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:

• 

  Best Value on the Market - Very Happy! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By BradM - January 21 - 10:16 pm

  We looked for a while at a lot of different vehicles and this was by far the best combination of size, engine, safety, style, luxury, towing capacity and amenities. We looked at big and small, this was the best. We were able to get a fully loaded Armada new for the price of other vehicles used without all of the options. We had a great experience. Weve had a BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Honda and other vehicles, the Infiniti/Nissan is the best. We are very happy with it.

• 

  Wanted it now - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By MarkD - January 11 - 5:06 am

  I loved it the minute I saw it. I slapped on some chrome wheels and everybody I drive by stares at the thing. The rumble of the V8 and how it lurches this vehicle to 60mph in 7.0 is an adrenaline rush. Weve taken it everywhere on and off the beaten path. 6 of us took a trip all over the southwest in absolute comfort. The DVD/T.V. for the kids is a must. The dual A.C. system works very well... especially here in Arizona. Gas mileage is as expected... not good. I did have front brake problems, but are fixed now... bad rotors. Its not as quiet as a Tahoe or Expedition (test drove those two before buying), but its a trade off for looks, power, the exhaust note and feeling of security.

• 

  Nice Car - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By wakefan01 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Have a 2010 Titanium 4wd Armada. Great family vehicle. This car makes towing easy and it is very capable off road as well. Overall, this is a very nice truck and i am very pleased with it.

• 

  So far soooo goooood - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Tony G - January 10 - 8:26 am

  So far, so good! Smooth ride, excellent acceleration, lots of body roll when turning, but what do u expect, its a BIG SUV. Brakes a little slow. Very Happy with this truck!

• 

  great vechicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ricardo - January 10 - 3:50 am

  one of the best vehicles ive ever purchased, great ride, handling and comfort for (7) adults Large amount of interior storage, with easy access and ease of folding seats which dont have to be removed

• 

  Armarda - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By armada1 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the Armada, powerful and fun to drive. Fuel mileage has been excellent for this type of vehicle. Ride is very comfortable and the Armada has exceeded all expectations.

• 

  Fully Decked Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mycamel - December 22 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all of the large luxuary SUVs and drove the ones we liked. All of them had limited leg room for rear passengers. We first saw the Armada going down the street in downtown Las Vegas. We both did a double take and loved the styling. Within days of returning home, we test drove and bought the Armada. Going from a nice leather mini van to a V8 loaded SUV is a great feeling. Tonight we went to dinner, cranked the Bose, opened the moonroof and grinned all the way back home. The only interuption was the sweet voice of the GPS nav system telling us how to get back home. With 1000 miles on the OD, it might be too early to judge, but we love it so far!!!!!!

• 

  This SUV is a beast! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Michael C - December 19 - 5:05 am

  After driving the behemoth Chevys / GMCs we almost bought the better handling Expedition except the interior was too drab. The Nissan by contrast is very well designed, comfortable, very (very) quick off the line, handles well and is very quiet. The auto AWD mode is easy to drive but once you switch to other modes, driving gets clunky fast. A couple of complaints however, one is with four children and the back seat in use we like to keep the smaller of the middle seats folded. Unfortunately there is no way to safely secure it in that position, which creates a safety hazard, as it could flip down onto the foot of a third row passenger. The middle row release mechanism is also difficult for kids to manipulate. The Nav and touchscreen interface is poorly designed and the bluetooth has trouble switching between phones of different drivers if the first phone is no longer in the car. Voice commands appear to default only to navigation which is odd. Those issues aside the performance and driving characteristics of this vehicle are second-to-none in this class. Basically youre getting the Infiniti which makes this car a great value.

• 

  After 5000 miles - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By sjo - December 9 - 5:03 pm

  I left a review back in Jan 05. Loved it then. Still like it, but after 3000 miiles the brakes make the front end shimmy as others have mentioned. I need to take it back to get it fixed and it is making me mad that this has happend. Milelage is about 15 mpg. Since day one the car vibrates at about 75mph. Had then balance the tires, and it comes an goes on the highway. Just want something to work right without problems for once.

• 

  1Quick grocery getter - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By whambino - November 26 - 2:00 am

  We traded a full sized conversion van for the Armada- we are used to larger vehicles. Did not want the extra expense of 4 wheel drive-thank you Nissan for a 4x2. We love the looks,comfort and all the standards that are options on other suvs. This suv handles like a sports car compared to the old van. Im sure a lot of Mustang and Camaro owners are going to be surprised when they are not pulling to far away from my suv at the stoplights.