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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  Tank - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By derejohn01 - November 11 - 8:46 am

  Absolute Tank, Wife was rear ended 3 months after purchased. Armada 1 - Mini Van 0. Mini Van towed away and totaled, Armada, little fender damage. Gas mileage not as bad as you think and it has every comfort you could ever need.

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  Love the acceleration - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By tcaliber - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive - Easy to operate

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By David - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Head and shoulders above the rest and I have experienced alot of the competition.

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Armada Owner - November 2 - 8:13 pm

  Great vehicle. The gas mileage is not the greatest, but you can feel every bit of the 300+ horse power.

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  This is one tough vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Holly Castro - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  I have been very pleased with the overall performance and most important, the safety/durability features this vehical offers. I was recenty rear-ended at a speed estimated 40 MPH. My Armada had minimal damage, however the vehicle that hit me had to be towed away w/significant damage. This is one tough truck!

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  Very Happy Owner - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Zilya - October 26 - 3:56 pm

  Went to replace my 95 Quest to a new one and couldnÂ’t resist taking Armada out for a spin. WOW! Can not fully explain why, but an hour later I was an owner of a brand new SPV (not SUV). Almost a year and 12K mi later I still convinst that was a good buy. Please note that this is still a Nissan, not a Lexus. Some interior plastic parts will remind you of that. Gas mileage is what it probably should be for a V8, 5.6L. Overall, very happy with my first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

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  Godzilla has arrived - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By NissanMan70 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Look out, its GODZILLA and hes coming at you. Love the Armada, perfect name for this monster. Big as anything, but handles like a mid-size SUV. Interior quality not great and some ergonomic features weirdly placed at first but easy to get use to. Dont know what more can be offered in the Infiniti version QX.

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  A little advice - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By A little advice - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Do not have a DVD installed after market! Even though there is a flip down slot for the screen built in to the vehicle, the installers cant seem to install it properly so that the screen doesnt rattle around and can be opened at any position. I love the power of this vehicle and the roominess of the back seat. Little squeaks and noices began occuring soon after I bought the vehicle - very annoying for an expensive purchase.

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  moms cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By soccer mamma - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this suv! It holds all the kids I need to haul and their drinks!(and their attention with the dvd player!) The safety features are great, and they came standard, you didnt have to pay exrta for third row airbag safety- unlike some suvs in this class. The shape of this car is so neat looking, we get stopped everywhere we go with people asking how we like it. The gas mileage is low, but what did you expect when you buy a truck this big?

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By lbk2228 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Seems like a great car. Fun to drive and good features. The only draw back is the dealership, we got screwed on the deal - even after doing all of our homework. I guess that is our fault, but it leaves a bad taste in your mouth!