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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  Very nice truck for the money!!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By FLGardner - March 2 - 10:50 am

  Very nicely apportioned vehicle. Quite a bit less in price than the Infiniti QX56 with all the bells and whistles. Very well put together and comfortable. Spacious interior very well put together.

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  Great , wish the interior was better... - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wayyonder - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV for my famnily of 5...I just couldnt see myself in a minivan.... I did a lot of reasearch of this vehicle, it has somewhat paid off... I enjoy the standard safety features, not otherwise offered with its competors...

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  Nice car/truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Neneheinz - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I just got it but I love it. Great auto

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  Best car Ive owned Period - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By garrettb - February 23 - 10:33 am

  We just sold her, Annie was her name. The kids still ask after her. What a great car. Great power, huge interior, the kids dont even come close to kicking the back of your seat. We bought used with 50K miles and I sold this car with 90K on it and never put one nickel into it other than regular oil changes, oh yeah 1 battery and thats it. It always got 12 mpg unless on a real long trip. Got 16 once. I watched a friend with an Explorer- Junk and then a Tahoe, nice but not a good as this Nissan and not nearly as spacious.

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  armada 2006 - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By JLNRMRA - February 21 - 7:53 am

  Great vehicle. Is the perfect mix between elegance and sport. Its like the BMW; we all know its built for performance but shines for its elegance. Down side... gas/miles but if you use synthetic oil and go easy at take off youll get close to 300 miles/ tank which is not bad for the size of this engine (5.6L). The brake assist sistem is really awesome. I have two Seadoo GTX on a double trailer (1500 lb.) and you cant tell the difference.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By The Beast - February 20 - 4:06 pm

  Im not an SUV person. Ive always been a 2dr sports car man until I drove the 2006 Armada. Its the BOOM! It will blow away the average SUV and many other 2006 models without making the exhaust dual. (Duals are a waste of money and are very noisy. Be cool and pick up your babe in a nice and quiet Armada. If you need noise, go get a bike and clip on a few cards.

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  Hardcore - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By William - February 18 - 11:36 am

  I have owned nissans for years. I owned an 04 Armada and loved it. I purchased my 08 and love the new dash and interior. The new truck is a smoother ride than the 04, but I liked the stiffness of the 04 when it comes to hard cornering. The power lift gate is the bomb!!! I had 60K on my 04 without any major problems. Great improvement on the seat support.

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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Michelle Gilston - February 5 - 6:00 am

  Ive had my Armada for over a year now and absolutely love the look, the drive, and the performance! I have had a problem with a touchy check tire light since the cars delivery, comes on when driving on interstate after about 50 miles. Also drivers window rattles when about 1/4 of the way down, but I just turn up the volume on the awesome sound system, and it goes away. The only other thing is that the letters on the radio and steering controls are already starting to scratch off and its only been a year. I love my car - even the fill-up at the tank seems worth having a car that is safe, fun to drive, turns heads, holds my 2 kids/dogs/1 husband comfortably and is safe and reliable.

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  2004 Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By hobbitjjb - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehicle, handling and turning radius. Visibility is very good. We travel with 2 dogs and 2 chilren with room for everything and everybody

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By backflip - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Owned 8 months. 8K miles, 2nd set of brake pads, rotors resurfaced twice. Sunroof rattles, interior shaking. AC vents in front not adjustable. Constant pinging sound in engine at low speed, dealer cannot find problem. Appears all Nissans investment was made on exterior. Not a $40K vehicle.