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:
Showing 261 through 270 of 662.00-
most drive suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
By farhad - September 6 - 2:00 amthis truck is very capable and can do many things that is required of such suvs.
-
Armada Rules - 2004 Nissan Armada
By supoman - September 6 - 2:00 amAfter shopping for weeks my wife and I narrowed our search to the Armada and the YukonXL/Suburban. Our first impression was a good one so we wanted to go back and drive the Yukon again. Then back to Nissan to take a spin in another Armade. Our conclusion. No comparison. The Armad Drives better. Handles better. More horsepower. More towing capacity. More legroom in 1st and 2nd rows. Way more features for the price of a basic Yukon with leather and a CD.
-
still love it!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
By chunter4 - September 1 - 3:58 amI bought my Armada in 2008 with 27000your miles on it. It now has 90000! I have driven it everyday since I got it and love it like I did the first day I got it. My husband hates cleaning the interior because of the texture. I have changed the brakes and rotors and thought the a.c. was bad because it wasnt blowing in the front.Come to find out it needed a cabin filter $26.00!! I live in CO and in ten years never drove in the snow until I got the Armada.Its amazing in the snow,ice,heavy rain,and cruises on a nice day.Captains chairs in the middle make it so nice for the kids. I would NEVER EVER trade this for any other vehicle.
-
Its an experience worth having - 2005 Nissan Armada
By D Page - July 4 - 8:06 amIve owned 2 Mark VII Lincolns and 4 Eddie Bauer Expeditions but the Armada has them all beat. Tried GM, Toyota- bought the Nissan. Quality and fit of materials, comfort for us- were big people-, quality of the ride, acceleration and the comfort of our passengers all adds up to an experience worth owning. There is no finer automobile of this type or in this price range that comes close. Backing up is easier with the rear camera. Never get lost again with the GPS system that talks you through the streets right to the doorstep of your destination. Even a gated 5 speed shifter and tow mode. Satisfied? Yes! Try the Sirius on-board radio! Forget Range Rover and Cadillacs... Go Nissan!
-
The Beast - 2004 Nissan Armada
By The Beast - June 16 - 11:00 pmTraded in a f150 supercharged harley truck for this truck due to family size increasing. Was worried that I would miss all the horsepower that I had. Not so!! I love the power of my Armada and the stance. Had brake issues after about 15,000 (rotors too small on 1st year) dealer replaced with bigger rotors and we havent had any problems since. Only issue I really have is plastic center channel speaker cover on dash rattles and can get annoying. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but what do you expect with all that power and torque. I recently researched resale value and even with its superior options and bigger cabin the Armada still takes a backseat to the Sequio, which I think is wrong!
-
Living large and loving it! - 2008 Nissan Armada
By Zoomnbyu - June 14 - 6:36 amWe replaced an 03 Expedition. We went with the Nissan because we could get it equipped pretty much exactly the way we wanted it. Almost a thousand miles later we have really fallen for this truck. A few quibbles so far would be only a couple of interior fit issues and a booming noise in gear at idle. I would complain about the gas mileage, but that would be pointless! You get what you get in MPG when you buy a behemoth like this (I rated comparable economy). With three kids, frequent family trips and a boat that gets used nearly every weekend in the summer this quickly becomes the ultimate family vehicle!!!
-
Best Large Size SUV On The Market!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By coconutz - May 1 - 2:00 amThis SUV handles like a sports car. It has massive power and pick-up is amazing. If you like a truck to drive like a truck then this is NOT the truck for you. It feels and drives like a car, but the sound of the engine is intimidating, tough. This truck, both inside and out, pushes the SUV to a new level.
-
Bigger and Better - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Man-e - April 27 - 10:00 amBest suv I have had,and I have had many its beefy, stylish, and commanding
-
New 2007 purchase - 2007 Nissan Armada
By Rob - April 1 - 3:16 amGreat truck! Only 2 complaints. Vanity mirror light not adjustable and cheap! 2nd thing is I have no light under the hood.
-
I like it! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Leona - March 31 - 11:40 pmThe ride is smooth, the controls are easy, and wireless headphones for DVD is very convenient. I like the fact that you get more for your money when it comes to towing. The third row seat is roomy for children or shot people like me; maybe thats why I like it so much.
