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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  z review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By szareck - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The growl of the engine is exciting, gives a tough feel plenty of room Vehicle size makes you feel like you own the road very smooth ride for a large vehicle The vehicle could use some more optional upgrades

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  Love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By 92TripleBlack - November 17 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Armada. I have put it through the paces, carrying 9 adults, long road trips, boat launches, mild off road, etc. Never been anything but reliable & fast;faster than my friends BMW, Acura MDX, & Hemi Jeep GC. In sum, best of the field. Compared it to Denali, Navigator, Escalade, H2, Expedition, LX 470 & Sequoia. Wouldnt trade for any listed even if you included $10K cash. First 3 have many problems including bad head gaskets, brake issues, etc. Ford/Lincoln is a dog for performance & not as comfortable. Like the Tundra vs. Titan/F150, Sequoia/LX470 are Mid-size, not full size SUVs. Slower, low tow ratings, old design, 15% smaller, & grouped w/Durango, Merc, Explorer & Jeep GC.

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  Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Hvy Dee - November 1 - 4:03 pm

  I had a 03 expedition and it had numerous problems. I traded for the Beast about one year ago. I am very happy I did, the beast is fun to drive and pulls a 7800# boat much better. Over all I feel it is a better vehicle.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By NISSAN FAN - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE SMOOTH RIDE AND THE BENEFIT OF THE VERSATILITY OF THE SIZE AND THE FOLDING SEATS. A LOT OF POWER. UNBEILEIVABLE.

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  These are undervalued SUVs! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Rob - October 30 - 7:23 pm

  This is one of the best SUVs out there for the amount of towing capacity, options, style, performance, etc. I took mine across country with a family of 6 and all of us were very comfortable and our luggage fit easily in the back. It performed as well or better than any of the larger SUVs and better than any of the comparable or smaller sized SUVs. AWESOME!

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  Awsome - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By cnikk - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Looked for a tech package for over a month and finally found one. The NAV is awsome. Without a question, its the best SUV i have ever owned.

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  my 2004 beast - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Albert Chrost - October 24 - 1:06 pm

  I always feel funny vibration in the whhels, not the smoothest ride as I would like to have for vehicle over $40K. Also both front doors have strange clicking noise. Cant get rid of it. Its annoying!!! have only 2000 miles on it. During first service will make a list for correction. The car is hard to wash - even Embassy car Wash cant do it well; too many edges around the bumpers.

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  2017 Nissan Armada is EVERYTHING! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Poisoniv - October 19 - 10:05 pm

  As much as I hated the old Armada, I love this new one!! This is the only SUV my husband and I could agree on and I love it. The entire vehicle almost exactly mirrors the Infiniy, for 20k less. The only "con" I can mention is that it sucks gas like crazy.....but at this size, they all do.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Armada - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Real nice SUV, My friends have the GMC and Ford Full side SUV and they wish they had an ARMADA

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  wait until the 2005 comes out - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By chasmanz28 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  had a very bad resonance issue with my armada, tried 2 times to get it fixed and still had the problem, overall i think its a great idea from nissan just needs to get all the bugs worked out, the best thing about this suv is the drivetrain, unmatched if you ask me, thats what ill miss the most