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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  Colorado 2004 Armada LE - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By bgilgall - January 13 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle used from a BMW dealership in August 2005. It was only 10 months old and had 27K miles on it, came loaded with DVD, NAV, Bose. I also bought with full knowledge of the problems that the 04s have, rattles, brakes etc. This prompted me to buy an extended warranty. So far so good, Ive put 9000 miles on the truck in 4 months without a single problem. The brakes are great no dust or pulsing i.e. none of the problems that have been reported, possibly because it had the brake rework done on it before I got it. A Nissan dealer confirmed that for me yesterday.So it appears that, for me at least, the brake rework makes a difference. Its big, lots of airbags and comfortable.

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  BIG BUT DRIVEABLE SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JMD - December 27 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH FOUR KIDS AND DVD IT WAS ACTUALLY A NICE TRIP. SECOND ROW SEAT LEG ROOM IS AMAZING. THIRD ROW ISNT BAD EITHER FOR ME 6FT 1IN., MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR SMALLER PEOPLE. ENGINE IS STRONG THROUGH OUT DRIVING RANGE. EASY FOR ME TO DRIVE IN TOWN. PARALLEL PARKING IS NOT BAD ,ESPECIALLY WITH REAR SENSORS. NAV SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO USE.

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  Perfect Options - 2014 Nissan Armada
  By nutfarmer - November 20 - 6:00 am

  I actually use the features of a large SUV. I frequently use seating for 8 so a 2nd row bench seat was a must have feature. Leather seats and DVs were a required luxury. In addition I wanted actual tires, not the wagon wheels that new SUVs come equipped with recently. Believe it or not, that is a very difficult combination to find in todays market. I was surprised to find the luxury and utility combination I needed in the Nissan Armada. Glad I did. Very nice running, powerful, luxurious and filled with usable technology. All seats are comfortable with good legroom. Whole family loves it on the highway, dirt roads and around town. Price is very good for the group.

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  My Favorite SUV to date. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Gaptozak - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Toyota Sequoia for the 2004 Nissan Armada. Reason, the design was excellent, has tons of power has all the features I wanted for an SUV for a whole lot less (cheapest in its class). I love the heck out of this truck.However the build quality is not up to par with the Sequoia neither is the ride quality. But the loaded Armada LE cost a whooping $8,000 less than the loaded Sequoia. I guess you cannot always have it all. I am happy with my buy and so far I have had no issues with it and I look forward to paying off the truck, keep for my 5yr old for his prom night when he graduates high school.

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  One awsome ride - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Tracy S. - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had numerous amounts of comment regarding this new purchase. I cant began to tell you the number of looks we get when were in the truck. I know this was a great purchase for our family.

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  Great Truck with a few problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fisheye - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This a very roomy truck. Great for hauling the kids around. I have not towed with it yet. Fuel mileage is very bad though. As you can see below the A/C is under powered for this truck. The ride is stiff but that is why I chose this truck over the Toyota Sequoia. I have about 5500 miles now and have discovered a few issues. Read on..

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  Better than I thought it could be - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Djtallmo - June 23 - 9:10 am

  I purchased a used Armada last month and have been impressed by the solidness of the vehicle thus far. In my 8500 miles of driving the vehicle, there have been no problems except for a wear mark on the drivers armrest. Navigation, homelink, DVD, transmission and engine have functioned seamlessly. The blindspots are not as large as I thought with the help of the side mirrors possioned properly. I am 6-10" and fit quite well comparred to the Toyota and Ford equalls. No regrets in purchasing the Armada and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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  Great car with a lot of space and power. - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By michael147 - April 27 - 12:51 am

  I bought a 2005 armada and liked it so much I bought another one in 2007. The 2005 still had the break problem of the previous 2004 year but it has been corrected by making the rotors stronger. It has a lot of pick up and a lot of room. I have had this 2nd one for almost 3 years and 40k miles and have not had any problems but for the back door latch sticking. The only thing I wish was better is the gas mileage which is at 11 miles per gallon in the city. The 2005 got 13 miles with the same type of travel. Not sure what the difference is. Highway is between 16 and 17 miles per gallon.

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  Great truck overall - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By intechnicolor - April 13 - 7:00 pm

  Rides great, has plenty of power. I pulled a 60 Cadillac with this rig from TN to NJ, figure 7500 lbs with the trailer and she would cruise no problem doing 75 mph. Also, using your high beams and horn its very easy to intimidate other drivers including 18 wheelers. Couple issues with quality control/reliability. Factory radio dies after the 50k warranty was up and was a $500 repair. In addition, the driver door weatherstrip and the trunk weatherstrip are falling apart and the vehicle is only 3 years old.

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  Defective - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dogface - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The "Electronic Brain" suggests the vehicle is "not driveable" according to the information that the dealership has been given. Good luck if you purchase an Armada, I for one, would never purchase in the future, a vehicle that the dealership has not been given the tools to address manufacturing problems, and has to contact the manufacturer to address the problem. Nissan should not be excused from their obligation to support their dealer network. I was advised by the dealer that they (as a dealer for Nissan) did not have the software to diagnose or reprogram the malfunction/ defect that occurred within 150 miles of my purchase of this vehicle.