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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 662.00-
Love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By 92TripleBlack - June 11 - 1:40 amOnly problem was fixed under warranty. Nissan redesigned brake rotors and replaced mine free. Very fast, reliable, all the bugs have been worked out. After owning it for 2 years, its still my favorite car to drive. I also own a vette convertible and G35. It is more quiet than the G35 and better for long road trips. I drove it to VT and drove in 6" of snow without problems. Great truck that I recommend to everyone. Get an 06 leftover if you can. The "improvements" for 07 arent worth the extra money.
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LOVE IT !! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Armada Lover - May 14 - 10:00 amIt is a very luxurious SUV with plenty of head and leg room. This car says style!
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Objective? I think so... - 2004 Nissan Armada
By wastintime - April 6 - 2:00 amWe have had our LE 4wd for several weeks now and have made several road trips in it along with daily town driving. Ours has the Tech package and DVD (aftermarket 9" screen w/ TV and wireless headphones). The ride is sweet for a vehicle this size, very comfortable. The engine is phenominal, love the power and the sound from the tail pipes. When I drive, its hard not to play with that power so fuel mileage is averaging around 14 mpg. Interior is nice, comfortable and clean. Some complain about the cheap looking interior materials but I think the LE with leather works well.
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4+2 Se Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By corgio - April 6 - 2:00 amI have own this Suv for approxiamately 1 month. The heat shield was rattling and deformed on the exhaust pipe. Nissan replaced the exhaust pipe with heat shield. It comes together as a unit. The dealership lost my original set of keys. They tried to make a new set of keys. The module was defective on the truck. So far in 4 weeks I ve had two defective parts replaced. It has a powerful engine. The ride itself is a little stiff compared to the GM trucks. ( Surburban, Denali). If I had to do it all over again I would have waited another year or so. Maybe by then some of these issues can be improved.
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Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Christopher Lalucis - April 1 - 10:00 amThe Armada is great in performance. The interior has plenty of room for everyone. Exterior styling is not to bold. Noise inside the cabin can be a little loud.
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My all Purpose Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Family Limo - March 21 - 10:00 amOk where do I start. I think Nissan did a great job with the design of this vehicle, just a poor job putting it together. Within the first month my Transmission started to slip, My tires keep loosing air pressure, my door handles get stuck, air keeps coming in from my windshield. Twelve months later my tires are all chopped up with 10k miles, air still comes from my windshield. I have had a Nissan since I was able to drive (20yrs) This has been by far not my best experience. Got another 24 months with this misery!
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LE Insights - 2004 Nissan Armada
By btill1 - February 23 - 2:00 amI love the truck, it drives very nicely for this size of vehicle. The power is amazing although you pay for it with gas mileage (I knew that before the purchase). I am a little disappointed with wind noise and rattle from the moonroof, hopefully this will be corrected on first service.
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Great SUV but beware after a few miles - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Kenadams381 - February 7 - 10:00 amFirst i would like to say i love this car! It is magnificent. It will do anything you ask of it. BUT. I have only put 5000 miles on it and I have already changed the brakes twice and the rotars once. If you are buying this car or currently have it, watch out for the PSI in the tires, i got mine with 50 PSI in them when they are only supposed to be at 35. I checked it out based on the complaints/reviews about the tire preasure from the reviews writen here! ANd the actual mileage on the gas is 8 MPG for city driving. Other then that, great!
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2005 Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By mbrochujr - December 21 - 8:10 amReliability is far below the GM trucks. I have 5,000 miles on mine and its going in the shop for the 7th time. The Armada was a nice concept but a poor finished product. I do not recomend it and mine, as I have now filed for Lemon Law protection. Look at the over 6 pages of service bullitons from Nissian.
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A Good Value - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Rigmaster - December 12 - 2:16 pmI looked at all the makes. Sequoia was just too pricey and the domestics have too many recall and other issues. Infinti version not worth the extra money - expensive cladding. The Armada rides well so far. Especially like the price-value for this size SUV. Nissan dealers arent very good though so be happy if you get a well- built vehicle that doesnt require their assistance. Anyone expecting great gas mileage in a 4x4 with this size and engine shouldnt have bought one in the first place. Compare this to others with similar features and this is a clear winner. Will do another update after some additional driving. Toyota should be worried that theres a new big SUV to take on the Sequoia.
