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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  Still loving it! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Zoomnbyu - January 6 - 10:56 pm

  16,000 miles later and we remain quite impressed overall. The gas mileage average to date is 14.8. A few issues required a trip back to the dealer (rt ft strut blown, bad coolant cap leaking), but everything has been resolved to our satisfaction. One quality note: the alignment from the factory was awful! The truck darted around over bumps and handled horribly at first. I performed an alignment myself. It made a HUGE difference in the trucks composure! The front AND rear suspension is adjustable. Request that all be adjusted and get a final printout! The Armada serves our needs to a "T". I have no reservations in recommending it to anyone needing a large SUV!

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  One of East Tennessees First - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ghoppe7064 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I believe that I am one of the first buyers in E TN on 10-10-03. The miles are estimated for the first year. The dealership was first rate and the salesman Scott B was great in showing me the features. The second day we took a trip to the Lindville Falls wilderness area with 20 miles of tough, watersoaked roads. It took it without complaint. It handles as well as the Tourage by VW. But pulls around 9100# and weighs 7000#. Totally solid. Everyone of my friends with Denalis,etc. are impressed. Ill give it a 10. GPH

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  Love at First Sight - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By CJ - January 3 - 11:23 pm

  Test drove the Tahoe and liked it but once my wife and I got in the Armada, we knew this was the choice. Lots of room inside and seemed to have a much tighter ride then the Tahoe. Love the power for towing. My wife thought it had less of a truck feel than other SUVs we tested.

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  The Best with Class. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By The Kamen Family - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  All I can say is I looked at all the ratings for the Armada. I wanted to by a Toyota Sequoia and found to much hype. The Armada has the power and Features (Standard),Toyota only wish it had. Move over Toyota or get ran over. Armada is the real deal.

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  I love my Armada! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Memaw - December 9 - 8:50 am

  I have owned two Pathfinders and upgraded to the larger Armada for "granchildren space". Its roomy, comfortable, has easy access to the third row seat, easy flattening of all seats to haul cargo. I love the unique design and disagree with the editor regarding the comfort of the leather seats vs. cloth seats. It handles beautifully, even on wet roads, and has plenty of power for freeway driving. The Armada feels more "solid" than other SUVs we test-drove. Better gas mileage would be nice, but I still give it a "10"! (P.S. Has not had to go back for any warranty work.)

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  Love This Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Yolanda - November 26 - 1:30 am

  I upgraded from a 2004 Jeep Liberty and I definitely made the right move. The most impressive thing about my truck is that it drives really smooth. I like that the rear windows roll all the way down and not halfway like other SUVs I have browsed in the same category.

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  Tank - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By derejohn01 - November 11 - 8:46 am

  Absolute Tank, Wife was rear ended 3 months after purchased. Armada 1 - Mini Van 0. Mini Van towed away and totaled, Armada, little fender damage. Gas mileage not as bad as you think and it has every comfort you could ever need.

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  Love the acceleration - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By tcaliber - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive - Easy to operate

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By David - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Head and shoulders above the rest and I have experienced alot of the competition.

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Armada Owner - November 2 - 8:13 pm

  Great vehicle. The gas mileage is not the greatest, but you can feel every bit of the 300+ horse power.