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-my first big unit. - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Raul - January 10 - 9:53 am

  After driving my Odyssey for many years....I bought my first SUV, and so far has been I am very satisfied with it. I research through everyones comments on the car, and selected LE fully loaded, NAV, DVD the works. So far, all systems are working as it was designed. Pro-excellent exterior and interior design. My kids loves the DVD, while I can listen to my music. NAV - love it with all of its functionality. Cons- MPG, but its expected for a big SUV.

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  Love the Armada! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By nctravellinman - January 9 - 9:40 pm

  I travel a lot in my job, and wanted a safe vehicle. The ride is amazingly quiet and smooth. The power liftgate is just too cool. Bluetooth works better than any of my previous models, including Motorola factory bluetooth. Voice recognition can control heat / cool, radio, and phone. First adequately sized A/C Ive had on a vehicle in a long time. Backup camera and ultrasonic sensors really help parking, along with the power folding mirrors. Radio has great sensitivity and clarity (I like talk radio on AM), but Bose system severely lacks fidelity.

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  Very Happy! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By snsjets - January 4 - 1:30 am

  We liked the styling and features of the Armada when it first came out. Reliability was questionable at first but Nissan seems to have turned that around. After 1 year and 12,000 miles weve not had a single issue. We traded a 2001 Ford F350 Diesel for our 2010 Platinum (needed more seats) and couldnt be happier. This vehicle is very capable, roomy, comfortable, and is great for road trips as well as towing. I have a few nitpick complaints but overall my family and I are VERY HAPPY! Yes, the fuel economy is horrific but we knew that before we bought it and dont really care.

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  Awesome!!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jeff - December 10 - 11:00 am

  Short people might have some issues, but they are the minority. What an awesome machine! We took it up the CA Mountains the first day we owned it, and we were thrilled with its performance and comfort!

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  Best SUV for the money - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Max - December 1 - 10:23 pm

  You cannot buy a better truck for the money. Any competition is at least 15k more and really not worth it. Enormous power, fantastic room, great comfort, stereo, & luxury. I traded a Grand cherokee & gas mileage is about the same, except that now I have a 3rd row, over 100+ more horses, and much more room. Dont throw your money away on any other SUV. The hardest part of driving this beast is keeping it under the legal speed limit. Ive had it for almost a year and everyone that has an Armada that I bump into, loves it. You will too. The rear sonar parking system is nice, dual climate control, power liftgate and mirrors are a nice touch. Overall I am very happy with it.

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  No regrets - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By James Morrow - November 27 - 4:33 am

  I thought long and hard about buying my first truck/suv that what not a gm product. I have no regrets at all. We took a short spring break trip and had a blast in the new Armada. I am very impressed with this vehicle so far. It is very quiet and smooth, with a nice sound from the v8! And it is responsive!! My only regret is I wish I could have afforded the 4wd.

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  great SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By barry jobe - November 11 - 9:10 pm

  totally satisfied with power, comfort ,and performance. I just wish nissan built a 4 dr titan with an 8 ft bed. so, I could have a truck as good as my wifes SUV!

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  What a vechicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BillDesrosiers - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The new Armada is everything you are looking for in a large SUV, It is large, quick, stylish, and comes equipped with great options (rear sensors, bose system, nice console guage setup etc...

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  Just Plain Fun - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By melman - September 26 - 12:23 am

  I have driven many suvs out there and the Armada is the smoothest for its size. With all the features that come with this truck, why pay for a Toyota Sequoia with little to no options? The mileage for city driving would be the issue I would have a complaint with.

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  Nissan Armada SE Off Road - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By barry aguilar - September 14 - 2:00 am

  best suv out there, priced reasonably, drives beautiful, i am a very short woman and thought i would be intimidated by the size, but it drives awesome. The exterior is different from alot of other suvs out there, and we love the color.