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 2009 - 2009 Nissan Armada
By Nelson - December 9 - 11:23 amSUV is solid and strong. The large V8 has plenty of power and can keep family safe with its safety features and large size. Downside to the large powerful V8 is that it is a gas guzzler. If gas stays reasonably cheap then it shouldnt be an issue. Great car, love it.
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Mean SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
By 03acerider - December 6 - 1:00 amWe have had our Armada since Jan, 2004 and have put over 16,000 miles on it! We test drove it and the Sequoia and felt the Aramda was better. It has to be the "badest" SUV out there. We took it on a 5,000 mile trip to San Francisco this past summer and the Armada was outstanding! Had to get the left rear window motor replaced. Several squeaks and rattle here and there. I am blaming that on first year gremlins! Hopefully Nissan will fix that in future models. The gas mileage is terrible, but thats what you get with that awesome engine! I am thinking of installing a Borla exhaust system and see what that will really sound like!
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Poor build quality - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Ron - December 4 - 5:23 amIm not sure at what factory my Armada was assembled, but there were simply too many parts that were either not installed at all, or installed broken. Also, the under dash squeaks and window rattles are driving me nuts. I did get the brakes fixed, but the parts that needed fixing were the redesigned parts, so Im not confident theyre truly fixed. I love the power, but given the choice, would not buy this vehicle again.
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Great Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
By MARK W - November 8 - 9:06 pmVery little to complain about. I have switched over from a series of Dodge Ram trucks and will never go back. This SUV is superior to any other large truck or SUV I have ever driven. The only complaints would be that the power seat controls tend to accidentally adjust while getting in and out of the vehicle and laying the seats flat for storage is not a completely simple task. Besides that, it is fun, big, smooth and more powerful than even necessary. Highly reccomend this truck.
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What a vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Ross - November 6 - 3:00 amThis truck is smooth, powerful and can tow your house. What a value compared to the rest of the class. Nissan quality shines through. I highly recommend this vehicle.
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Nissan Driver - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Tulsan - August 19 - 8:03 amI love Nissans. Maxima was my first NEW car. Loved it! Fell in love with the style of the Armada when it first came out. My biggest fear was that it was manufactured in Canton, MS. I wasnt sure it was going to be dependable. But this SUV is great for large families. I have 3 kids and all 3 car seats fit in the 2nd row with room left over. Nobody smashes fingers trying to get their seat belts hooked.
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Just Another Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By BH - August 12 - 4:23 amI have about 2700 miles on my Armada. The gas mileage (about 11.5 in town; about 14 on the hwy.) and the squeakes, especially from the drivers window, has made this vehicle a bad experience. I took it to my dealer for the window and was told they couldnt fix it and hoped that Nissan would come out with a bulletin on how to fix it. However, I do enjoy the room and comfort of the vehicle.
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Caught off Guard - 2005 Nissan Armada
By dogteam - August 2 - 4:26 pmI was caught off guard that this truck has worked so well. I read a lot of bad reviews and was cautious about this truck. I get compliments on its looks all the time and I can haul my kids and all their stuff with no problem. The power is great and it is geared nice, this big dude can really get on the freeway in a hurry. The backup camera is great and my sons love the DVD. I even watch it while when I have to wait in the truck. The dealership has been good to me also. I ran into the brake shaking problem and they solved it in a few hours at no cost. Other than that, the truck is tough and has run great.
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Smooth Ride with Powa! - 2010 Nissan Armada
By XWARRIOR - July 28 - 10:00 amI always have prefer SUVs over coupes and sedans. The 2010 Nissan Armada Titanium has the space to fit my short, stocky stature and has the power to move through the NYC highways in a breeze. I recently went from NYC to Woodbury (50- 55 miles each way) and average 22-25 miles to the gallon round trip. In the city, it is a bit abysmal but all SUVs suck gas however having a 28 gallon gas tank does save a couple of trips to the station. It also has better top speed (140 mph) then most of its rivals in the class. It absorbs city potholes very well. The seats are firm in which, it is a godsend when stuck in heavy traffic. "Once you drive a truck, you can never go back".
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Worth the Initial Investment - 2004 Nissan Armada
By CO Defender - June 9 - 2:00 amIve had The Tank for almost 6 years now, and the first 95K were absolutely trouble free. Since then, Ive replaced the radiator core, A/C condenser, and most recently the right side exhaust manifold, not cheap, but considering the 108K of extremely hard driving, and $4K price tag for repairs, its been well worth it. Im on my 3rd set of tires (last two Bridgestone)...fuel economy is still brutal, but considering 6 years and over 100K, Id buy another if Nissan would continue to build them.
