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 Truck!!!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By tremblayt - September 8 - 4:50 pmThe 2005 Nissan Armada has enough power and feel to transport my family. I love the onboard navigation system and rear view camera. It has a smooth ride. My kids love the DVD system. I stepped up from a Pathfinder.
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2011 Armada SL - 2011 Nissan Armada
By matthans - September 5 - 8:48 pmI did a lot of research before buying this vehicle. Bang for your buck you cant find a better large SUV. I went from a Nissan Pathfinder to this Armada because we wanted more room. My wife loves driving it because it sits up high and feels very safe with the kids. Our insurance went down $15/mo because of the size too. Gas mileage isnt good (12-13) no matter how I drive it. Its just a tank, but manuevers very easy. With two young kids and a large dog this truck was everything we wanted and more.
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family man - 2005 Nissan Armada
By doc - August 26 - 5:56 pmTons of room, power, and excellent handling. I have 4 kids and have zero problems with loading and unloading. In addition, rode for 5 hours in a snowstorm without complaints from the kids, the wife, or problems with handling.
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awesome ride - 2005 Nissan Armada
By puttzz - August 10 - 3:40 amthis vehicle is a great family suv,it has lots of room for the kids an my tall husband.its very comfortable to drive.it has great get up an go. the armada is a great looking vehicle inside an out. its one of the most comfortable vehicles i have ever owned.
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Armada Mania - 2004 Nissan Armada
By magonda - August 8 - 2:00 amBig but drives as if you are driving a small SUV. Very manuvarable, lots of power and Zip and I do mean Zip. Nissan used a very common sense aproach when desinging the interior accessories. I love it. Best vehical I have ever owned.
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the one to watch - 2005 Nissan Armada
By chris s - July 26 - 5:03 pmexcellent! handles great rides smooth lots of room and most important that vdc makes it all worth it not too high off the ground which makes it even more diffecult to flip .we all just love it.
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Anything goes with me and my Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By captainvideo - July 22 - 10:00 amI traded in a 02 sequoia for my 04 armada. The armada drives like a sports car compared to the sequoia. It has a great deal of power and handling to match. Combine that with all the interior room one could ask for and great comfort and you, me in this case have a suv that screams road trip. The stereo could be better, but with the "aux" 1/8" stereo jack input and my ipod it is more than acceptable until it gets an upgrade. Thumbs up from this owner after 3 weeks of ownership, knowing that a suv of this size and power is just not going to get that great gas milage is just the price you have to pay to own it.
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armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By cgolden - July 22 - 10:00 amI love this vehicle!! I look forward to driving it every single day! I highly recommend it if you want a roomy SUV.
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It makes car owner experience great again - 2017 Nissan Armada
By LH in Pensacola - July 17 - 7:35 amI bought this SUV in Oct 2016, and its too new to give an accurate review. So far, its a great full size SUV. My wife loves it (technically, its hers). I took it back to the dealer a few days later for the wheel alignment because the steering wheel was off center. The dealer didnt have the wheel specs on 2017 model, but the Technician was able to use the 2016 Infinity QX80 specs to align the wheels. It has plenty of power and drinks lots of gas, but it has very nice safety features for the platinum package. I live in Pensacola, FL, but I bought the SUV in Mobile AL. We wanted to buy it locally, but the Nissan Dealership in Pensacola swapped the 2nd row captain seats to the bench seat after we agreed on the price. Good thing, I asked to see the SUV before I was going to sign the final paperwork. I went Mobile and got everything I wanted in the vehicle w/ the captain seats for $1300 less.
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First Nissan - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Rick - July 15 - 2:16 amMy wife and I were looking to trade in our Chevy Venture for a full size SUV. My first thought was ok now I get my Tahoe, NOT, after I drove the Armada there was no way I was getting a Tahoe. This thing is great, extreme comfort, powerful, and ROOM to spare. I love it.
