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 301 through 310 of 662.00-
armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By lisa - August 5 - 3:26 amno mechanical difficulties have been experienced. the middle row can be tricky to fold down if you dont do it often. other than that, no complaints at all! really nice ride and comfy seats. my kids are able to see out the windows, but the little ones cannot open the doors from the outside, so you have to help them get in.
-
Love this SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
By M Hoffman - August 1 - 8:10 pmUse in Dallas and Sedona AZ where we go off road on boulder laden dirt roads, ford streams and then go to dressy dinners. It is great in all environments. Had two Mercedes ML320s and this is far supperior. Hauls loads of stuff and eight adults in comfort.
-
Still going strong - 2004 Nissan Armada
By OptiClaw - July 28 - 6:10 pmWe bought our Armada new in Aug 04. Loved it from the start. Great power, tons of space. Had the usual brake issues, dealer handled it for free. Squeaky A/C fan also fixed free. Over 54K miles now and still going strong. Used it to shuttle 5 men for weekend trip and all commented on how big it is inside. MPG is no worse than other big SUVs, so I dont know why people complain. You know what to expect when you buy these things. We plan to keep the Armada at least another 5 years if all goes well. Why replace such a fantastic vehicle?
-
nice and fun - 2006 Nissan Armada
By love it - July 26 - 10:46 amI love my truck, i had always wanted a big truck and when i compared it to the yukon xl, i knew this was for me. it is super comforable to drive, plus its fun to drive cuz u can feel the power and its still sporty looking! I think it is a very nice looking truck yet its sporty.
-
Traded 05 Pathfinder for 08 Armada - 2008 Nissan Armada
By brandon - July 16 - 11:20 amLoved our Pathfinder and love our Armada. The ride is fantastic and fit and finish is far above all American competitors. Turning radius is great too. 7 inch LCD in dashboard is very functional and nice looking. 2nd row leg room and comfort is superb in Armada. Drove 200 miles all freeway and got just over 16 mpg so not bad. Lots of power to spare with the v-8. Got a nissan extended warranty when purchased. Will help ensure investment is protected (should not need to use it though).
-
Best hauler - 2004 Nissan Armada
By ray - July 10 - 10:00 amI bought my Armada new and have been hauling 3000-8000 pound loads bi-weekly for the first 4.5 years. Only have done scheduled maintenance and replaced the front brake pads at 90,000 miles and have replaced 2 sets of tires. This is the best truck/suv I have ever owned. I live in minnesota and this truck starts in below zero temp every time. I now have a 125,000 miles and it runs like a top. It also looks brand new. In the past I have killed ford f150s and chevy 1/2 and 3/4 tons with all the hauling I do. This truck has out preformed all others I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable suv. I still have the original back brake pads and will probably get 10- 15k miles
-
toyota sucks - 2004 Nissan Armada
By trod - July 6 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle in the beginning of october it is awesome. I just came from driving the sequoia, their is no comparison. More hp, torque, room, towing capacity, ground clearance, cupholders, more of everything. This is the best part it was 4k less with more equipment. Everywhere I go people stop and stair and the kids love it.
-
Cruise ship - 2006 Nissan Armada
By gauner - July 4 - 9:43 amThis is our family cruise ship. Camping with a trailer full of dirt bikes, up to the ski area in the most severe weather, or towing the fully loaded boat to Powell this suv does it all and yes we pass when we like. Our kids stopped complaining on long trips! I put gas in. I change the oil. Ive changed windshield wipers and at 56000 mile its first set of tires. The worst thing is having to wash all that adventurous dirt off of it. It is a large suv and this does take a while. We ran her at 65mph to Cal and got 19mpg. Were Not in that big of a hurry once youre in the Cruise ship.
-
Power and Style all in one - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Troy - June 29 - 2:16 amI am coming from an 03 Expedition and I am very impressed. After discounts it was $12,000 cheaper than a comparable equiped Q56. I test drove all the competition and NOTHING comes close to the performance of the Armada. The exterior styling is bold and aggressive. Interior in the LE is well laid out. I have not had any problems that plagued the 04 models. Sound system is good for a factory system but the navigation system could use a touch screen. Kids love the rear DVD and theater seating. The ride is very smooth and controlled even with 22" wheels, no shake in the steering wheel as others have indicated. The interior is quiet at any speed. Again, love the power this thing has.
-
Buy it - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Richey - June 13 - 12:13 pmThose of us who are 6 5" tall and weighs 250 this is the most effec SUV; that with the price and comfortablity this SUV drives great and also the power is great.
