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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  Fun to drive, fun to look at - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rhinobrecht - June 30 - 11:16 am

  I love this vehicle! My family has had a lot of fun. It performs well. We have had no problems with reliability or anything at all that I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for a SUV. Lots and lots of room for familes and friends. It has more power than any other vehicle in its class and it tows our pontoon boat easily! Its a smooth ride and so fun to drive! You can feel the power!

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By benjamin_check - June 24 - 6:26 pm

  Love it! 66,000 miles and not one problem besides a bad airbag sensor, and a dead battery 4 years in. Put in a cold air intake from injen or s&b, maybe an exhaust or chip and hold on. Body roll is minimal, the thing rides like a big nimble draft horse, a Clydesdale. Brakes are good stock, outstanding once you upgrade the pads, amazing with performance pads and rotors. Mine has 24 Asanti rims on it on with 35 series Pirelli tires and it actually rides more carlike. 3rd row is comfortable for adults for moderately long car rides, far from the useless 3rd row in a tahoe or yukon. Its a great truck..tows it, hauls it, moves it.

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  None - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SnagaFromCHS - June 15 - 10:00 am

  So far the best suv ive eer driven.

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  Move over TAHOE/EXPEDITION - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By yeticc - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I decided on the Armada after driving the Tahoe and the Expedition. I even had put a deposit down on the Tahoe and got it back and went with the Nissan. I like the 5-speed auto compared to the 4-speed. The gated shifter on the floor is great as well. The power is great, the styling unique, the interior room is 2nd to none in the class. The towing capacity is great as well. The Armada is everything you could want in an SUV.

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  Its Time to Rethink the SUV Market - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dave & Karen - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several Suburbans and Expediton we have to say that this is the BEST SUV we have Driven and it is MADE in the USA. Body Style looks RUGGED to go with the vehicle capability. Handling is awesome and takes some getting used to. Not that it lacks, but very much more responsive. Fuel economy is whats expected for an SUV 17.2 (3 Kids and All gear for week in Mountains) Highway 15-16 City. Seating is outstanding. Ease of entry to third row seating is exceptional compared to the others. Cargo area is a bit larger than Expedition but smaller than Suburban. However Storage for everything else Cups, Glasses, Games, etc.is Outstanding.

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  Great for towing. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Doug In Denver - May 23 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased our Armada and have already gone on a 3500 mile trip towing our 5000 lb. travel trailer and our 4 children. No issues at all with towing, even with our altitude here in Denver and over the Vail Pass, it was no problem. I would suggest this SUV to any of my friends and family.

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  Wheel Shimmy Problems - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By KTD260 - May 4 - 1:40 am

  When looking for an SUV this one was top on the list. We have had it for a year and a half and it has been back into the dealer over ten times for warranty issues. Top problem on this SUV is the wheel shimmy. The steering wheel shakes at speeds over 60 mph and going down hills. Each time I take it back into the dealer it is a new story as to what is going wrong and how they will fix it THIS TIME. Repair number 4 has just failed after two weeks of driving. Nissan should be ashamed they cannot fix the shimmy problem that affect nearly all 2004 - 2005 Armadas because they put undersized rotors on these trucks.

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  Bigger is better - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By heliumarm - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Have owned Tahoes,Suburbans and a Sequoia. The Armada is an improvment.It has nice power but the trans shifting is vague. Ride and handeling are above avg. for something this big. Interior is comfortable enough but has lots of plastic. Bring your Exxon card,its thirsty, 13 1/2mpg. Great storage and cup holders. I wish Bridgestone had Revo tires this size.

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  Best Truck Ever - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By OffRoadinArmada - April 21 - 2:00 am

  So far, my truck has been heaven. As dorky as it might be, I cant wait to leave school to drive her. A few MINOR problems, but nothing unexpected concidering that she was just built three months ago. I do not regret buying a first-year model!!

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  Best value for the $$$ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By npt - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Compared to other SUVs the Nissan Armada is an excellent choice not only regarding amenities but price. Great ride, excellent handling and numerous "creature comforts" not available in competition. Power lift- gate, fully reclining passenger seat, and tons of storage compartments are a few of the things I like best.