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 Truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By edmercedes - May 25 - 3:10 pm

  Love the space, great improvement from the 04 ride, not as bumpy, a more plush drive. Still drives like an SUV but does not rattle as much as the earlier models. Great improvements on the panels and quality of materials. Being a previous owner of the 04 and 05 models I can assure you this is a great improvement. Love the ride. Love my truck!

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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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  Few annoying items - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Pambi714 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the power, however we are getting a fluttering sound in the interior at certain speeds that sounds like air pressure. It stops if you crack open a window slightly. Also what really bothers me is at 3000 miles the brake rotors had to be cut because a pulsating pedal, and now at 6000 miles we are having problems again-I want the rotors replaced and not cut again-I believe they are defective and do not want to have to replace them at my cost.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Yee-Haa - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For me, it was between the Durango and the Armada...with the Durango being top dog for 6 months before...that was until I test drove both! No comparison, the Armada had it beat in spaciousness and interior styling. I was a little reluctant to go for a full- size SUV after owning a Blazer, but this is great!

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  Best In Class SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rszkodzi - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This has to be the best Large Class SUV on the road today. I drove all SUVs in this class, except the Range Rover (Price), and Hummer (Not Enough Luxuries), and this beat them all. The drive is like my old Explorer Limited. Very car like feel, no boat like lean in turns. The on board computers do a phenominal job of traction control and the Auto setting for the selectable 4WD makes you feel like your glued to the road. The best selling point for me was the fold down seats. Perfectly Flat.

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  Raising the Bar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mr.E - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Three days/three hundred fifty miles and its exceeded expectations thus far. I purchased the leather even though the reviews were not favorable. I find the seats both supportive and comfortable. I did find a small screw pushing out from the side of the seat when I purchased. This was a little unnerving but I tested the seat thoroughly and have not had a problem. Gas mileage is what I expected. The steering wheel mounted controls/wireless headsets for the stereo and DVD have made driving more pleasant. Both family and friends have been impressed with the amount of room in the 2nd row. Acceleration and braking exceeded my high expectations.

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  No Regrets! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Julie P - April 26 - 5:06 pm

  Enjoy it so much that I probably will buy it again once its time for a new car. It feels like a big workhorse to drive, but it is a big vehicle. Pulls boats like they are not even there. Fuel economy is not great, but comparable to other similar SUVs. Flawless dependability. Ive had mine for 2-1/2 years without any maintenance issues... none.

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  What is that noise? - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By rando - April 18 - 7:53 pm

  I love this suv. Ive been a loyal Nissan owner for many years now, but the armada has a couple issues. 1. When you hit a bump while turning the wheel wants to over steer, making the vehicle unstable momentarily. 2. When it is windy and there is a slight cross wind (over 20 mph) the wind comes through the door seal opposite from where the wind is coming. (dealer does not believe us no matter how many print outs of similar problems we bring in). This last trip we went on it was windy and raining and we had water dripping inside the cab. 3. Sunroof vibrates from time to time. They cant find it. 4. Interior plastic scratches way too easy

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  wonderful musclecar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Todd Chamlee - April 13 - 2:00 am

  The armada is a super vehicle from setting you back in your seat on takeoff, to handling curves similar to a sportcar.The features are also awesome from heated seats to automatic hatch to backup sensors.Overall one sweet SUV!

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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.