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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  At last a reliable, big SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Sauerbrey - October 15 - 3:56 am

  Great reliability. Owned Fords for years, but gave up on them due to customer service/reliablity issues. Couldnt be happier with my choice. This rig is bombproof, tows my trailer like its not there, good off-road capability. It just works!!

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  Best car ever purchased - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Henry Oliva - October 15 - 1:50 am

  I have had a very good experience with this vehicle. I would recommend the Armada to anyone. It is fun to drive and everywhere I go I get complimented on my Armada. I am a big guy and the space is incredible, I have never been in an suv with so much leg and arm room. My father is now thinking of purchasing one of his own. He says it looks sleek and very luxurios. If you are in the market for a suv, I give the Armada 2 thumbs up.

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  Unique SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Kingsley A. Antwi - October 14 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased this SUV in August 2006, after shipping my old pathfinder abroad. The body style is unique among all the SUV brands. It has a lot of leg room, good entertainment system and numerous storage places as compared to its competitors. It drives beautiful and stable on highway. It took me half tank from Pembroke Pines to Orlando within 3 hours, pretty good on gas on highway driving. I wont trade in for any other model because of its unique body.

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  Horrible Owner Experience - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Len Burton - October 1 - 12:27 pm

  I purchased my 2017 Nissan Armada in September and it has been in the shop for multiple issues. I bought my Platinum Armada thinking i wouldnt have any issues for a long time to come. Well that was farther from the truth..... The issues started the day I took it home and its currently in the repair shop for 12 days now for a total of 3 trips now. Im wondering if I made the wrong decision in buying a model in its first year on the market... because it has been in the shop for 23 out of the 40 days since the day I brought it home. I have been a loyal customer to the Nissan Brand for many years. I never thought that I would be writing a review about how unhappy I am with my Nissan Armada. Its just painful when you make a purchase of this magnitude and spend your hard earned money for a product that turns out to be a NIGHTMARE. Im not sure how this story will end but its already taken a toll on me. If I had to do it all over again I would have waited another year before buying the Nissan Armada. I have to say its looks nice with all the bells and whistles. When you cant drive your new vehicle without issues all of that goes out the window. Well I will have to wait to see how this all plays out and do a follow up to this review after I get my vehicle back. So stay tuned for part 2 of my saga!!!

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  Best SUV in its class - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Donony - September 28 - 6:16 pm

  The Armada is exceptional to say the least. I compared it to the Yukon Denali. After driving both, it was a "no-brainer". The Armada wins! I love the style, the engine is very quiet and the Bose sound system is a plus as well. If youre looking for an SUV with a lot of "bang for not a lot of money" then this is a great buy.

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  The BEST Full Size SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By SacMada - September 27 - 1:06 pm

  Researched full size SUVs for 2 yrs and the hands down winner is the Armada. Great engine power & drivetrain that is silky smooth. Plenty of towing power with 317hp & AWD function. Very nice cabin touches with up to date technology & styling. The ride is stable and feels safe to haul family & friends. This SUV just looks so right coming down the road. Armada - Just what a full size SUV should be!

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  Happy but some issues - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By HappyG - September 25 - 9:56 pm

  Had some problems with the brakes, had to take it for service 2 times. Fuel economy could be much much better but for a big V8 should be expected. Some noise in the back but once again SUV, should be expected. Overall I would say a good solid SUV. Ton of room for a large family. Navigation is great. Cargo room is very convinient. Power liftgate helps. SVT is a great feature to have, keeps the truck on the ground. Had the truck since February, goes through snow like knife through butter.

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  Yukon/Tahoe Fighter!? - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By murphy1213 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Nissan could have done a better job of marketing this vehichle. All of the Armadas competition has some sort of financing incentive, it is hard to justify spending the amount of money on this vehicle when you could get a yukon with zero percent financing and similar equipment. The main reasons I bought the Armada over the Yukon; First reason was the safety features that it has over the yukon. The roll over protection is a big deal that none of the competition offers. Second; fold flat third row seating, there is way too much wasted space in the yukon and it is near impossible to get into the third row. Finally engine and transmission.

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  Not To Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Bummed in AL - September 9 - 11:46 am

  Since we bought it 3 1/2 months ago, I have had the tires balanced 5 times, the vehicle still vibrates, the rear view mirrors shake, (which I am told that this is the way it is and cannot be fixed), there is a rattle that I cannot quite place where it is coming from, the transmission fluid has leaked, and I feel that the third seat should be able to push forward to give more room behind it. There is little room for instruments, backpacks, and such, so if you have to fold down the third seat, then you loose the room for 3 people.

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  I love it!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Lichee - September 8 - 7:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after trading my Infiniti SUV, although a little skeptical, I was instantly impressed. I have been driving it for almost 2 years, I dont hear a rattle. There was a recall issue with the brakes, dealership repaired n/c, no problem. More recently DVD system compartment rattle was also repaired and replaced by dealer. Comfortable seating for extra large adults. Roomy and attractive.