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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  I like it - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By squish - November 16 - 2:00 am

  It has many conveniences like the auto rear open door, programable seats, sun roof, DVD, and backing sensors. I love how it drives and feel very comfortable in it. The seat configuration is perfect for our family with all three having their own space. The second row side seats tumble forward easily allowing the passenger in the theater seating in the third row easy access. I have ridden there very comfortably myself. Yes, the gas mileage is dismal but Im not sure for the size of vehicle I felt I needed I could do much better. The towing capacity is awesome. We pull a camper so towing was a priority as well as all the rest.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jenarends - November 8 - 9:30 pm

  My family and I are so glad we switch from our Suburban and Blazer to the Armada. We love it.

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  2017 Platinum Armada - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Geoff Ellison - November 7 - 9:29 pm

  Its expensive.

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  As Good As it Gets - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By C3plus1 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Great looking SUV!! Love the interior design and awesome handling for a big SUV. Hard to outgrow this one. Test drove just about every other big SUV out there and the Armada simply excelled in all aspects. The V8 has enough horsepower to accomodate any task you have in mind.

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  Best SUV in its class by far - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By best suv yet - October 29 - 4:26 pm

  The Armada has all you need for an SUV, when I purchased the truck I had to put it to the test, so me and 4 of my buddys took a road trip to south beach miami. Needless to say 4 fully grown men fell asleep 20 min into the trip. They all said that that this truck was smooth, and roomy, and the bose sound system was really nice. They gave the truck tens all around. The only thing is this truck does eat gas so know that when you purchase this vehicle, but all SUVs are gas guzzlers.

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  Armada= Lemon. Watch Out!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rob r - October 21 - 5:13 am

  My armada is a beautiful car. the reliability of it is the worst. brake problems, and electrical problems that would never end. dealership would not stand behind it. not impressed with nissan now. I have a 2000 pathfinder.. that remains flawless.... what happened nissan??? try again. fix the mechanics and you will have a great car.. until then you lost my business. ps.. train your dealerships... Douglas of Henderson is a HORRIBLE place to buy a car... yo yo finance, lies, typical "used car" sales in a new car dealership. the worst car buying experience ever. From someone who loves nissan, a huge let down

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  Love this suv - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By rebecca - October 18 - 9:53 am

  Love this suv. Love the rear camera which has saved me. We have had no problems. I like that the lift gate in the back can open automatically which helps a lot with new baby and groceries. Love the fact that the 3rd row seats fold down flat. There is so much room. Love the gear shift in the middle instead of on the steering wheel. Feel the my family is very safe with the curtain side airbags. Love the stereo/6dsic cd changer. It drives well and has great pick up. Its a bit of a bumpy ride on these pot holed roads we have, but I didnt buy a luxury car! I wish big SUVs got better gas mileage but it is the price I have to pay for more room inside!

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  Flagship of the fleet - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Timmer - October 15 - 3:03 pm

  Full size, luxury SUV with all the trimmings. Towing is a breeze with the 5.6 L powerhouse. Interior amenities cradle the passengers in traveling bliss. The Bose sound system is remarkable and the integration of electronics components is well thought out and leaves you saying,"Cool, Now why didnt someone think of that sooner?" Versatility of the interior space is excellent, storage pockets and cup holders for all occupants. Overall an outstanding vehicle, superb quality and craftsmanship. High marks for the design team. Makes driving a big, chunky vehicle fun, not too long to park and excellent turning radius. Looking forward to many happy years of driving this vehicle.

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  Luvin da Mada - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Luvin the Mada - October 14 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just bought this awesome car and are totally in love! Im used to driving bigger vehicles but my wife is not and she whips around in this with ease. Still not bad fuel economy for the size and we can easily fit our 2 100 lb dogs, son, and other "stuff" in it with ease. We test drove all other similar class SUVs and NONE compare! Its hard to walk away from the Fords when both my grandfathers worked for Ford in Dearborn, 1 worked with the first Henry Ford (I still have his test track pass for posterity). The infinity version does not justify the $7k add in our opinion. I would back this car 1,000%!

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  Ride On - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Javier Solis - October 6 - 7:16 pm

  Spacious and great technology package.