is not up to par with the Sequoia neither is the ride quality. But the loaded Armada LE cost a whooping $8,000 less than the loaded Sequoia. I guess you cannot always have it all. I am happy with my buy and so far I have had no issues with it and I look forward to paying off the truck, keep for my 5yr old for his prom night when he graduates high school.

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  2007 Armada - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By J.W. Frazier - October 14 - 12:46 am

  This is the second Armada I have purchased since 2005. My overall experience has been very rewarding. The vehicle displays very satisfying levels of control and power. Acceleration is awesome for a vehicle of this size. Fit and finish is first rate. Interior noise level is acceptable. Very good sound system. Brake issues appear to have been resolved.