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 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sah - July 5 - 2:53 pm

  Have owned this car since new, continue to keep this while trading/leasing others. The size, ride and functionality are incomparable and we have had minimal problems with a first year model. Highly recommend this vehicle to those considering. Do your homework. The brake concerns are to be expected for a large, heavy SUV that gets traditional auto miles. We have 65k miles and are going in for our second brake job... the first was covered. 2nd set of tires are in great shape. Compare to a Suburban/Expedition by taking a drive test... it is a hands down winner.

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  Fairly Satisifed Armada Owner - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By krlchw - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Owned the Armada since Feb. 2004 and bought it for its towing capacity. We are towing a boat and it tows great. Problem is loud squealing brakes when they are warm. So far dealer cannot fix - says squealing is normal - I dont think so. Interior quality not up to par - 3 out of 4 window units had to be replaced. Console rattles and were still waiting for a replacement since August.

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  great SUV- horrible Service Dept @Dlrshp - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By robert - May 22 - 7:06 pm

  I have a Sequoia and just bought a new Armada. I really like this SUV. I think it rides slightly better than the Sequoia. Very comfortable and roomy. Unfortunately I have had to deal with a couple of warranty issues already. I ve owned it for only 2 weeks and I am already absolutely DISGUSTED with the Dealership and their maintenance department. It takes 2 appointments to balance a wheen properly. They have still not been able to order the right part or figure out what they are going to do to fix my A/C fan. I would give the SUV a thumbs up and give the Dealerships service Department a huge Zero (even a thumbs down would be giving them too much credit).

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  Be Careful - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By John - May 15 - 10:30 pm

  This vehicle has serious brake issues! I have an 2005 model and at 2000 miles of city driving, the wheel and pedal started to vibrate. Now with 3000 it is so bad it is embarassing to drive with friends. Nissan was just "turning" the rotors but now have developed a new brake kit however the dealers in my area are clueless when the will get the upgrade. Make sure you get an upgrade before you buy!!!!!!!!! P.S. nissan says this upgrade will work...only time will tell.

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Funky - April 27 - 10:03 pm

  This SUV is large and modern, it has good road presence and feels safe and dependable. I opted for the car for safety and thought it may have better residual values than many of the dated looking SUV competition. It is a nice package with some great features. I like the modern exterior styling, safety features and the refinement of the ride. The engine growls when pushed a little I would just prefer it kept quiet. I do not like the seats, I find the drivers seat uncomfortable despite electric adjustment. Visability can be poor due to the large pillars front and rear. I like this car but I dont love it - it feels functional as Nissans usually do but also lackluster and bland.

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  Armada 2006 - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Mohamed Almarzouqi - April 18 - 11:53 am

  it is a nice car but if they can work on the exterior design (rear door handl & roof shap, bigger size wheel, bigger hood "the engine is squeezed in, back roor flat, tire to be held on back instead of underneath,..etc).

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  Great but must like big things - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By hapieone1 - March 23 - 7:13 am

  We purchased this suv in July and traded in my Acura TL since it was too small for our growing family. My only conflict with this Armada is that it is not the Acura. I miss my car, but it is a great SUV !

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  The Big Bad Boy!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Spike-in-SD - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The power of the Armada is only matched by it interior room. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Great towing capacity, terrible gas mileage (what do you expect!). I love drag racing the other SUVs!

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  Tough truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mark - March 5 - 8:00 pm

  I have 120k miles on an 04 Off-Road, and there has only been the brake rotor problem, which Nissan took care of, eventually. I routinely tow 8500 lbs. with it and haul about 500 lbs of tools always, and the truck has held up really well. Better than my previous 2 Expeditions on all accounts, especially comfort & handling.

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  noisey sunroof - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By kevin+carmen - January 14 - 6:23 pm

  This a fun ride with plenty of power performs very well in interstate trafic . The sunroof is anouther story, It sounds like you have a window cracked open. we took it back and had a wind deflector installed a the dealer an it helped a very little.If i was going to buy anouther Amarda LE 4+4. I would not get it with a sunroof.the climate control doesent seem to work right either, and the mirrors hav blind spots this could han been easly fixed at the plant, the trucks have the right mirrors.