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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  my armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By atlfalconer - May 18 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is a giant. It is fun to drive, gereat for the family and well worth the money. Its too bad it took this long for Nissan to realize it could compete in this market. They deserve more market share than they have. I love it.

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  Mixed - 2012 Nissan Armada
  By prmama40 - May 5 - 5:33 am

  I have had my Armada now for a few months now. I suffer from back and hip problems, so comfort was a big deciding factor for me. I love it, it is comfortable and super spacious. The only complaint I have is that the voice recognition is not very accurate. It can be frustrating at times trying to get it to recognize street names and cities. Since I now have 2 back surgeries, the automatic 3rd row buttons are great as tail gate button. My second complaint is the GAS milage, wait the lack of it!! Its killing me....

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  Great SUV - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By julian - May 2 - 3:00 am

  This is my second 07 Armada. We had an accident with our first one, we got t-boned by an RV. The Armada held up excellent, even so it was later declared a total loss, it got us 40 miles to the next town. It kept all of us safe, even so the frame got damaged. After the loss we went and bought the same truck again. We also have a 9000 lbs trailer which we tow without any problems. I did not notice any of the brake problems a lot of people refer to. I stop that truck out of 60 mph with trailer safe and sound in a heartbeat. I love my Armada, wish so they would provide a diesel engine as alternative.

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  Cool Truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By steve - May 1 - 5:23 pm

  Its a very cool truck. It handles well and has some real get up and go. The only downfall I can think of is the gas this thing takes. I suppose overall though, theres not another large SUV I would want or trust.

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  15,000 Miles in 6 months - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Joe Hill - April 12 - 3:40 pm

  I love ny Armada. I was first hesitant about buying the Armada when I read your reviews about the brakes on the 2004 model. Most dealers I talked to indicated that the brake problem had been solved. After reading the negative reviews from 2004 I noticed that Nissan was buying back Armadas from unsatisfied customers. This is what relaxed my fears and pushed me to get the product I really wanted. I have driven the SUV from my home in Navarre Florida to Delware, Texas, and Orlando. I have experienced no problems. I did not even notice brake dust build up on those long trips. The gas milage was not a suprise, but I have been geting close to 18 MPH on the interstate.

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  Excellent vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By IIIJFULLER - April 8 - 6:40 am

  This is my first SUV and I now have 3265 miles on it. Its fun to drive and handles quite well for a vehicle of this size. Gas mileage is 13.7 city and 17.9 hwy. Im using 87 octane fuel and have no problems with this grade. The pick-up is great and it seems connected to the pavement when taking turns at speed. Handled very well in snow and automatic 4x4 drive. I use automatic 4x4 on wet roads and it tracks well. Im a big person (360 lbs) and fit well in the drivers seat. The leather seat is quite comfortable but a tight fit with the arm rest down. The headlight and wiper controls are too close to the steering wheel and should be relocated. I constantly hit them when I do not want.

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  The Big Boy - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Bob - April 7 - 1:33 pm

  This SUV is fun to drive and has so much space in it your legs dont hit the seat in front of you. Take this from a guy 62". The boys went out the other night and five of us sat in the first two rows with no problems.

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  Has fit the bill - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Mike - March 25 - 4:33 pm

  I was incented to buy the Armada a year and a half ago because of its 1) class-leading legroom, 2) my positive experience with Nissan SUVs in the past decade, and 3) it is built in the US (Mississippi). Have had no problems with it. The mileage is awful but I have a very small commute and dont put alot of miles on it, so its not a crusher. And we take a few driving family vacations a year that this is an absolute treat to travel in. Highly recommended!

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  excellent - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Rod Hill - March 8 - 11:40 pm

  When driving the Armada, heads are turning and just about everyone says that it is their dream car. The only weak point was the recall on the brake pads, otherwise the Armada is the best SUV on the road today.

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  Love it other than the Front Brakes - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Chris - March 3 - 11:50 am

  At only 2,700 miles the Front Brakes need an overhaul. It is sad that this is such a common problem for such an awesome SUV. Tons of power and very smooth Trany. Consumer Reports complained about Engine and exhaust noise, get a clue, its a V8 SUV. It happens to be one of my favorite things about the Armada, the deep exhaust and powerful sounding engine. We have four boys, and they love the room and especially the BOSE DVD system, it ROCKS!!! Almost bought a Toyota Sequoia based on their their awesome track record. They were more $ and under-powered. Nissan has built a great SUV other than a few little rattles and their one big problem, the brakes.