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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  New 2007 purchase - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Rob - April 1 - 3:16 am

  Great truck! Only 2 complaints. Vanity mirror light not adjustable and cheap! 2nd thing is I have no light under the hood.

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  I like it! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Leona - March 31 - 11:40 pm

  The ride is smooth, the controls are easy, and wireless headphones for DVD is very convenient. I like the fact that you get more for your money when it comes to towing. The third row seat is roomy for children or shot people like me; maybe thats why I like it so much.

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  Love my 08 want a 2010 - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By RECHELLE - March 31 - 7:10 pm

  I love my 08 armada, went from a 06 Toyota 4-runner to the armada for more room, 3rd row seating, & better ride. Discovered that it drove a lot better by 100%. We had no children at the time of purchase but had 3 dogs. Great family vehicle for evacuations from Louisiana & vacations, dogs love it. Didnt buy extended warranty at time of purchase because wasnt sure if Id be satisfied & keep it past 3 years/36,000 mile warranty. Now after 2 years & 4 months & over 31,000 miles with now 4 dogs & 1st baby on the way any day now Im ready for a 2010 with extended warranty this time. We looked at the Yukon & Tahoe but the seats dont fold down into the floor to make the back completely even.

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  Amazing Car - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Adam - March 24 - 11:53 pm

  this car is totally amazing... we just bought it and it is amazing, it responds so quickly when you accelerate (compared to the 06 Isuzu Ascender i traded in, which is a GMC ENVOY LOOK-A-LIKE) the armadas style is amazing... the visibility and for me a 64ft guy... it makes me feel small which never happens. also the chrome detail are amazing even though i got the base model, the chrome makes it look so expensive, which it was but it is worth every penny. nissan did an amazing job on it.. everyone always stares at it.. it makes me feel good. and the Bose sound system is amazing

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  Exactly what I thought it would be!!! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Nate54SoCal - March 21 - 8:46 am

  After test driving about every medium and large SUV on the market, we purchased an Armada. We bought this off a lease return for about 50% of the original MSRP with less than 20K miles. We needed something that was roomy, family friendly, and just in case we needed it, could tow anything from a car to a boat. We were not disappointed. House on wheels is right. You can fold down the seats, fill up the back with whatever you need and tow. This SUV does it all. When considering this or a midsize SUV, we weighed a higher priced midsize SUV w/better gas mileage against the Armada. In a cost comparison over 5 yrs, the Armada was cheaper even with the gas mileage and it tow more.

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  Need room, Armada is the best! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BuyersHome - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Between the new Durango and the Armada, and for only a couple of thousand more I got much more room, safety features etc over the Durango. But what really clinched it was the spacious interior room, including the second and third row seating areas. I got the SE w/4WD, standard radio which is excellent, and the cloth interior with 2nd row bench which is much more versatile. I opted not to get the dvd or navigation, so I couldnt get the sunroof, but Ill add that for an extra grand in the Spring. Definitely a head turner, and a logical choice when given the options available!

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  big disappointment - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By loyal nissan owner - March 18 - 2:26 am

  traded my 02 suburban for 06 armada- big mistake-since 1st day armada vibrated @ 55 mph-"dealer fixed problem" then vibrates @ 80 mph dealer refuse to fix problem-"nothing wrong w/ car", so far had to replace window regulator X2-waiting for 2 more to be replace, had to fix air bag warning system @ 500 miles. going back to dealer to have a/c and front brakes service - (dual climate not working and not cooling during very warm days after 45 min of driving, and @ 7k mi front brakes making a lot o noise) Also car feels unstable on I-10 - wanders a lot even after 4 wheel alignment current cars-05 nissan altima, 78 nissan 280z, 90 nissan 300zx (2+2 & 2+0) previous car 79 280zx, 01 xterra, 90 sentra

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  Nothing Better - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Butch - March 11 - 11:23 am

  We shopped for the right SUV for over two years, looked at all of them. This vehicle provides the best of everything and ever-so-much of it too! Recognizing that were traveling in truly deluxe comfort with satelite guidance, Bose stereo, and a movie theater we consider the gas mileage to be excellent; would we accept better mileage? You bet, but this is what we expected. The agility and power of this big machine makes it well worth its price, all the goodies that come with it are iceing on the cake. I have always had buyers remorse after making such a big purchase, this time I dont. I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima with 230K + miles, Im expecting the same from this new Armada.

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  It was great...at first - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mwahlgren7 - March 11 - 4:28 am

  No doubt the Armada is cool. Step on the gas and it pounces forward, and it looks aggressive. All the pillars are annoyingly thick however. For the first 100000 miles we were pretty happy with it but at that point it kind of started to disintegrate. 6,000 dollars in one year on things that shouldnt go wrong like diffs and suspension components. Also, theres significant rust coming in around the rear wiper and the rear wheel arches. This is unacceptable on a 5 yr old car that is garaged every night. Every time weve used it to do real work, its broken. I like it but I sure wouldnt buy another.

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  DONT DO IT!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Stan H. - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our 2004 Armada in 10/03. Problems started @ 3K Miles. When braking @ highway & city speeds steering wheel would vibrate. Took Armada back to the dealership & they told us the front rotor were warped. They replaced the rotors and pads. At 6K & 10K miles the same thing happened. They replaced the rotors and pads each time (A total of 3 sets of rotors & 3sets of pads). Because of all the shaking in the truck from the brakes we have had all kinds of other issues (Alignment problem, rattling in all areas, squealing brakes). Currently 14,000 & problems are starting up. Save your money & the headaches DONT BUY THE ARMADA. Nissan nor dealership no help.