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 looking SUV, questionable quality - 2017 Nissan Armada
By J Leon - April 7 - 12:39 amI evaluated a Yukon Denali and couldnt justify the 14K extra that was going to cost. I have bought GM products in the past and have not been pleased with the fit and finish, trim pieces falling off, leaks, electronics that stop working, etc. I am towing a trailer so need maximum towing capacity, so Armada seemed like the right choice. I liked the look and interior of the Armada. After having driven for a while there has been some issues. The interior lighting had a broken ground wire, the radio keep rebooting itself, the transmission kept losing power under acceleration. The last two required a software update from the dealer so remains to be seen whether I will encounter the issue again. The dealer has been good, but a car that is nearly $60K should not have issues like this.
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big disappointment - 2006 Nissan Armada
By loyal nissan owner - March 18 - 2:26 amtraded my 02 suburban for 06 armada- big mistake-since 1st day armada vibrated @ 55 mph-"dealer fixed problem" then vibrates @ 80 mph dealer refuse to fix problem-"nothing wrong w/ car", so far had to replace window regulator X2-waiting for 2 more to be replace, had to fix air bag warning system @ 500 miles. going back to dealer to have a/c and front brakes service - (dual climate not working and not cooling during very warm days after 45 min of driving, and @ 7k mi front brakes making a lot o noise) Also car feels unstable on I-10 - wanders a lot even after 4 wheel alignment current cars-05 nissan altima, 78 nissan 280z, 90 nissan 300zx (2+2 & 2+0) previous car 79 280zx, 01 xterra, 90 sentra
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DONT DO IT!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Stan H. - March 3 - 10:00 amPurchased our 2004 Armada in 10/03. Problems started @ 3K Miles. When braking @ highway & city speeds steering wheel would vibrate. Took Armada back to the dealership & they told us the front rotor were warped. They replaced the rotors and pads. At 6K & 10K miles the same thing happened. They replaced the rotors and pads each time (A total of 3 sets of rotors & 3sets of pads). Because of all the shaking in the truck from the brakes we have had all kinds of other issues (Alignment problem, rattling in all areas, squealing brakes). Currently 14,000 & problems are starting up. Save your money & the headaches DONT BUY THE ARMADA. Nissan nor dealership no help.
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Awww!!!! Man!!! Another Mistake - 2005 Nissan Armada
By BJ - September 30 - 9:33 amI cannot stress to you about how much my 05 Armada has been giving me problems. I have to take it to the dealer every couple of weeks to get something fixed. From the A/C to the automatic tailgate. The A/C wouldnt give out cold air. It takes about 15- 20 minutes for it to get going. The steering wheel vibrates when you go 55 mph or more. The DVD system would not play the DVDs. The front headlights got water stuck inside of them because they were not installed correctly. The CD player would not eject my CDs. I went to the grocery store and I had a whole bunch of foods for Thanksgiving and the tailgate would not open. You could not manually open it or even open it with the remote.
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This year is should have been skipped - 2004 Nissan Armada
By eganrac - June 21 - 3:19 amIll start off by saying that I absolutely ADORE my armada. Its an awesome, beautiful, powerful, comfortable vehicle that I enjoy getting in every time. That being said, the 2004 model is an absolute failure when it comes to reliability. I have had a magnitude of issues with this car since about 6 months after I purchased it. Here are my problems and my actions The 06 model would be your best choice as i have heard of limited problems with this.
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Poor Braking Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By J.Howard - June 19 - 9:53 amI purchased the Armada New in Nov of 2004. I have had the vehicle at the dealer 4 times for brake issues, 1st time a 7000 miles, 2nd 11,000, 3rd 20,000, 4th 36,000. Brakes still do not function properly, pedal depresses to floor to come to complete stop. Nissan tells me brakes are "within stardards" Very frustrating having a 7,000lb SUV not stopping. Sun Roof switch replaced 2 Xs. Temp/direction in mirror still acting up. Car is now shaking at higher HYwy speeds. SUV is very roomy and fun to drive but, I do not like to take a NEW SUV in for work every 6 months. Very Poor Reliability. Nissan Should have fixed the problems before they sold the Car. I may never by another Nissan again.
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Armada lemon???? - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Brian jones - April 4 - 4:50 pmThe idea of owning an Armada is great, the power, comfort etc.... Its not until you own one and have to constantly take it back to the dealership for computer issues. Its like Christmas all year, your dash lights up like christmas tree. In additional to systems issues the brakes need lots of work. AS soon as you hit 10k you will feel a vibration like no other, and it has happen to two other that I know. They warned me and I snickered and now as you can tell I wish I would have went with Toyota.
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Good but not great SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Rick in ATL - December 30 - 3:53 amLots of rattles and air leaks keep this good SUV from being great. Great powertrain and sound system, smooth ride and comfort. Poor dealer service.
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Needs improvements - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Sherry - September 15 - 5:23 pmI do like the size of my Armada. However, I think that it should be made of better materials in the interior. It should not be squeaky at 9100 miles. It has rattles in it already.
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Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By MIKE - May 6 - 7:53 pmWorst Vehicle Ive ever owned. Rattles like a "tin can". Front window/door panel rattles all the time. Dealer supposedly fixed problem but still rattles, drives me crazy! Had the brakes fail on me when approaching a stop light. Something to do with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) module. Nissan has known about this problem and still no recall? A/C doesnt blow cold even though their is enough freon in the system. Takes up to 30-40 minutes before blowing cool, not cold. Have had two fuel injectors replaced before 40,000 miles, thankfully it was covered under my extended warranty. All in all this vehicle was poorly engineered. Would not recommend to anyone. Buy Chev. Tahoe instead!
