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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  Family cargo transporter - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By llajumpvid - September 23 - 10:00 am

  It drives like a sports car, rides like a luxury car(almost). It makes trips enjoyable until the gas pump:). The gas mileage is expected though. so far average 11 in city and 15 hwy with 3000 miles. Im happy with the purchase, a few rattles that can be fixed but overall glad I bought it.

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  Fun to Drive Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dr. AROD - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives great and is very comfortable. The second and third row seats are amazing. My cousin has an Escalade and the third row seats are uncomfortable and tight. My Armada is super comfortable in the third row seats. The second row is unbelievable. The amount of space is incredible. Im very happy with my Armada.

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  love everything but the brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By dubld98 - September 23 - 7:26 am

  this vehicle is a joy to own and drive butr there is a problem with the brakes and I have had to have them replaced 3 times in 4 months so far. I hope they resolve the brake problem soon.

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  Traded Chevy Suburban, in a heart beat! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Fantastic full size SUV, built right here in the good ole USA! Superior safety features, all standard! Fit, finish & quality of materials are very pleasing. Reputation & reliability are outstanding. Easy to use features, placement of instruments & accesories are well thought out & informative. Find myself in this auto more often than my BMW 7 series! Highly recommend!

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  BAD REAR END CRASH******RESULTS - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By ufocafe - September 6 - 3:53 am

  I love my Armada! I was rear ended by a Water Tanker Truck when I was stopped at a traffic light. And I wasn hit so hard,that I crashed into an Police car stopped in front of me. I found out from the police report that the tanker weighed over 33 thousand pounds. What a scare. But,I was barely scratched. I was not hospitalized and I was back to work the very next morning. I owe all of this to the fantastic design of the Armada. I WILL be an Armada owner from now on. Thanks Nissan.

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  2009 Nissan Armada LE , 4WD, 5.6L (V8) - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By kimber63 - August 29 - 8:25 pm

  Folks, I have owned my Nissan for over 5 years. It is by far the biggest piece of Nissan crap I have owned. I have had 4 other Nissans before this one. The air conditioning lines have been replaced twice. Side airbag issue, rear passenger door would not open, rear gate would not open. Two sets of front warped rotors have been replaced over a whopping 42K miles. Power Steering line leaking. All covered under warranty with exception to the brakes. And please put some darn tires on the vehicle. The OEM stuff was junk. Every time the repair work done it took 5 business days due to lack of parts. The truck sits at Nissan dealer more than my house. Thank god I bought the warranty.

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  Fianlly a Nissan SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By npt - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent alternative to the domestic SUV, compared all the other models and this Armada has it all. Currently own a Ford Expedition (which I like too). If you try one out you will buy one, altho hold on to your pocketbook, not cheap!

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  the best ride - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By mcummings1 - August 19 - 7:27 am

  have have had volvos and other expensive cars but this SUV beats them all. Best ride, gas mileage 17.8 right now - hopefully will get to 18 and if not, I am okay with that. We take it to the beach and load it down and it still gets 17.8. Love Nissans!!!!!!

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  Not Bad for First Year - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Joe Armada - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power and plenty of room. Love the power liftgate and all the airbags. The rear sonar helps in parking in NYC. driving this TRUCK is so much fun. Have not had the resonance problem so many have had but there are alot of rattles. Interior quality could be better. Sunvisor fell off already and rear center console broke too. A pin in the rear passenger door also came from the dealer broken.

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  perfect suv - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By landry - August 14 - 8:33 am

  overall I think its a great suv. Its by far the best suv i have ever bought.