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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  The Beast - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By The Beast - June 16 - 11:00 pm

  Traded in a f150 supercharged harley truck for this truck due to family size increasing. Was worried that I would miss all the horsepower that I had. Not so!! I love the power of my Armada and the stance. Had brake issues after about 15,000 (rotors too small on 1st year) dealer replaced with bigger rotors and we havent had any problems since. Only issue I really have is plastic center channel speaker cover on dash rattles and can get annoying. The gas mileage isnt the greatest but what do you expect with all that power and torque. I recently researched resale value and even with its superior options and bigger cabin the Armada still takes a backseat to the Sequio, which I think is wrong!

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  Living large and loving it! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Zoomnbyu - June 14 - 6:36 am

  We replaced an 03 Expedition. We went with the Nissan because we could get it equipped pretty much exactly the way we wanted it. Almost a thousand miles later we have really fallen for this truck. A few quibbles so far would be only a couple of interior fit issues and a booming noise in gear at idle. I would complain about the gas mileage, but that would be pointless! You get what you get in MPG when you buy a behemoth like this (I rated comparable economy). With three kids, frequent family trips and a boat that gets used nearly every weekend in the summer this quickly becomes the ultimate family vehicle!!!

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  Still great after 8,500 - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ARM - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my armada. It is gigantic but my girlfriend who is very short has no problem driving it because of the adjustable pedals. That said, the rotors warped after about 2500 miles but nissan replaced for free in less than 3 hours.- Seems like it might be a common problem but 6000 mi later the new brakes are still OK. Overall the car is great. I had a ford explorer before and surprisingly the armada gets better milage with a bigger engine and more power.

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  Update - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Mike - June 5 - 1:40 pm

  After more ownership, things just get worse. Poor build quality: more things keep falling off/apart. Intermittent failures such as door sensors claiming that a door is ajar when it isnt. Climate controls are AWFUL! Blows 110 degree hot air even down to 65 F setting on the display and the next notch below (60F) blows cold air with NO heat! Impossible to get comfortable. Have to press the seat 1/2 memory buttons with about 50 pounds of force to get them to activate. Many other nit picks. Our worst vehicle by far, and weve owned more than a half dozen SUVs over time!

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  Front Brakes Suck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jay Veenis - May 26 - 8:53 am

  After only 20,000 miles the front rotors have been turned down twice. The front braking system was replaced once and it appears that it will require more attention at 26,000 miles. There seems to be 4 - 5 thousand miles between brake repairs. The rotors become warped and either require machining or replacement. It appears that the brakes are undersized. The same braking system is used on the Titan, which has a similar record.

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  Best Large Size SUV On The Market!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By coconutz - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This SUV handles like a sports car. It has massive power and pick-up is amazing. If you like a truck to drive like a truck then this is NOT the truck for you. It feels and drives like a car, but the sound of the engine is intimidating, tough. This truck, both inside and out, pushes the SUV to a new level.

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  Bigger and Better - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Man-e - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Best suv I have had,and I have had many its beefy, stylish, and commanding

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  good suv, but........ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By sean williams - April 26 - 7:36 pm

  the armada has been a wonderful suv for me. the performance is great. there are some flaws in the brake rotors. also the interior overhead console was poorly designed - the plastic rattles.

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  Great looking SUV, questionable quality - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By J Leon - April 7 - 12:39 am

  I 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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  Love our Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Adam - April 3 - 9:40 pm

  The car is comfortable and fun to drive. The safety features are wonderful. I feel very safe driving my family in it. The gas mileage is terrible, but the car itself makes up. Hopefully the gas prices will come down SOON. Love it.