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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  Best SUV for the Money... By Far - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Steve - February 28 - 2:33 pm

  I test drove the Tahoe, Expedition, Sequoia, and of course the Armada. The Armada beat them all. The Tahoe and Expedition had decent power, but both felt like a big truck. The Sequoia felt like a luxury car, but lacked power and lacked all the "extras" that come with SUVs these days (i.e., fold flat seats). The Armada felt like a powerful sports car that, oh by the way, could also haul 8 people with extreme comfort. I am satisfied with my choice.

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  Brawler - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Edward - January 26 - 5:20 am

  A full size SUV brawler, it rivals the competition Ive owned a Chevy Tahoe, GMC Denali, Ford expedition Eddie Bauer 4Wd and they were all great vehicles but towing and room Nissan is the best. This truck is so plush and good looking, and gets a lot of looks. I feel very comfortable taking my family any where in this vehicle. Its to bad there going to stop making it, 2010 is last year of truck. Better make down to your nearest Nissan dealer and pick up one. Love the 9.3 gig HD stereo system.

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  Best full size SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Jessica Woods - January 20 - 2:26 pm

  Had an Expedition and decided to go smaller so I went with a BMW X5. What was I thinking? Had the BMW literally for 10 months and researched full size SUVs. The powerful Armada has been hands down the best SUV that I have ever driven. Its driving performance is incomparable to any other ride out there. My Expedition had a ridiculous amount of play in the steering wheel and such a narrow wheel base that I felt as if I would flip over. With the Armada you get an extra wide wheel base and can turn on a dime. I thought that parking this beast might be an issue but watching my passengers freak out when I whip into a parking space without any problems is a great testimony to its control.

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  Love It! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By DebP - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had the vehicle for one, week, I still thoroughly enjoy each time I get behind the wheel. I have three children, and there is plenty of room for their comfort as well. The Armada handles beautifully. Ive never owned a Nissan and now I am Nissan fan.

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  Armada - Basic SE Model Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 81 trekker - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the basic SE in early May. Only extras were the Bose System and tow package. We had the dealer add fog lights and the two other skid plates (transfer case and gas tank). The "beast" is a pleasure to drive on road trips. The most comfortable vehicle we have had for travel. I tested its off-road ability in the GW National Forest on a road used primarily by ATVs. It passed with flying colors, even with the Continental All Weather Tires. We have had no issues with it to date. No resonance can be detected. We get 14 mpg on mostly highway and 15- 16 on the road.

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  Love my Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By jrh - January 2 - 4:43 pm

  We have loved our Armada and had no problems. I like that the lift gate in the back can open automatically and it has fold down seats. There is plenty of room for our large family of 5. It drives well and has great pick up. Its a bit of a bumpy ride on these pot holed roads we have, but I didnt buy a luxury car! I wish big SUVs got better gas mileage but it is the price I have to pay for more room inside!

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  Simply Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jidda - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchase the new Armada and find it hands down better than the competition. I test drove the Sequoia, Tahoe and Yukon. This V-8 engine is awesome. It blows away the competition. I drove a Nissan Pathfinder for 5 years and loved the V-6 240hp engine on my 2002. This vehicle blows the mid-size Pathfinder away. There is so much here I dont have time to list. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in purchasing a full size SUV. The one downfall of this SUV is the mileage, but for all the fun it is to drive, it is well worth the headache to fill up more frequently. Happy trails to everyone who buys this SUV!

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  Armadas the BEST - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Debbie Many - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The Armada is ergonomically perfect! The fit and feel of this vehicle far surpasses my expectations. All of the controls are within reach and the seats lay down. I love the fact that my rear door will open with the click of a button. I have never felt more stable on the road.ESPECIALLY in bad weather! I get tons of compliments and thumbs up from other drivers. The stereo is terrific and the cupholders have it all! This car has comfort and styling! I LOVE IT!

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  Overall best value in full-size SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Bleasdell - November 16 - 2:23 am

  If you simply price compare the full- sized SUVs out there, the Armada is a clear winner in virtually every respect. It is a huge winner in terms of performance and power. The only thing that Expedition or Suburban has over the Armada is room behind seat #3. Well, Nissan clearly decided that more room between each row of seats is more important than room for stuff. And I agree with this decision.

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  Absolutely in love with my BEAST - 2014 Nissan Armada
  By cmt1 - November 11 - 11:13 pm

  I stepped up from my honda pilot and purchased this beast. I love it. I have the blue one. Very pretty color. I purchased this certified used. I love the comfort. More comfortable than my couch. I love the ease of getting in and out including the 3rd row. I pull a small trailer with it with 4 wheelers. I would have never done that with the honda. The honda pilot was very difficult to get into the 3rd row. This one is perfect. I have never never been so pleased with a vehicle before. I did not think I would like it because of its size. Then I drove it. WOW. Reviews read that it gets poor gas mileage. My honda averaged 18-19 mpg. This is a much bigger vehicle v8 pulling a trailer up and down country road hills of Hocking Hills, Ohio and it averages 15.6mpg. So tell me, how is that considered poor mileage? One thing I would recommend.... When you get into the third row, you step where the second row seats sit, there is no floor mat there. I purchased my mats from weather tec because the third row mat goes under the second row seats. Now if you want a review on my weather tec mats, second row doesnt fit or look good. Front and third row are great. Every single person that has been in my beast absolutely loves it. Just as I do. Of course, they dont get to drive it. I used to be a nervous freeway driver (especially beside a semi) that is no longer the case. I love sitting up high. The only issue that I have had is with the window seals. The seals at the bottom of the windshield have both needed to be re-glued. I love my beast. I have had this vehicle for a year now. I am still in love!