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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  Monster SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Alberto - January 4 - 3:20 pm

  Trouble free for right now. Very impressive when towing, since it has rear air system with the tow package that absorb any trailer jumping. Driving carefully I get about 15 miles a gallon in the city and as much as 21 in the hwy driving with cruise control at 75. Remember that the Armada has a 5 speed transmission that will keep the vehicle RPM lower than 2000 at 70 miles a hour. So far I love my NISSAN ARMADA.

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  So Impressed! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Big Boy - January 1 - 4:26 am

  I bought this 2004 Nissan Armada in 2003. I have 35,000 miles on the odo. currentlty. Let me add I havent had a problem with the suv since I purchased it! Looks nice, pulls my 7,000 snowmobile trailer nice, and hugs the road fairly for such a tank.

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  love this truck - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By e person - January 1 - 3:26 am

  I love everything about this Suv except the mpg. Other than that I have no complaints. Its a well built/equipped vehicle

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  Front End Driving Stability - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By blb - December 26 - 10:06 am

  Overall Im pretty satisfied. I love the power!! Not real crazy about the gas mileage...but its hard to have both. Great interior features and love the Bose sound. The one thing my wife wasnt going to compromise on was the "butt warmers!" A must for her...gotta admit...I like em too.

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  Love the Ride - Hate the Brakes squeek - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Diane - December 20 - 12:03 am

  Love this car. We have every option available and use them all. Great family car to travel with. My two complaints are the dealership has charged me and tried to oil the parts associated with the breaks to stop the squeak when driving slow. I now have 53,000 miles and have gone to my tire guy and they have oiled the parts which helps for awhile, the squeak comes back. Second complaint is the dealer has not been able to eliminated the rattle when the shade is open on the sunroof. Seems like both problems should be an easy fix, not for the Sarasota Nissan Dealer.

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  Few Rough Edges - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JimL - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Armada for 3 months and have driven it 3400 miles. Love the design, engine transmission. Real comfortable. My friends rave about the roominess of 2nd row seats. Great dealer experience.

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  Love the Armada! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Becca - December 14 - 9:13 pm

  We took a trip to CA over Memorial Weekend and was surprised we got 17.6 mpg driving on Interstate 40. We avg. around 14.5 mpg in our small town.

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  Interior rattles, but fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flex - November 30 - 4:16 pm

  This truck will blast you out of your seats with the power. Its amazing how much power you get out of an SUV of that size. Love the truck and would drive it all day. The only set back is the interior squeak/rattles..and the front brakes rotors. Everything else is on point with this truck. I got mine in November and have 4600 miles....worked on brakes once in December. Squeak/rattle coming out of doors could be annoying sometimes. Otherwise, this vehicle is perfect!!

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  The big easy - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Maggie - November 28 - 3:06 pm

  Beautiful suv rides great and handles even better.. Our 4 yr old is so quiet in the back set watching her movies that sometime we need to check to make sure we put her in the car (lol). We just got the truck so no complaints so far.

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  Pros and cons - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Carter - November 10 - 11:33 pm

  Love the look and room of this car. We have 22" rimes and tires makes for a rough ride but looks so good. Very roomy we fit 7 adults and infant seat comfortable with bags and a stroller. I wish the AC was better in the front it is terrible! Overall we love this car and would probably purchase another if the fuel was better.