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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  cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mrbust92 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  it is a cool car and its fun to drive

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  MY ARNADA - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dawson - September 22 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE BEST SUV MADE BY NISSAN TODAY

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  Personal Experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BigDawg - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Big, Powerful, Roomy (I am 320 lbs @65") stylish, affordable, reliable, fun to drive, great service after sale, all the right bells and whistles, corners well and "feels the road." Worth looking at and test driving if you are in the $30,000 to $34,000 range and know you are buying from a reputable dealer. This bad boy is HOT and bigger that the Sequoya, Tahoe and Expedition but a littler smaller than the Surbaban. Check this one out. I did and bought it.

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  Incredible Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Scott O - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got my loaded Armada SE Off-Road 4WD and it is impressive. This is my fifth Nissan in 6 years and this is by far the most impressive. Performance is incredible. Comfort is amazing. While fuel economy is less than desireable, my supercharged XTerra got the same mileage and required premium.

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  the best SUV yet - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By carluvr - September 14 - 4:16 am

  We bought this Armada used in December 05 with only 11000mi on it and my dad and family took the truck to Yosemite in the winter three weeks after we got it and it worked wonders in the snow and its got the 2WD off road package....it has dusted every suv out there and returned 20+ mpg on the highway back from camping fully loaded....One problem is a rattle that happens once in a while by the drivers A-pillar...overall this rig is the best SUV we have owned or driven...

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  YEP - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Drinkmartinis - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Finally another foreign car in the big SUV market. Even with no options this vehicle is well equipped. Great leg room in the rear seat, my kid cant kick the front seats anymore (come to think of it I dont think Shaq can reach either). The ride is quiet but the SUV has tons of power. Comfortable cockpit with controls easy to find. If your looking for the new BIG SUV this is it. Cant wait for the first road trip!

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  CONCERNS - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By yvan - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this beautiful truck after owning a tahoe and a expedition, runs wonderful but i start it to have problems w/it since the winter in NY my driver side door wont close ,only in cold weather,my front brakes where gone in 3 months they replace it for free this time,at that time i discover a leak on the power sterring they fix it to,but my driver side door still got the problem NISSAN USA is involved and hopefully will fix once and for all.

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  THE BEST BY FAR - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ARMADA/LOVE IT - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS ONLY ONE WORD FOR IT EXCITEMENT, U HAVE TO HAVE DRIVEN ONE TO TO REALLY APPRICIATE THE VEHIHCLE,THE POWER WHEN U EXCELLARATE,THE COMFORTE OF THE LUMBAR SEAT,TO HAVE SO MUCH CONTROLL AT YOUR FINGER TIPS,NEVIGATION SCREEN ,ALLOWS YOU TO VIEW,TIRE PRESSURE,FUEL REMAINING BEFORE EMPTY,ETC. AND THE SOUND SYSTEM 10 SPEAKER BOSE 6 CD CHANGER,AND THE LOOK OF THIS VEHICLE REALLY CATCHES THE EYE,I COULD GO ON ,CONSIDERING I HAVE ALL THE BELLS AND WHISLES SUNROOF,DVD ETC. NISSAN U DID IT. THANKS

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  Armada Owners Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By happy client - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many SUVs including 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees and a Ford Excursion. This is definitely the nicest SUV Ive come across yet.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Hoppes11 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  We are now past the 1200 mile breakin phase and all seems to be fine. No major problems, I have heard one little rattle and the (internal only) antenna to the Bose stereo seems a little week. Our most recent fuela mileage was right at 14 in mostly in town driving. Our first road trip will be in about a month.