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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  Great Value - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By wcoates - August 13 - 5:11 pm

  I was originally looking at a Sequoia but couldnt resist looking at the Armada because of the price. Ive put 10K miles on this truck so far and am quite impressed with it. The only issue Ive had so far is with steering wheel audio controls not working all the time. Gas mileage could be a little better, as compared to other SUVs in its class, but not a deal breaker for me. Leg room is pretty impressive. Overall I do not regret buying this truck. I love the way it drives and traction control does a pretty good job of minimizing tire slip. I will definitely consider another Armada later down the road.

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  The Nissan Ive Been Waiting For - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Steve - July 24 - 5:03 pm

  I traded my 2002 Tahoe 5.3L. What a difference! Not only is the fit and finish far superior, the Armada is also roomier, faster and more powerful. I love blowing by those weak SUVs on the uphill grades of Californias freeways as they struggle to make the grade! I realize the unfortunate trade off is gas mileage. This thing guzzle fuel like crazy. Im guessing that Nissan will release the hybrid version in 2008, one model year after the Tahoe 07 hybrid. Ill giveem a year to work out the bugs and come back for my 2009 Armada hybrid.

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  2008 Armada LE - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Chris - July 6 - 2:36 pm

  Just picked up my loaded 08 Armada in smoke color and we love it. I have all the bells and whistles and it all comes together really nicely. Nav works great. Traded in an 05 Pathfinder and it was an easy tranistion into the Armada. Shop around as they are offering great incentives to buy the Armada.

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  Love it and options! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By mack - June 23 - 11:40 pm

  LE 4X2 loaded! Love it! Spacious, nice interior, lots of power (if you need it) Just like a Q56, just $16,000 cheaper! Captains seats, DVD, NAV with touch screen, CF and Music box with XM. Power rear tailgate and power 3rd row! Sporty, and nice interior styling.

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  I Love My Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Donna - June 14 - 8:06 am

  I have wanted the Armada since it came out. When I drove it off the lot I was very happy. The ride is very smooth and handles beautifuly. I am very impressed with the Armada. I have gotten many compliments since my purchase. There is so much room for my kids. Since we are in the military this will make travel experiences very nice. I like how all the seats fold completely flat to make a straight floor. We used at the drive in and we were able to make a full size bed out of it. Very nice!!! I love this SUV. Who needs over priced SUVs when you can have style, comfort, safty all in one, in Nissan THank you Donna

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  The best SUV I have ever had - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By ARBAMINCH - June 13 - 2:46 am

  I traded my 2006 Pathfinder for this 2007 Armada LE. We need a car that can make our trip with two kids fun and ARMADA is more than what we expected. The car came with navigation, sunroof and XM radio but no DVD and that is the only thing we had to add aftermarket which cost us $1,500. Nissan really did a superb job with this car.

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  Fantastic addition to anyones garage - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By chrispa - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will surely steal large sales from even the best of the domestic full size suvs. It has a phenominal engine, fantastic ride, and a great interior size. I compared to every other domestic (expedition, tahoe, sequoia ect..) and nothing matched the armada in any catagory. GREAT BUY!!

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  Nice Secret - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Happy Camper - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Update from my July 2007 review. We bought this in 12/2005. Now has 90,000 miles, and it still drives great. Wife doesnt want anything else. Still very solid, drives great, and no significant problems. We can afford a new one, but there is no need yet. Still load it down for vacations with 6 people and luggage carrier. Driven through blizzards, pulled trailers, and its still wifes daily driver. Great truck! She will want a new one eventually, and I will probably keep this one for a work/ranch truck.

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  worth it - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By charles - June 6 - 4:00 am

  wanted something roomy and this is it. has technology package with gps and its worth every penny for never having to stop for directions again. xm sounds great over the bose system. back up camera is awesome and a great safety feature. my son loves the dvd put in ps2 for him - where was all this when i was little?? we live in big bear and this handles great in the snow no more chains.... average is about 16 mpg not bad for what you get im very satisfied with the purhase.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wildoak - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Murano/s last year, and am soo glad I waited until this year, the second I saw it in the dealership, I was hooked. And i researched it, and all the others online for quite awile. And then I went out and drove it, and that was it, it took a little more time, But I wanted to wait to get what I wanted, and I am handicapped, and it is very friendly and comfortable for me. And it tows a camper with no trouble.