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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Power and Style all in one - 2005 Nissan Armada
By troy - February 26 - 12:33 pmCompared to my 03 Expedition the Armada is a far superior SUV. The interior is on par with others in its class. The interior is quiet at 80+ even with 22" wheels, the seats are comfortable and the fit and finish is very good. Kids love the DVD and theater seating. The Armadas trump card is its performance. This is FUN to drive. The acceleration is way above the competion. Steering feel is tight and suspension is perfect for its size. The 5 speed automatic always picks the right gear and should be great for towing. The rear camera available with nav system is perfect for tight areas, kids, and hooking up the trailer. Styling is bold and aggressive. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this SUV.
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Best Value In the Marketplace - 2004 Nissan Armada
By brokeragedirector - January 31 - 10:00 amEasily most truck for the money. More than enough power, awesome Bose stereo, and lots of room for all my stuff, the wife and the kids. Ive upgraded intake and exhaust and now get almost 350hp, def. something to do.
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Great large vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By wasi - January 31 - 10:00 amThis vehicle was compared to the Toyota Sequois, Lincoln Navigator and even the Hummer H2. The design, power, visibility and interior comfort make it the msot practical vehicle for a family with children. The vehicle is getting approximately 14 miles per gallon in the city. However, on the highway on the very first trip we got closer to 21. Overall, if you are looking for a larger vehicle that has comfort and fun fun to drive I would suggest the Nissan Armada!
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A stylish and tough tow vehicle - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Patrick McDaniel - January 25 - 4:33 amI needed a comfortable vehicle that could also pull my 30 ft, 7000 lb travel trailer. The Armada fulfills my every requirement. I added an aftermarket induction system and exhaust so have even more horsepower. I can tow easily at 70 mph and still achieve 13-15 mpg. The LE comes standard with transmission temp gauge and self-leveling suspension which works well for towing. I would have purchased the optional exterior trailer mirrors but I like the LEs power folding mirrors so well that I left them as is. The front rotors have been revised so front brake pad wear appears to be much improved over early models.
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AWESOME!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Richardo - January 24 - 10:00 amI love this vehicle. I have owned mine for about 7 months now and have enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing that I have had going on is that there seams to be some noticable squeeking when going ove rrough turain. Other than that it has been perfect.
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What a difference 6 months can make - 2004 Nissan Armada
By hawthfinan - January 24 - 10:00 amI purchased an Armada in December....one of the first produced, and liked the vehicle but was disappointed by build quality.ie squeeks, rattles, loose pieces fit and finish, and it just did not feel right. For a variety of reasons I trades it in on another one lasy week and the difference is night and day. Fit finish excellent, tight, no rattles and is a joy to drive. The navigation system is easy to use and a must and the DVD system is great on trips. I am thrilled with the second one and I attribe that to quality improvements at the plant and the Infiniti QX56 has come on line there snd they were forced to deal with quality issues. The second car is great
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Armada, Awesome, Magnificent, GREATEST - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Sandra K. Watson - January 24 - 10:00 amThe Armadie is GREAT overall. As I pass by the measley Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Toyota products, I wonder "What were they thinking?" The Armadie, with its robust and brute strength appearence, demands attention on the spot!!! I had to stop suddenly one day, on a wet road, it handles the best Ive ever driven. The safety is great! People go out of their way to look at this vehicle!!! I shine my nails while I drive!! I can fit almost anything inside it, while the 3rd seat lies flat. It tows wonderfully. Not one bad word could I say. I will own this vehicle for the rest of its days. I will not trade or sell for any other kind, unless it is just a newer Armada.
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Front rotar problems - 2005 Nissan Armada
By TWM - January 21 - 2:46 amI love this truck, but I am waiting for a kit to repair the problem with the front end rotars. I have had the car in three times in four months to have the rotars shaved. They are over heating and causing severe front end shaking. This is a problem in design, and Nissan is putting together a kit that they will install in late June. This has ruined the the joy of purchasing an otherwise great truck!
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owner/main driver - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Mary Priske - January 20 - 10:00 amWe have only had the Armada since July 2004, but really love it. Not only do the third row seats fold, but the second row seats and the passenger seat. We just used it to move, and had it loaded, with all seats down except the drivers seat and even hauled an extension ladder. Loaded it drove extremely well. At this point we really love it. The mpg is low, but you can expect that with all large vehicles. We also have a chevy one ton pickup whose gas mileage is much less. We pull a 34 l/2 fifth wheel with the pu.
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Armada is the Mack-Daddy - 2004 Nissan Armada
By flymike - January 20 - 10:00 amTraded 2001 Sequoia for the 2004 Armada. So far extremely happy with the decision. Armada has engine power galore [Sequoia underpowered at 4.8L V- 8 vs. Armadas 5.6L V-8]. Independent suspension makes for firm and sporty ride as compared to Sequoias softer Cadillac like ride. Guys will like the nice "growl" -real throaty exhaust sound. Interior a little more "trucky" than Sequoia-in look, feel and sound. This was a turn off at first but grew on me as I checked the vehicle out more thoroughly.
