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 muscle machine - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By The Impressed - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Approaching 1000 miles and I am a very content owner. Great prowess. A 5.6L that delivers if you want that burst of speed. The price is a thirsty engine of course. I have taken it till 80mph with a surprising ease at just under 2000 revs. The exterior has a catchy bold look. The interior has space to accomodate any body stretch and is versatile enough to provide ample cargo room if needed. The one complaint I have about the interior, both seats and pannel, is that it is a tad tacky for the price. Other than that, this machine rocks! I would not go back to Mossy Nissan Houston TX though. Throughout, it was unclear who was supposed to be my dealer and each di

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  Made in America and it shows - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By DL - March 18 - 1:36 pm

  This car has more rattles than Baby Superstore!! Ive had mine in the shop for various noises 6 times in 6 months and Im trying to work in the 7th. Its the worst built car Ive owned in the last 5 years (including a Mercury Sable). Im actually thinking of taking the hit and trading it in for a Honda. Ive owned a Maxima and G35Coupe and both were excellent. The quality of this one is disappointing. The gas mileage is on the low end of the EPA estimates so be prepared to shell out the cash. It is fun to drive, has plenty of storage and comfortable seats 8.

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  the most room - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Larry - March 8 - 3:31 am

  A comparison of full size luxury SUVs shows the 2017 Nissan Armada to be the best, especially for comfort and affordability. It has significant luggage room and great space both in the front and back seat which places this SUV at the top of the Luxury list. It is roomier in the front than any of the others save the Infinity which is its more expensive twin. The only issues are the acceleration/the way it is geared which causes it to wine a little too much on acceleration and the headlight adjustment which finds the dim lights pointed a little low for my tastes. On the whole, this car, (which use regular gas) is a delight to own and drive!

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  new nissan pathfinder armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By steve kelly - February 25 - 2:00 am

  it is a very large vehicle but handles like a small vehicle. it seems like this vehicle was well thought out from safety features to the spacesiness inside i looked at alot of suvs and did my homework of what was important to me and the armada won hands down. we are very happy we purchased the armada.

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  I would never buy another nissan - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By js - February 21 - 6:40 am

  Problem, after problem. Nissan isnt as cooperative as they should be, considering they know many of the problems associated with this truck. They pretend theyre hearing these problems for the first time. Ive had this truck at the dealership more than any vehicle Ive ever owned. I am never 100% satisified with their repair work. Ive had problems with the brakes & rotors, 4 -wheel drive, roof console,(it fell)and now still rattles after it was repaired. I had to replace the tires after only 25,000 miles(my last truck I got 65,000 Miles out of the tires) The sunroof also rattles. The dealership said rattles are only covered for the 1st 12,000 miles(read your owners manual)Poor quality.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Joe - February 21 - 12:53 am

  We had an expedition prior to owning this Armada. We actually went to the Toyota dealer to buy a Sequoyah and they had this used vehicle on the lot. My wife and I test drove this vehicle for about 20 minutes we only test drove the Sequoyah for two blocks. So much fun, so much space. 43" of leg room in the second row whole family loves this vehicle.

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  Glad I chose the Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By David - February 18 - 9:13 am

  Needed to tow horses. Looked at the Suburban, Expedition, etc. The Armada had more standard safety features and more convienence features than the others. Second row legroom beats any other SUV (by far), and the nav/voice system is best on the market. However two areas could be improved: 1) the suspensions "shudders" when driving over broken pavement. 2) the seats arent very supportive - although the truck has little body roll, the unsupportive seats magnify this effect. Im fortunate enough to have owned LX 470s, RRs and G500s and I still find myself driving the Armada most of the time. If you prefer a "richer" environment, consider the QX56.

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  Great BIG SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mich42 - February 13 - 12:53 pm

  We really like this Armada LE 4WD so far the only problem was the rear hatch sensor would only allow the door to close about 50 % of the time. It took three visits and a free rental car before they discovered the problem. We really enjoy the Bose 265 watt 10 speaker sound system. This SUV rides very nice and quiet I might add. Yes it uses a lot more gas than my Mercury Grand Margue did. We dont have the Nav package but that is fine. Lots of people stop and gaze at it. The 4 captains chairs and two consoles are nice along with the rear A/C controls. The roof mounted air bags are a good feature. The electronic stability (VDS) is a great feature also.

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  NEW ARMADA IS THE DEAL OF THE DAY! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By CAR-GUY - January 31 - 10:41 pm

  We were looking for a BIG SUV for awhile. Looked at both new and used GMC Denali, Escalade, VW Touareg, AUDI Q5 and QX80. Some of the prices are just outrageous. Saw this Executive Driven (had 4,000 miles on it) Armada Platinum and was totally impressed in the fit and finish as well as the ride. The interior is really high-end. Exterior color - Copper Red - VERY rich metallic. You do not think you are sitting in a NISSAN and my wife compared it to the quality of an Audi, Escalade, and Denali. No difference than the QX-80 except in price AND gas requirement (same engine - 390HP (regular) for the Armada, 410HP (Premium) for the QX-80). Traded in a 2008 Mazda CX-7 that needed Premium gas (averaged about19MPG vs, the ARMADA at 16.2MPH w/ regular). When you compare SUVs needing Premium instead of Regular, the ARMADA is actually cheaper to run than the smaller CX-7 was. Same goes for ANY SUVs you compare it with. For only 20HP more, the QX-80 needs to burn premium. You will NOT notice a 20HP difference. SO, it is not worth the added $28,000 sticker price (or 60-80 cent price difference in gas grades). List sticker on the Platinum was a little over $63,000. Same loaded QX-80 $91,000+. Denalis and Escalades cost even more money and I do not see paying the premium for them. As the title says, it is The Deal of the Day. Rides well and I am impressed with the pick-up and interior quality on it (other car is a Bentley Flying Spur). If you need the extra towing capacity (8500 pounds), everything is standard - so bigger brakepads, heavier suspension, etc. come with it. If you dont tow, you still get the added heavy-duty parts.(no optional Tow package - everything is standard and that should add to resale value later when you sell). ALSO - got the extended warranty from NISSAN to go to 10 year, 120,000 miles. If you are going to keep the SUV for awhile, this is a great investment. It covers everything - except the usual wear-and-tear items - tires, etc. (it is transferable - again, think added resale value). To me, great package - and we usually keep our cars a long time. Had several Nissans before this (2 300ZXs, Axxess, and Maxima) This truck is based on the NISSAN Patrol which is sold internationally and used by the UN Peacekeeping Forces. (solid). Although built in Japan, the V8 engine is built in Tennessee (American-made), so you ARE buying best of both worlds. If you are looking to buy the most you can for your money - this is it! Unless you need to say you are driving an Infiniti QX-80 to impress your friends AND pay a lot more at the gas pump.

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  2009 LE fully loaded - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Gabriel - January 24 - 7:16 am

  We love our new truck, after looking at other SUVs we liked all the options,looks and comfort that the Armada offered, The LE technology package with keyless entry, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel,Nav., DVD player is NICE!!! The cargo area is a nice size with the third row seats folding down flat, plus you can actually have adults seating comfortably on the third row seats compared to some SUVs that only kids can seat, Overall highly satisfied with the Armada, lets hope the fuel price stays low.