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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  Happy, happy, happy! - 2013 Nissan Armada
  By Drew - May 5 - 11:14 am

  I am 3 years and 50,000 miles in on my first Nissan. I apparently get better gas mileage than most - 18 mpg average - which is bad, but not so bad for the size and power this vehicle affords. Converts from school bus duty to cargo van duty in seconds with ease. It has a very strong, quiet engine and many thoughtful creature features. The interior still looks new even after trucking my kids. The one disappointment I have is the paint seems a little thin. Mine is Midnight Garnet, which is a beautiful color, but it scratches easily. The fact that it is so dark makes scratches more noticeable. I anticipated a utility vehicle designed for family use would have a tougher finish. Otherwise our relationship is a happy one.

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  Armada reflects Nissons racing lines - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Gary Farmer - April 26 - 12:00 am

  I have perhaps 200 motorcycle road races under my belt and this Armada is the most fun to drive SUV I ever could imagine. I live in the North Georgia mountains with numerous hairpins,15 mph curves with increasing and decreasing radius turns within uphills and downhills. Im MOST satisfied and highly recommend the Armada.

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  Delightful experience - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By IIIJFULLER - April 21 - 10:23 am

  A very tight, well-put-together large SUV with exceptional performance and neat features without getting to far out of sight on expenses. My Armada cost $48,350 and has many of the same features found on vehicles costing ten to twenty-thousand dollars more. I especially like the back-up camera and courtesy lights. Ride greats. Shifts into auto, 4hi-4lo very well. I plan to drive to AK and tow a trailer this summer- Ill give updates...stay tuned!

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  Thanks Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By durrill - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Great solid running vehicle. Interior design, Engine & transmission beat all Toyota, GM or Ford products. Seems it was built by people who care about the customer rather than a committee turning out the standard dull American designs. Roomy rear seats beat any other SUV

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  Best SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By moonroof - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The Armada is the newest BAD BOY on the road. Great size, power, and comfort. The truck has great towing capacities. I love my new Armada. GREAT JOB NISSAN!!

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  Lovin Every Minute of it - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Matthew P. - April 8 - 2:10 am

  I have had my Armada LE for about 2 months now and have nothing at all negative to say about it. I am completely satisfied and reassured that the vehicle will be as great five years from now as it is currently.

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  Objective? I think so... - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wastintime - April 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had our LE 4wd for several weeks now and have made several road trips in it along with daily town driving. Ours has the Tech package and DVD (aftermarket 9" screen w/ TV and wireless headphones). The ride is sweet for a vehicle this size, very comfortable. The engine is phenominal, love the power and the sound from the tail pipes. When I drive, its hard not to play with that power so fuel mileage is averaging around 14 mpg. Interior is nice, comfortable and clean. Some complain about the cheap looking interior materials but I think the LE with leather works well.

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  GREAT OVERALL - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ROBYD - April 6 - 2:00 am

  HAD THE 00 FORD EXPEDITION - HALF DECENT, HAD THE 01 TOYOTA SEQUOIA NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT, HAVE THE 04 NISSAN ARMADA, I THINK ITS GREAT OVERALL.

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  4+2 Se Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By corgio - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have own this Suv for approxiamately 1 month. The heat shield was rattling and deformed on the exhaust pipe. Nissan replaced the exhaust pipe with heat shield. It comes together as a unit. The dealership lost my original set of keys. They tried to make a new set of keys. The module was defective on the truck. So far in 4 weeks I ve had two defective parts replaced. It has a powerful engine. The ride itself is a little stiff compared to the GM trucks. ( Surburban, Denali). If I had to do it all over again I would have waited another year or so. Maybe by then some of these issues can be improved.

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  Armada lemon???? - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Brian jones - April 4 - 4:50 pm

  The idea of owning an Armada is great, the power, comfort etc.... Its not until you own one and have to constantly take it back to the dealership for computer issues. Its like Christmas all year, your dash lights up like christmas tree. In additional to systems issues the brakes need lots of work. AS soon as you hit 10k you will feel a vibration like no other, and it has happen to two other that I know. They warned me and I snickered and now as you can tell I wish I would have went with Toyota.