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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  This is one tough vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Holly Castro - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  I have been very pleased with the overall performance and most important, the safety/durability features this vehical offers. I was recenty rear-ended at a speed estimated 40 MPH. My Armada had minimal damage, however the vehicle that hit me had to be towed away w/significant damage. This is one tough truck!

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  Very Happy Owner - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Zilya - October 26 - 3:56 pm

  Went to replace my 95 Quest to a new one and couldn’t resist taking Armada out for a spin. WOW! Can not fully explain why, but an hour later I was an owner of a brand new SPV (not SUV). Almost a year and 12K mi later I still convinst that was a good buy. Please note that this is still a Nissan, not a Lexus. Some interior plastic parts will remind you of that. Gas mileage is what it probably should be for a V8, 5.6L. Overall, very happy with my first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

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  moms cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By soccer mamma - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this suv! It holds all the kids I need to haul and their drinks!(and their attention with the dvd player!) The safety features are great, and they came standard, you didnt have to pay exrta for third row airbag safety- unlike some suvs in this class. The shape of this car is so neat looking, we get stopped everywhere we go with people asking how we like it. The gas mileage is low, but what did you expect when you buy a truck this big?

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  Monster - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Wedgebolt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight. I test drove this vehicle and I knew I had to get one. After shopping around I got an excellent deal from Central Ave Nissan in Yonkers. We have 3 kids and they love riding in this truck. Rides smooth and accelarates quickly. But as expect gas mileage isnt that great. I love the low growl the car emits when driven.

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  I love it!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Susan H - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a large truck but has a large turning radious.which makes turns a peice of cake. It has quick pick up and a smoothe ride. Im surprised theres not more on the road. Theyre really not that expensive considering how spacious they are. They have more leg room then compartible trucks in there class. I just sold the Land Rover Discovery, Which it blows away.

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  What an awesome vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Boomer77 - September 10 - 5:23 pm

  There are very, very few vehicles that make you actually stop and stare--and then back up and take a long, slow walk around it, but the Nissan Armada made me do just that the first time I saw one in the commuter parking lot near my home. If you havent seen one of these beauties yet, do yourself a favor and head down to the dealership just to look at one! The announcement on the loud speaker will be, "Mop and bucket to Aisle 1!" simply because youll be drooling so much! Its very hard to appreciate the feeling that this vehicle provided--youll have to experience it for yourself! Although I have not been fond of Nissans in the past, they win this time!

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  So far, so great! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By sardar524 - September 5 - 1:00 pm

  After being a die-hard chevy owner for the past 22 years, we decided to give the Nissan Armada a try (we were also considering the Suburban and GMC Yukon). We needed to increase the traveling space provided by our 05 Silverado 3/4 ton Crew Cab while maintaining the ability to pull a 7k lbs horse trailer. When we viewed the Armada, we were very impressed with the exterior design. We also liked the size as compared to a Suburban, and the price of a fully-equipped Armada as compared to a Yukon Denali. It drives wonderfully, has an impressive turn radius and is very spacious in the 2nd and 3rd row.

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  Aramada - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Lee Neill - August 22 - 4:59 am

  Great suv

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  Powerful and Tough - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer Lizama - August 20 - 2:46 pm

  I Love this SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anybody and everybody. Safe, reliable, plenty of room awesome power and features are excellent. It may be a V8 engine, but very quiet and powerful and also fast when you step on it. I just cant get over how powerful and fast this SUV is. Buy one you will never regret it.

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  Damn...Its Nice!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Nordel - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Like riding in a limosine with your head in the clouds. Over 3 month we test drove the large Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge & Toyota SUVs. They were nice but none of them grabbed both of us. Then my wife and I saw and test drove the Armada. There was just no comparison between the Armada and all of the others. We had to have one. The ride and overall comfort for this type of vehicle is exceptional. It can go anywhere I need and do just about anything all others can do with little or no effort at all. I cant stop showing it off and after a month I am still going into the garage to stare at it at night. You gotta get yourself one!