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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  Needs Work!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Regretting - February 24 - 10:00 am

  At 15K miles, has been in shop for warped front brake rotors, torn sunfoof visor, broken rear wiper, rear window washer leaking inside, A/C vent controls not functional, fastener cover missing on grab handle, and FOBs inoperable. Have driven on short and long trips - too many rattles, too much road noise, trucklike ride. Handles poorly in heavy rain - even in auto 4wd.

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  Needs Improvement - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rpx708 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The steering is tight, after 7000 miles, already had alignment checked and corrected, replaced back windshield wiper motor, had left driver door electric window motor checked and told was okay (still stops working while closing the window and preparing it to take back into service, replaced back passenger door window due to air leakage through the window. The style looks sharp, leather color combo with exterior dont always seem to look good together. Had a hard time deciding on color because of this. Ive taken several long trips (New Orleans and Orlando from Austin at seperate times), after several hours, felt uncomfortable driving.

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  Armada 2004 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By j.trussell - November 18 - 6:20 am

  This SUV has the perfect amount of room on the inside BUT it is a PIECE of JUNK. The interior is cheaply made and easily scratched etc. I have had a tremnedous number of items replaced on the inside -the DVD player, DVD console in the ceiling, leather cover on a passenger seat, ac vent, volume control button on the steering wheel (this needs replacing again)drivers window had to be worked on 3 times, passenger window also, back of front passenger seat had to be replaced, brakes 3xs, lots of rattles when driving---it has NOT been a good experience. Love the size and the amenities in it but it is cheap!!!

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  I had it all wrong - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ange - June 11 - 8:00 am

  I wrote a review on 5/1/04 in favor of the armada, i guess i was excited.If you are thinking about buying an armada listen to me and save your money and time. Lets start out with 4 brake jobs (rotor problems of course), wind noise in the rear window, a defective fan, a cupholder that opened everytime you applied brakes and shall i go on! Of course with your warranty they will keep fixing it over & over & over. I decided to seek a remedy with a lemon law attorney. You do know that after 4 repeated repairs of an important part your vehicle is considered a lemon. Dont let nissan get away with this. Fight, fight,fight for your rights!! I hear the titan and the 2005s are no better!

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  to my friends @ nissan usa - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By john hellberg - June 7 - 10:00 am

  the plastic scratches to easily on the inside. fuel economy is extremely poor. brakes are horrible, wear out easily. make the interior more appealing. front mudflaps are a joke for the money u charge. make it moulded into the runners along the vehicle. i am personal friends w/the owners @ smithtown. i do not hold them personally responsible with what i call poor interior workmanship. i really think u need to address the interior quality of the vehicle. all plastic and there is alot marks too easily!

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  Nothin but Trouble - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Miller - February 3 - 4:23 am

  Only have 29,000 miles and have taken it in 5 times to have the brakes REPLACED due to brake failure. Company didnt put strong enough breaks on such a large vehicle (doesnt sound too safe, huh?). I know 3 others whove had the same problem. I contacted the company for lemon-coverage, but they claimed they put on the final fix and therefore wouldnt replace or refund. Nice car to drive, but wish Id chosen something else -- new cars shouldnt be in the shop every other month!