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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  Poor Construction - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Clesikar - January 14 - 8:40 pm

  I have had a rattle in the overhead console since day 1 of purchasing this vehicle. It has been in for repair 7 times since July without success. This vehicle is poorly constructed and cheaply made. Not worth the asking price.

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  Nissan Never Again - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By rjk - May 24 - 10:56 pm

  Had to trade my Nissan in after only 3 months. The rattles drove me about insane. Live in the cold country and it depended on the weather which rattle would occur. When I traded it in, had to tell dealer that the rotors were going. Had the 4x4 light go on with out any reason then go off. Dealer said that computer didnt show the light going off. NOT IMPRESSED. Bought a Denali cant even compare the two.

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  Surprise! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rick - April 8 - 4:43 am

  We bought 2004 Armada new. We loved the room for the family. Soon we noticed lots of noise and was told with in normal limits. Then squeaky brakes again told normal. The ride is rough. The DVD player ruined our DVDs. The interior is falling apart. While driving down the expressway (no overpass) our sun roof exploded! We were told again this was not a defect and we had to pay for that to be fixed. Sunday we were in another state for my grandsons birthday and the car quit. Had it towed to Nissan dealer hip and told engine blown. Something came loose & hit the engine.Waiting to hear if they will cover it. The cost will be $8-9000. So now I have a $16,500 loan on a car that is worthless.

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  The Platinum is not worth the $$$ - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Art C. - March 18 - 12:23 am

  I am coming from a 2006 Armada, so my expectations were high with the 2010 model. I am disappointed. The main reason I went with Platinum was due to the folding mirror option for my single garage. This needs to be on Titanium models. The instrument cluster was redesigned it the speedometer is off to the right and hard to read. The Sound/Nav system is poorly designed (read below). After 3000 miles, I am hearing sounds out of the chassis when I go over speed bumps -- I put 50K miles on my 06 and never heard that sound before. The transmission also seems to make a more significant "clunk" when it goes in or out of gear. For a $50K+ vehicle, I should get more for my $. 13 mi/gal stinks

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  Buy anything but this vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mc - March 5 - 8:46 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. In the two years I have owned it, it has been in the shop 12 times for rattles, 3 times for brakes (they keep patching them and telling me Nissan wont allow them to change them until they get really bad because of lack of parts), and numerous other times for various other problems. I plan on replacing it with a reliable vehicle soon. I will never own another Nissan.

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By backflip - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Owned 8 months. 8K miles, 2nd set of brake pads, rotors resurfaced twice. Sunroof rattles, interior shaking. AC vents in front not adjustable. Constant pinging sound in engine at low speed, dealer cannot find problem. Appears all Nissans investment was made on exterior. Not a $40K vehicle.

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  I wouldnt if I were you - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Laura - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Since we have owned this car, there has not been one day that there wasnt something wrong with it. I have 50 plus pages of invoices from warranty repairs. Brakes, rotors, windows, doors, seats, seatbelts, leaks from various places in the engine, exhaust system problems. Its loud and squeaky inside. Its big, spacious and fun but not worth the time in the shop. Not to mention the fact that the dealership and Nissan corporation have been pains to deal with. Seriously, get a suburban.

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  wait until the 2005 comes out - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By chasmanz28 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  had a very bad resonance issue with my armada, tried 2 times to get it fixed and still had the problem, overall i think its a great idea from nissan just needs to get all the bugs worked out, the best thing about this suv is the drivetrain, unmatched if you ask me, thats what ill miss the most

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  Not To Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Bummed in AL - September 9 - 11:46 am

  Since we bought it 3 1/2 months ago, I have had the tires balanced 5 times, the vehicle still vibrates, the rear view mirrors shake, (which I am told that this is the way it is and cannot be fixed), there is a rattle that I cannot quite place where it is coming from, the transmission fluid has leaked, and I feel that the third seat should be able to push forward to give more room behind it. There is little room for instruments, backpacks, and such, so if you have to fold down the third seat, then you loose the room for 3 people.

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  Update - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Mike - June 5 - 1:40 pm

  After more ownership, things just get worse. Poor build quality: more things keep falling off/apart. Intermittent failures such as door sensors claiming that a door is ajar when it isnt. Climate controls are AWFUL! Blows 110 degree hot air even down to 65 F setting on the display and the next notch below (60F) blows cold air with NO heat! Impossible to get comfortable. Have to press the seat 1/2 memory buttons with about 50 pounds of force to get them to activate. Many other nit picks. Our worst vehicle by far, and weve owned more than a half dozen SUVs over time!