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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  The Armada is great - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Jim - June 8 - 3:06 pm

  Its everything I need in a big SUV. I have a boat that I trailer to different lakes and need dependable power. I like the big, brawny ride and I like sitting high in traffic. The ride is very good. I enjoy running around in the Armada.

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  MY FIRST SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ange - June 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST SUV, MY HUSBAND PURCHASED IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE ARMADA. WE TOOK IT ON A ROAD TRIP WITH 6 ADULTS AND 1 CHILD ONLY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. IT HANDLED WELL ON THE ROAD AND WE GOT 100 MILES TO A QUARTER TANK OF GAS. THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.

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  Great Family SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Dallas - May 17 - 6:03 pm

  We purchased our Armada for traveling long distances and off-road. It’s been one of the best and most comfortable vehicles I have ever owned. We travel from ATL to Denver about 3 times a year and from ATL to Houston TX about 2 times a year and I have had no problems, except for the radio went out at 18K miles. No problems to speak of since. Off-road this is a larger and it has never been stuck. I am one that wants to use the 4X4 aspect of this vehicle so do not think it has not been put to the test. The only thing I would change is the fact the paint gets scratched when rubbing against trees. All in all I think this vehicle suits our family needs to a tee.

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  So Far, So Good... - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By D. Jarrett - May 15 - 3:06 pm

  Its only been two months for us, but aside from the dismal gas mileage, this vehicle has been all we hoped it would be. There is an annoying click, or, slight hitch in the driver and passenger power windows as they go down. Not sure if that is common to other Armadas. A bi-fold thrid row seat would be prefferable to the current all-up or all-down. It would just give you more seating and cargo options. If I had to guess, Id bet that Nissan corrects this for future models. But its eye-catching good looks and thoughful features like a power liftgate, rear sonar, mud lights, and fold-flat 2nd & 3rd row seats have made it very nice. Oh, did I mention the power? Wow...

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  Great SUV but awful seats - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By gscottyc - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck. Super to take small children to the grandparents. Seats need to be redesigned. Very uncomfortable on long trips. So far so good on the rest.

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  Best of Full-Sized - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Na - April 6 - 10:56 pm

  Id like to begin by saying that I am in the process of trading my Armada in for another vehicle because all of the problems I am having. This might contradict my ratings, but thats because the issues I am having are all due to bad construction rather than bad design. The Armada beats every other SUV I test drove in every aspect save interior quality. Such cheap and soft plastic!! Terrible gas mileage, but to be expected from something that dynos at the rear wheels around 340HP. Nothing like darting past little sports cars around town in something 4x their size.

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  Objective Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By TheRealDeal - March 27 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned a 2004 Armada since May, 2004. I drive about 12k miles a year and overall not a bad vehicle. Yes, it does have some electrical problems, but Nissan has never given me a warranty problem. The rotor problem was fixed free of charge. Any vehicle that weighs 3 tons will use fuel, brakes, and tires. The ride is good, internal components are better than other SUVs. For the money, a strong engine, transmission, and room.

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  Larger than life SUV - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Santiago - March 26 - 9:16 pm

  After having considered and checked pretty much every single SUV available in the market, we decided to buy our Armada for its size, amazing interior and comfort(compared to other SUV models. Its worth noting that we were very hard to please considering were coming from a BMW 645Ci), larger that life engine, large cargo area (can house a bike inside the cargo), and many, many nice features like power tail gate, keyless entry, foldable electrical rear seats, rearview camera, Bose sound system, DVD, bluetooth, etc. Ok, she gives poor mileage but instead, shell give you a lot of fun with its massive engine and towing capabilities and well, personally, we love her looks. Great purchase!

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  Good Decision - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By D.E. - March 3 - 8:49 am

  Leased at year end 2012. Best value full size SUV - GMs seemed over priced, Fords seemed out of date, German 3 row SUVs just not practical. 40,000 miles into this one and no complaints really. Overall MPG is about 15 but gas is cheap for now. Steering is heavy. Some low end plastic in interior. Bottom line is that it has plenty of space for passengers, dogs, gear etc. More so than with GMs (Tahoe etc). Its almost at the Suburban level in this sense. No mechanical problems to speak of. Second row bench seat with flip and fold is very good - better choice than buckets in my experience. More than enough power. Be aware that factory roof cross bars are under engineered and that the roof rack side rails are tricky to mate up with Yakima/Thule systems but it can be done.

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  I would love to love this truck... - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By desant89 - February 24 - 12:46 am

  I am stunned reading these reviews. I have had more small problems than ever. Windows rattle, sunroof rattles, cheap plastic interior creaks all of the time, ride is a little rough, poor fuel economy. I have been to the dealership as much as an employee. A friend has one, and notices the same annoyances. Funny, when I get in it, I still love to drive it! Trips to the dealer are killing me though. Too many annoyances for something in this price range. Nissan has to do better than the plastic interior in this vehicle. If noise does not bother you, this is an excellent vehicle. What is with the cable driven windows?