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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  Would Buy Another! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Valley_Val - August 15 - 1:13 pm

  We are very happy with our Armada and in fact are thinking of buying another when this lease is up. We also tested the Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade at the time of purchase -- the Armada was best due to styling, comfort, interior/exterior amenities, and most important, the ease of changing the seat configuration! Car has performed great, gas mileage is not super but acceptable compared to other similar-sized SUVs, and I would (and do) recommend the car to others in the market for a larger SUV.

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  2011 Nissan Armada - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By johnchem - August 14 - 12:44 pm

  Excellent large SUV with a price tag $25K less than the Escalade, Armanda has plenty of power, nice spacious interior. Gas consumption is excellent for large vehicle like this. I am very happy with my Armanda Platinum loaded with every possible option I can imagine. It ride and handle solid

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  super - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By hamed - August 9 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle to drive,handles superbly on high speed,very comfy,very poerful engine,excellent interior and exterior design.

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  nissian armada - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By nick - July 13 - 12:50 pm

  Good truck for the ladies to go to the store. Safe for even a lady to drive with your kids in it. yet good for a man to go to work in and make the cash

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  I would buy this over and over - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Polo - July 3 - 3:50 am

  I looked at large suvs for over a year. Not for one second have I regretted purchasing my Armada. Its huge inside, the engine roars get out of my way, and the thing moves. If you know how to responsibly drive a large suv, youll love this truck. My friends are amazed at how this thing handles. And Im never short to offer rides. Lets face it, all large suvs have paltry gas mileage. But, you gotta pay to play. I absolutely love this truck.

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  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By MIKE S. - June 1 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE RIDE. NICE SMOOTH SUSPENSION. INTERIOR LAYOUT VERY NICE. EVERYTHING IS LAID OUT WITHIN AN ARMS REACH. SEATING FOR 8 IS A GREAT FEATURE AS WE HAVE ALREADY PUT IT TO THE TEST. NISSAN HAS DONE MANY THINGS RIGHT IN THIS VEHICLE. TOO MANY TO LIST HERE. SEE FOR YOURSELF

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  Few annoying items - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Pambi714 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the power, however we are getting a fluttering sound in the interior at certain speeds that sounds like air pressure. It stops if you crack open a window slightly. Also what really bothers me is at 3000 miles the brake rotors had to be cut because a pulsating pedal, and now at 6000 miles we are having problems again-I want the rotors replaced and not cut again-I believe they are defective and do not want to have to replace them at my cost.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Yee-Haa - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For me, it was between the Durango and the Armada...with the Durango being top dog for 6 months before...that was until I test drove both! No comparison, the Armada had it beat in spaciousness and interior styling. I was a little reluctant to go for a full- size SUV after owning a Blazer, but this is great!

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  No Regrets! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Julie P - April 26 - 5:06 pm

  Enjoy it so much that I probably will buy it again once its time for a new car. It feels like a big workhorse to drive, but it is a big vehicle. Pulls boats like they are not even there. Fuel economy is not great, but comparable to other similar SUVs. Flawless dependability. Ive had mine for 2-1/2 years without any maintenance issues... none.

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  wonderful musclecar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Todd Chamlee - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The armada is a super vehicle from setting you back in your seat on takeoff, to handling curves similar to a sportcar.The features are also awesome from heated seats to automatic hatch to backup sensors.Overall one sweet SUV!