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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  WOW! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Clau - April 10 - 10:00 am

  My family and I just bought this new car and we are really impressed. Not just by its performance but by its looks" A job very nicely done! :D

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  Very nice truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By ken - April 5 - 11:06 am

  This purchase has been a very good one for me. It feels so cozy inside while driving that I dont feel like getting out. The drive is nice b/c of comfortable leg room and elbow room. Gas is good while traveling, but not in the city. Im still glad I purchased one. For a big vehicle I dont have any blind spots b/c of the design of the vehicle and big mirrors. Trust me you will enjoy the power the beast has.

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  2008 Armada LE 4x4 - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By makosdad - March 26 - 1:36 pm

  I just purchased a loaded 08 4x4 turning in a 05 Pathfinder. I bought this vehicle on the last day of the month and netted over 10,000 off sticker with the 4500 rebate. We love the truck so far, the navigation works great as does the vehicles voice command. Wish the sound system had an integrated iPod adapter but I can live with this. Drive is smooth and quiet and the handling is super. Exterior looks hot with the 20" wheels and the new interior is far superior to the prior years.

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  Very Pleased - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Robert - March 25 - 4:12 am

  Great looking SUV with a great ride. Acceleration is very fast...and it runs very quite on the road. Of the large SUVs, to me it is the sharpest looking. Also, for all the amenities you get in the Platinum Armada, value wise it is pretty good. I have had it two months...and overall very satisfied. I got the bucket seats in the middle row...and it is fantastic for the kids.

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  Made the right choice - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By lovin my nissan - March 24 - 6:50 am

  I bought this car after doing extensive research. After a lot of test drives and time, I bought the armada. It is a great car. Plenty of room for all of my kids (3) with room for 3 friends in addition. I got a great deal on the car. If this gives you an idea of how smooth the ride is - I drove 2 miles down a dirt road and had forgotten to get 2 screws off the bumper. After arriving at the destiniation, they were still there!! I love it, the kids love it, my husband loves it and people ask me what kind of car it is all of the time. it has been turning heads left and right! I will buy a Nissan again - without a doubt!

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  Pathfinder Rating - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Flower - March 15 - 2:00 am

  we have only had this vehicle for a week now so our mileage is not high. It is very responsive and comfortable so far and has room to spare. Unlike other SUV models, this one has legroom to spare, even in the rear seats!! We have had another type of SUV before and this one beats it hands down for comfort. The other SUV did not allow you to stretch your legs out, therefore making it uncomfortable for long trips.

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  rough ride #2 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kenn i - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the exterior of the car and the bold styling. i enjoy the bose stereo with the 6 cd in dash. though i feel for an LE this truck should have better manners on the road. i recently took the truck into new york city and i felt going over bumps the truck did not take the bumps so well. you can feel the bumps way too much. i recently had a 2002 infiniti QX4 which just came off lease which drove much better than this armada. hopefully when the Q56 infiniti comes out it will have been built much better than the armada.

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  Whole lot of truck for the money! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Rocket Man!! - March 5 - 10:23 am

  I consider this suv to be a bargain for what it has to offer, its comfortable, spacious, powerful, Responsive,it has smooth handling, excellent sound system, and a bold design. Nissan has stepped up to the plate in the SUV battle, they are offering a solid contender for thousands $$ cheaper. I did my homework and in my opinion this was the best SUV for the buck.

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  Great truck for the money - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Brian - March 2 - 11:43 am

  I never thought I would buy a "full size" SUV, but the Armada is an awesome truck. Great quality, great ride/acceleration. My wife who is 411 has no trouble driving, thanks to power adjustable pedals and rearview camera. We got a great deal since we were coming off a lease on our Pathfinder. We bought the Armada instead of leasing again.

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  Awesome LARGE SUV - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By bruiser - March 2 - 9:20 am

  I did a lot of looking and research on SUVs before buying. Like another reviewer, I did not like that GM required a bailout and my prior GM SUV failed to impress. The 2010 Aramda caught my eye at a car show at the Texas State Fair. AWESOME TRUCK. Total price 37.7 k out the door for the Ttanium package w/DVD which includes leather and a lot of other upgrades over the base model. I got the Nissan cash incentives. This SUV has Blue Tooth for phones, Ipod jack, DVD player with wireless headphones, backup sensors and camera, road computer, and lots of storage. The acceleration, steering feel,handling, and braking are impressive considering the weight of the vehicle. Its awesome!