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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  Dont purchase - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Chris D - September 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought my Armada 12/18/06 with only 13,000 miles and what a mistake.The DVD vibrates terribly (Nissan Said nothing wrong). The truck has more rattles than I can narrow down. I brought it back to Nissan they fixed some of them but its still rattling. This morning I was unable to close my drivers side door and had to drive it to the dealer holding the inside handle. I will be trading it in or selling it shortly though I love the room and the horse power but Nissan does not build a quality product. This might be because its the first year but I traded my 03 Acura MDX for the Armada with 50,000 miles and it never let me down. At this point I will never buy a Nissan Product again. Sorry.

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  Stay away - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fish4life - September 6 - 9:56 pm

  Multiple problems - Brakes problem replaced and then returned - Nissan would not replace again. Transmission Leaks, Oil Cooler leaks, Window switches and motors. Oil pressure is all over the place but Nissan and dealer say it is normal. Of course out of warranty and no help from dealer or Nissan. Now the tire pressure sensors are bad. No more Nissans for me, ever.

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  LEMON - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Matt Smith - June 5 - 8:36 pm

  Within 400 miles my Armada was back at the dealers. First to have the oil pump changed (be aware that Nissans arrogant business model means that they dont have spares available yet and you will have a long wait), and there it remained when they discovered that they needed to replace the whole engine. Its now been in the garage for 30 days. I will never drive this car again. It is a LEMON.

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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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  Nissan Early Armada Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Lairdland - November 25 - 4:13 pm

  I have owned a 2004 Armada SE 4wd since May, 2004. For a $40k vehicle, I would think the build quality would have been better. Also, the Armada burns up tires pretty fast, about every 35k miles. Too many times Ive had to take it to the dealer for recalls and/or warranty repairs, and recently I have had to battle Nissan to warranty a replacement of my moonroof glass and seal, as it has started leaking like a sieve. Status of this > $1k claim: pending. I really like the styling and interior layout, and the engine is powerful and smooth. However, the amount of time it has to spend in the shop is appalling.

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  do not buy - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By William Braman - August 15 - 12:30 pm

  Seats not comfortable. Electric Windows stick all the time. Bad on Fuel. Hard to hold on road when the wind in strong. Leather seats poor quality. Rattles a lot inside after the first few months.

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  spare your self the agony - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mark - February 27 - 2:03 am

  This vehicle has been nothing but a pain since day one. I have finally given up on having the interior rattles fixed, we just live with them now. Two weeks ago the brake system failed and had to be towed to the dealer. this week air conditioning not working (but its only 90 degrees outside) Engine still making a strange knocking noise that dealer cant find. Front end squeaks over dips. Save your self the headaches, buy something else. as far as towing, towing 8000 lbs is impressive however, on the boat ramp it is weak. on any incline, armada will roll backwards while in drive with or without trailer. on ramp, parking brake will not hold armada and boat in place - has to be put in park

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  First and Last Nissan - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By No More Nissan - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I was advised not to purchase this vehicle, but bought one anyway. Big mistake. Has been back to dealership six times for repair. Brakes twice, both front windows, door latches, defective tire, and lots of rattles! Definitely doesnt like cold weather. Also, very dissapointed in Nissan, as they are not willing to stand behind their product. Only good thing is the look and the loads of room inside.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By margie - February 7 - 7:23 pm

  I changed my 2004 Suburban for a 2008 Nissan Armada (LE). My Armada is 6 months old and we are very happy with it. The only thing is that I should have paid more attention to the reviews I had read about the Armada not being stable on the road. If you drive the Armada even at 40 miles the truck loses control. The other day I got very scared because I was doing 60 on the freeway and the pavement is not smooth in some places and I just lost control, the good thing is that I had both hands on the steering wheel. At this point Im very concerned for the safety of my kids. Please test drive on not so smooth pavement!

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  Beware - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ldb87 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Now 18 K-sounds like a 15 year old cab. Worst build quality and materials I have ever seen-radio cant drown out squeaks. Brakes too small for vehicle and wet performance is horrid. Beautiful body and great engine but look elsewhere.