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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G R E A T Vehicle - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Marion - January 12 - 7:26 pmNissan has hit a home run with the Armada - Competes with Escalade only less expensive and seems to hold up better. Absolute luxury and comfort!
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Love it but hate the brakes! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By jmg0123 - January 5 - 1:10 amI love my Armada but I have to have my brakes and rotors replaced every 3000 miles. Im now waiting for yet another repair kit to come out. My dvd console broke off the ceiling and after 2 repairs to stop it from rattling, the rattle is worse!
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Armada - 2009 Nissan Armada
By k9mark - November 21 - 12:17 pmI have owned two Armadas which I loved until the problems arrived. On both Armadas the metal lines for air conditioning for the rear area rusted through. Because it was caused by rust it was not covered by Nissan. Also on both Armadas the rear hatch window leaked. It took three weeks to figure out where it was leaking. The plastic molding for the interior was easy to scratch. On my 2009 with 40,000 miles the power steering hose split. The driver seat had a lot of flex while driving. The front disc brake rotors warped at 30,000 miles.
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198k and still rolling - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Hootna - August 14 - 4:12 amI have owned my Armada since I bought it with 75k miles on it about 9 years ago. I guess overall it has been a good car but if you are the type that takes your car in for every minor issue it will bleed you dry. My automatic opening rear died long ago.. The brakes suck there is a known issue that the brake system fails and makes a grinding like your wheel is about to fall off but resets once you shut off and restart but u never know when it may happen.. AC fan interior controller went out but I replaced it myself.. AC fan by the radiator went south long ago so if car is not moving AC is not super cold in summer months.. Clicking noise sounds like machine gun from some broken vent actuator happens every so often and finally the crappy check engine light because of the exhaust manifold cracking issue that I am not paying $3500 to fix.. Oh forgot the oil pressure gauge is pegged on high but its a sensor issue so whatever.. I live with this stuff now for the repairs I had to do... Fuel pump took a dump towed go dealership that told me it was not only the pump but some fuse box this cost me $2500.. Screw u Nissan... Also $250 because the piece that the oil filter attachs to that is between it and the engine got screwed up guess if they over tighten when installing oil filter it can happen but think its a bad design.. But hey overall I love my Armada but as you can see I dont care about check engine lights..squeeks..rattles..etc. so my overall cost for repairs hasnt been crazy. In fact I have yet to change the tranny fluid and probably wont for fear replacing it at this point may cause the beast to fail. We will see how long she runs at this point if anything fails I will just buy another vehicle but I will miss her she has been a great ride.
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Poor suspension - 2010 Nissan Armada
By armada platinum - August 8 - 2:00 amI love everything except the navigation, suspension and the dark dashboard during daylight driving. Suspension you feel everything steering wheel vibrates when going through bumps or pot holes. Navigation does not work while driving. Set-up that is you must stop, put in park and hand brakes in order to operate. Imagine driving with family kids want to watch another movie cant do it. Setup address cant do it. Nothing. Who ever design this was a total idiot. Imagine stopping on the interstate, side road with kids, some one hits you from behind. Is that not a safety issue. Who is really going to wait for rest stop or an exit specially 15 or 30 miles down the road lets be realistic. For the money it cos
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Better brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
By big and bad - July 19 - 4:43 pmThis is a nice machine;however, the brakes seem to be flawed...The veh shakes and shimmers when slowing down...Memory seat would be nice
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still in love - 2005 Nissan Armada
By jj - July 13 - 4:13 pmWe are still in love with this vehicle as if we just took it home. It is powerful,comfortable, and easy to load and unload and great head turning appeal. Love my rear sensors for parking/backing up as it is difficult to fully judge backing distance or objects low to the ground[especially if a child/animal walks behind you suddenly] Seems to accumulate a great deal of break dust so difficult to keep as clean as wed like. great bang for the buck in our view!
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Love It - 2004 Nissan Armada
By goarmada - June 12 - 10:00 amWe have had some minor problems such as ripped trim and unbalanced tires. but on the whole we love it. would not recommend as a daily driver or commuter as it guzzles gas. so much is standard that all we added to the base se was 4X4, bose, and dvd player. would have liked to have a sunroof at that trim level.
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Flapping wind Noise on Rough surface Roa - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Rfirstnissansuv - May 11 - 2:00 amI have a question for all new Armada owners. I just bought a brand new Armada and loving it except for one thing, "The Flapping Wind Noise when driving on Rough surface Road". At first I thought it was just the one Ive got but then I took it back to the dealer and trade it for another same model. Its still the same. I would like to know when you drive on a rough surface road turn off the radio and see if you hear the noise Im talking about especially if you drive between 60- 70mph. Thank you for your time.
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Pretty happy with the "Beast" - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Canadian Import - April 25 - 4:40 pmWe purchased ours used with 30k miles. It had a brake issue within the first two months, but this was corrected by Nissan under warranty. Other than that we have had no complaints. This is the ultimate family vehicle! We had a Yukon before, there is no comparing the two. The Armada takes it to a whole new level. If you have kids and need to haul them and their gear and like to do it in comfort and style, this is your truck. Fuel mileage is not great, but when you think about the added safety and cargo room, it is a fair trade off.If you have to commute 30-40 miles a day, then perhaps the Armada is not for you, but for hauling groceries and taking kids to soccer Mom can do no better!
