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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Armada anomaly - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Allen_Crabtree - December 9 - 10:00 amLet me start by stating that I could not have found a better dealership from which to purchase my Armada. Bachman-Bernard in Greeneville, TN is worth your drive. I LOVE my Armada but unfortunately within the first 3 months the front passengers seat broke 3 times, the drivers window quit working, and an odd clicking sound coming from the rear hub turned out to be a miss-drilled brake rotor. It took 30 days to finally repair the passengers seat apparently due to availability of parts. After getting my Armada back, I had one blissful day before the passengers window started to malfunction the same way the drivers window did previously.
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perfect - 2004 Nissan Armada
By jjtubs - December 9 - 10:00 amperfect suv for any family. gas prices over two dollars a gallon sucks it really good...oh well, no price is too high for saftey.
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Great Looks - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Sanaa - December 8 - 2:13 pmI love the style and the performance. It also feels much smaller behind the wheels. This SUV drives like a car and very stable on the freeway. It currently has 16,000 miles and has been serviced 4 times total (3 times for the breaks, where the rotor had to be replaced or shaved). My husband is 65" and he loves the car, except for the lumbar support comfort and the overall quality of the leather, fabric,plastic and paint.
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Best SUV for the money - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Max - December 1 - 10:23 pmYou cannot buy a better truck for the money. Any competition is at least 15k more and really not worth it. Enormous power, fantastic room, great comfort, stereo, & luxury. I traded a Grand cherokee & gas mileage is about the same, except that now I have a 3rd row, over 100+ more horses, and much more room. Dont throw your money away on any other SUV. The hardest part of driving this beast is keeping it under the legal speed limit. Ive had it for almost a year and everyone that has an Armada that I bump into, loves it. You will too. The rear sonar parking system is nice, dual climate control, power liftgate and mirrors are a nice touch. Overall I am very happy with it.
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No regrets - 2007 Nissan Armada
By James Morrow - November 27 - 4:33 amI thought long and hard about buying my first truck/suv that what not a gm product. I have no regrets at all. We took a short spring break trip and had a blast in the new Armada. I am very impressed with this vehicle so far. It is very quiet and smooth, with a nice sound from the v8! And it is responsive!! My only regret is I wish I could have afforded the 4wd.
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great SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
By barry jobe - November 11 - 9:10 pmtotally satisfied with power, comfort ,and performance. I just wish nissan built a 4 dr titan with an 8 ft bed. so, I could have a truck as good as my wifes SUV!
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What a vechicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By BillDesrosiers - October 27 - 10:00 amThe new Armada is everything you are looking for in a large SUV, It is large, quick, stylish, and comes equipped with great options (rear sensors, bose system, nice console guage setup etc...
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what a shame - 2004 Nissan Armada
By mark - October 21 - 6:30 amwhat could have been the best hands down SUV on the market is a junker. The vehicle has plenty of power but the quality of the materials used is sub par. So, interior mars easily, squeaks, rattles, and bellows. Leather seats are already loosing their shape. Brakes were an issue, but with the new replacements theyre great. The exterior plastics are showing signs of sun damage (this vehicle is kept in the garage). the longer we have it, the more strange noises we hear and the more i wonder just how reliable this vehicle is. Dealers we have dealt with have been very unhelpful. If I could do it over again, i would not have bought this vehicle. $46,000 worth of headaches. buy an excursion.
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Brake Rotor Warp - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Jeff - October 16 - 3:56 amGreat comfort however the brake rotors warped after 3000 miles. Steering wheel shimmy at high speeds
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Thinking of a Nissan? A cautionary tale. - 2011 Nissan Armada
By Glenn Urban - October 13 - 9:57 pmShortly after our Armada was out of warranty, a rear AC line corroded through so the AC did not work. The part was installed in one piece, so the repair meant removing body from frame to replace it.....at a cost of $4,000.00! So far the company refuses to talk to me about it. Pathfinders have had the same design "feature".
