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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Just Plain Fun - 2005 Nissan Armada
By melman - September 26 - 12:23 amI have driven many suvs out there and the Armada is the smoothest for its size. With all the features that come with this truck, why pay for a Toyota Sequoia with little to no options? The mileage for city driving would be the issue I would have a complaint with.
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Nissan Armada SE Off Road - 2004 Nissan Armada
By barry aguilar - September 14 - 2:00 ambest suv out there, priced reasonably, drives beautiful, i am a very short woman and thought i would be intimidated by the size, but it drives awesome. The exterior is different from alot of other suvs out there, and we love the color.
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OK truck not better than a Sequoia - 2009 Nissan Armada
By John - September 9 - 1:33 amWanted a Toyota Sequoia but ended up buying this one because of it is 4K cheaper. Never own a SUV before and will never get use to drive a car/truck this big. Yes it has all the creature comfort but it drive like a truck. With gas price moving up again this look like a mistake to get one. If you really need a truck to carry 7 or 8 adult then this is not going to be your first choice. This truck has higher clearance so it is good for offroading...but who will take this 50K machine off road? Before you decide to buy one make sure go take a test drive. Did I mentioned that I felt it was a mistake to bug a truck this big? Maybe it will grow on me. Thus far Im still driving my 10 yrs old van.
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Nice Truck!!!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By tremblayt - September 8 - 4:50 pmThe 2005 Nissan Armada has enough power and feel to transport my family. I love the onboard navigation system and rear view camera. It has a smooth ride. My kids love the DVD system. I stepped up from a Pathfinder.
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2011 Armada SL - 2011 Nissan Armada
By matthans - September 5 - 8:48 pmI did a lot of research before buying this vehicle. Bang for your buck you cant find a better large SUV. I went from a Nissan Pathfinder to this Armada because we wanted more room. My wife loves driving it because it sits up high and feels very safe with the kids. Our insurance went down $15/mo because of the size too. Gas mileage isnt good (12-13) no matter how I drive it. Its just a tank, but manuevers very easy. With two young kids and a large dog this truck was everything we wanted and more.
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family man - 2005 Nissan Armada
By doc - August 26 - 5:56 pmTons of room, power, and excellent handling. I have 4 kids and have zero problems with loading and unloading. In addition, rode for 5 hours in a snowstorm without complaints from the kids, the wife, or problems with handling.
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awesome ride - 2005 Nissan Armada
By puttzz - August 10 - 3:40 amthis vehicle is a great family suv,it has lots of room for the kids an my tall husband.its very comfortable to drive.it has great get up an go. the armada is a great looking vehicle inside an out. its one of the most comfortable vehicles i have ever owned.
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Armada Mania - 2004 Nissan Armada
By magonda - August 8 - 2:00 amBig but drives as if you are driving a small SUV. Very manuvarable, lots of power and Zip and I do mean Zip. Nissan used a very common sense aproach when desinging the interior accessories. I love it. Best vehical I have ever owned.
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the one to watch - 2005 Nissan Armada
By chris s - July 26 - 5:03 pmexcellent! handles great rides smooth lots of room and most important that vdc makes it all worth it not too high off the ground which makes it even more diffecult to flip .we all just love it.
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Anything goes with me and my Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By captainvideo - July 22 - 10:00 amI traded in a 02 sequoia for my 04 armada. The armada drives like a sports car compared to the sequoia. It has a great deal of power and handling to match. Combine that with all the interior room one could ask for and great comfort and you, me in this case have a suv that screams road trip. The stereo could be better, but with the "aux" 1/8" stereo jack input and my ipod it is more than acceptable until it gets an upgrade. Thumbs up from this owner after 3 weeks of ownership, knowing that a suv of this size and power is just not going to get that great gas milage is just the price you have to pay to own it.
