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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  nice suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By martinez - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I took this vihicle to mexico to the toghest roads and mountains and the experience I had was incredible. this suv has evrything you need its 305 horses and the powerful torque is all you need for wherever adventure you may have.

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  "OH WHAT A FEELING" - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Whatsup - September 27 - 2:00 am

  NICE NEW STYLE FOR SPORT "U" GREAT POWER AND IN A WORLD WERE NOBODY SEES YOU THEY WILL SEE YOU WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS MONSTER GET JOB NISSAN THIS IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SPORT "U" R

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  Dont purchase - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Chris D - September 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought my Armada 12/18/06 with only 13,000 miles and what a mistake.The DVD vibrates terribly (Nissan Said nothing wrong). The truck has more rattles than I can narrow down. I brought it back to Nissan they fixed some of them but its still rattling. This morning I was unable to close my drivers side door and had to drive it to the dealer holding the inside handle. I will be trading it in or selling it shortly though I love the room and the horse power but Nissan does not build a quality product. This might be because its the first year but I traded my 03 Acura MDX for the Armada with 50,000 miles and it never let me down. At this point I will never buy a Nissan Product again. Sorry.

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  Impressed by quality - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By JOMAMA - September 24 - 6:23 am

  The vehicle was impressive upon purchasing however i experienced brake problems after 7500 miles. The local dealer (nissan east in monroeville pa) corrected the problem and no further isuues were experienced

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  Girly suv to manly suv - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By LEIZ - September 19 - 8:40 am

  Husband was too tall for the Lexus RX300, so we traded it for the Armada. Took some time to get use to, but I am finally loving this BEAST. Its a big SUV that deserves a bow. It handles well and has a lot of power when I need it. Nav needs help, did send me to the wrong location. It carries all of my shopping with no problems, along w/ husband, toddler and dog in tow. I get compliments on this SUV everywhere I go. I feel safe, but I pay for the safety and the looks at the pump.. This beast is always hungry for more gas, what SUV isnt? Overall, I am very happy with our purchase. You get alot for what you pay on this SUV.

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  The New Armada is a Beast!! In a Good Way!!! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Tolson - September 9 - 8:20 am

  Tows my 7,000 boat and gear w no problems. Solid and smooth. The self leveling rear end works great. The safety nannies are awesome. The AC is awesome in the 110 plus degree heat in Phoenix. I shopped the GMC Yukon Denali against this new Armada. Its a much better value than the Denali. After test driving 3 new Denalis and finding vibration in all 3 I switched to looking at this new Armada.. The main reasons I purchased the Armada are 1) better value for the money 2) No vibrations, smooth, powerful and really tight - no rattles/noises 3) Nice looking and different than the typical GM or Ford form factors 4) 9+ inches ground clearance 5) All the safety technology 6) like the rear heater/AC venting in the back better....

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  Stay away - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fish4life - September 6 - 9:56 pm

  Multiple problems - Brakes problem replaced and then returned - Nissan would not replace again. Transmission Leaks, Oil Cooler leaks, Window switches and motors. Oil pressure is all over the place but Nissan and dealer say it is normal. Of course out of warranty and no help from dealer or Nissan. Now the tire pressure sensors are bad. No more Nissans for me, ever.

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  One awsome ride - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Tracy S. - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had numerous amounts of comment regarding this new purchase. I cant began to tell you the number of looks we get when were in the truck. I know this was a great purchase for our family.

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  Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By CarolinaBoi - August 15 - 2:00 am

  ILOVE this car.Its a large SUV and it handles likes it is small. It sticks to the road and it snaps your neck at the start. Nissan needs to do a better job with color choices and option packages. You cant find a car with everything you want in it, Nor can you buy the option for later installation! The controls on the steering wheel can not be seen in the dark...you better memorize them! It is strange that in the LE version you cant get dual auto climate control. Other then those small irratants, This is ONE FINE CAR that you wont reget buying. The engine growls better then any American V-8. Tri-Cities Nissan in Johnson City TN is the place to buy one.

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  Great Truck with a few problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fisheye - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This a very roomy truck. Great for hauling the kids around. I have not towed with it yet. Fuel mileage is very bad though. As you can see below the A/C is under powered for this truck. The ride is stiff but that is why I chose this truck over the Toyota Sequoia. I have about 5500 miles now and have discovered a few issues. Read on..