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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next generation suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
By sese23 - April 2 - 2:00 amthe nissan armada le suv is a very strong and capable truck both on the highway and oof road.. the 305 hp engine is smooth and quiet even in high speeds..the 18 in tires makes it stand alone with the rest of its class.
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Moes Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Mozell Cooper - March 27 - 1:10 amI love my Armada. It turns many heads, my family can ride with joy relaxing in comfort.
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Amazing Ride - 2008 Nissan Armada
By Dara - March 18 - 6:50 amWe purchased this car because both my husband and I are 64 and we have a baby who needs to be seated in the center. This is the only car that allows us both leg and head room and PLENTY of room for other passengers to sit and be comfy. We have our seats all the way back and still have plenty of room in the second row. We also love the front sensors and the rear view camera, nav system and the new touch panel display radio system. The hatch and third row move with the push of a button and the ride is smoother then a Cadi without a doubt! You will LOVE this car.
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2008 SE Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
By Dennis - March 15 - 8:10 amJust bought the 2008 SE Armada last week and love every driving minute. Interior is big and roomy, with lots of quality features. Exterior is bold and brawny, turning many heads with each passer by. Wife loves the security of transporting kids in such a safe vehicle. Previous to this purchase, we owned 2005 Pathfinder and never had a single issue.
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My New Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
By tsawife - March 3 - 6:26 amWe love our new Armada!! We have only had it a few days but so far it is the most smooth, comfortable ride. I traded my Isuzu Ascender (which I loved by the way) and was a bit unsure that the Armada could live up to the expectations that I had. Once my husband and I, who are both very tall, sat in the middle and back seats, we were sold. It is so roomy and comfortable to ride in and to drive. It doesnt have the best gas mileage but luckily I work very close to home and all the room makes up for it. My 2 sons love that feature also, as they can each have their own row of seats with lots of room and they feel very safe riding in it. I hope we love it as much in 5 years as we do today!!
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I have the same wind noise - 2007 Nissan Armada
By calvin - February 25 - 8:26 pmI agree with the guy who has the wind noise coming through the door seal or window seal. I have taken my Armada to the dealership more than a dozen times and they say the same thing, they have no idea what it is. It is frustrating. I hear the wind more when it is cold outside or hitting a pretty good bump in the road. And he is right about the moon roof. Mine rattles and the dealership cant fix that either. Other than those issues I enjoy the truck.
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Dollar by Dollar the best SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Tico - February 3 - 7:26 pmGreat suspension and power excellent sound system easy to get in third row also third row could seat adults up to 6 tall comfortably something that others suv can not do.The rear view is very helpful.
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You will love it. - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Brooklyn Born - January 17 - 3:00 pmThis is the best full size SUV for the money. Great to drive, roomy, great looking, smooth and BIG. This vehicle really seats alot of people comfortably. Drive it and you too will love it.
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Love my armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By DANA - January 12 - 7:10 amWe love our new suv! We have took many trips in it since we bought it we have had it packed with people and luggage and had plenty of room. It is so comfortable just love the way it rides and drives. Me and my husband cant wait to drive it each time we go somewhere! It is so pretty! Thanks nissan
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I love my car! - 2007 Nissan Armada
By ejtra - January 8 - 2:20 amI wanted an suv that had plenty of room and was safe for my toddler son. After test driving my Armada I knew it was perfect. It is much more accessible than a Tahoe or Yukon. I read many reviews on here to see what everyone else had to say about the Armada and realized that gas was the biggest concern. Safety was my biggest issue so we went ahead and purchased it and are happy that it gets 17 miles to the gallon in the city. It is as big as a house, we have room for days, and the gas mileage is not much worse than a midsize. I am glad I chose an Armada.
