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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  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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  Fun to Drive Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dr. AROD - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives great and is very comfortable. The second and third row seats are amazing. My cousin has an Escalade and the third row seats are uncomfortable and tight. My Armada is super comfortable in the third row seats. The second row is unbelievable. The amount of space is incredible. Im very happy with my Armada.

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  Traded Chevy Suburban, in a heart beat! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Fantastic full size SUV, built right here in the good ole USA! Superior safety features, all standard! Fit, finish & quality of materials are very pleasing. Reputation & reliability are outstanding. Easy to use features, placement of instruments & accesories are well thought out & informative. Find myself in this auto more often than my BMW 7 series! Highly recommend!

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  Fianlly a Nissan SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By npt - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent alternative to the domestic SUV, compared all the other models and this Armada has it all. Currently own a Ford Expedition (which I like too). If you try one out you will buy one, altho hold on to your pocketbook, not cheap!

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  the best ride - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By mcummings1 - August 19 - 7:27 am

  have have had volvos and other expensive cars but this SUV beats them all. Best ride, gas mileage 17.8 right now - hopefully will get to 18 and if not, I am okay with that. We take it to the beach and load it down and it still gets 17.8. Love Nissans!!!!!!

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  Not Bad for First Year - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Joe Armada - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power and plenty of room. Love the power liftgate and all the airbags. The rear sonar helps in parking in NYC. driving this TRUCK is so much fun. Have not had the resonance problem so many have had but there are alot of rattles. Interior quality could be better. Sunvisor fell off already and rear center console broke too. A pin in the rear passenger door also came from the dealer broken.

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  perfect suv - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By landry - August 14 - 8:33 am

  overall I think its a great suv. Its by far the best suv i have ever bought.

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  Armada 2010 - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Bob - July 28 - 5:56 am

  We looked at this vehicle in 2006 and came close to buying it but bought the Murano instead. Decided to trade in Murano as we wanted more room for traveling. We are very impressed with it and the luxury feel. You barely feel the road or bumps underneath you. While we know gas mileage wont be terrific, the space and ride this gives is far worth a little extra gas. It turns and corners more like a small car than the large SUV it is. I am amazed at the turning radius. All the extras it comes with are great. The satellite nav is awesome and we LOVE the additional voice control. The bluetooth works great and the sound is really clear.I would highly recommend this vehicle. Awesome!

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  Nissan Pathfinder - Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Alumaks - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Great ease and comfort in driving for the size of this SUV. Family of 6 welcomed the vehicle with great excited and where not prove wrong in the drive in. Excellent pricing. Cool and soft interiors. I will buy another if I have to replace. Smooth drive and powerful engine,gaining speed without any noticeable drag or delay. Great Stabiliy.