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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15 days is too long to wait for a part - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Cayman owner - April 3 - 5:30 pmFaulty gas gauge. Vehicle returned for warrranty repair and remained un-usable for more than 15 days while we waited for Nissan North America to source a replacement part. Never again.
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Armada 2004 - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Greg Navalance - March 28 - 10:00 amThe 3 row AC vent on the ceiling broke because something hit it however it was easy to fix. Front seats are a bit hard. The Nav system is a bit cumbersome, I like Onstar better.
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Wanted One Forever - 2010 Nissan Armada
By Karen - March 27 - 11:56 amI have been looking at the Armada for some time but could never find the right one. The guilt of paying so much was hard to take also. Finally our local dealership got the perfect one I had been waiting for. Sticker $52,250. I got it out the door for $44,000 (tax, tag, title, extended warranty). I love it and have no regrets. I am only 52" and was concerned it would be big for me but I feel perfectly at home driving it. I have not curb checked once! The memory seating is great also. Now I dont fuss about my husband resetting everything.
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Love It! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By KGreen - March 25 - 1:00 amWe bought the Armada used and was very please with its condition. Its pickup is awesome and I love the space it provides for my large family.
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Couldnt be more happy! - 2010 Nissan Armada
By Armada Owner - March 22 - 2:30 amThe Armada has met our needs and surpassed them. It provides everything our growing family needs; space, comfort and reliability. The MPG is what we expected; we bought a large SUV knowing the gas mileage would not be excellent. Price you pay for a large SUV.
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The Platinum is not worth the $$$ - 2010 Nissan Armada
By Art C. - March 18 - 12:23 amI 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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Solidly built, yet handles like mini SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
By ScottA - March 17 - 9:46 amThe Armada is a solidly built vehicle that handles very well on the road. The steering is very responsive and the acceleration at 305hp is incredible. The sleek styling is not boxy, attractively styled for a large SUV, and we receive compliments and questions about our vehicle often as it turns heads.
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best full size suv i have drove - 2004 Nissan Armada
By bre - March 8 - 2:00 amthe pathfinder armada is wonderful you have a lot of space because the seats fold completly in the floor and my kids love the dvd and the power lift gate is great. also with its 305 horsepower gives it a lot of power and it has a smooth drive i just love it.
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Buy anything but this vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By mc - March 5 - 8:46 amThis 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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Poor Design/Quality - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Tom - March 3 - 2:40 pmI have had nothing but problems with my Armada since I purchased it new back in July. The two front doors rattle and move around over even the slightest bump. The dealer/manufacturer states that this is a characteristic of their $40K plus flagship vehicle. I have had the vehicle in for service too many times for creaks and rattles only to have the problems return. Stay away from this vehicle, its poorly designed and of very poor quality.
