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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  Great SUV but beware after a few miles - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kenadams381 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  First i would like to say i love this car! It is magnificent. It will do anything you ask of it. BUT. I have only put 5000 miles on it and I have already changed the brakes twice and the rotars once. If you are buying this car or currently have it, watch out for the PSI in the tires, i got mine with 50 PSI in them when they are only supposed to be at 35. I checked it out based on the complaints/reviews about the tire preasure from the reviews writen here! ANd the actual mileage on the gas is 8 MPG for city driving. Other then that, great!

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  Best $40K SUV on the Market! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By steve - January 29 - 11:20 pm

  The power and speed are unbelievable. Interior is well-appointed. I owned a Tahoe and a Maxima, now I get the best of both in one vehicle. The way some exterior design cues are executed in the interior (like the center console) are superb. Its like driving a work of art. Definately a nice alternative to GMs sloppy fit and finish and Toyotas anemic engines! WAITING ON THE HYBRID!

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  Beach blast - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By clamscasino - January 19 - 11:43 pm

  Had a ford f-150 for 11 years ,time for a big change,bought an 08 armada. This thing is a beast so much fun to drive around in. I drive it on the beach all summer and never been stuck or had a problem. As far as roomy, I put down the back 2 rows throw my dog in the back and its like a one bedroom apt back their. As far as mpg sure beats the pick up truck.

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  Armada Away - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By flybaby - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. Nissan waited to come out with a large SUV and in doing so, corrected all the mistakes of the other car makers. Fun to drive. Very stable. All the conveniences youd ever want.

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  Armada!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ranya - January 8 - 5:16 pm

  I love my Armada so much! Its huge, I call it my beast! But the only problem is, the inside is falling apart! the visors keep falling off, I took it to the dealer and they said they couldnt fix them, that they were manufactured wrong.. Hopefully the 2005 is better.. But the drive is GREAT and so much fun! Overall, awesome car!

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  Nothing else like it! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By bazouli - January 3 - 8:30 pm

  The comfort and ride are wonderful, I pulled someone out of a snow bank 2 days after getting the truck, and I have had to pull my parents Avalon out of the snow a couple times. Great owner websites out there to answer any questions or enlighten you to mods. Remember this is a truck, not a hybrid! The V8 is SO smooth snd shifting is seemless. The ABLS and VDC system is incredible in the snow, drive it during a storm and test it! I started looking in 04 for a new SUV, I researched and drove everything except this one, I rented one for a week, and then bought one!

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  Worth it to me! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By sjo - January 1 - 10:26 am

  I used this site for my research so felt I should leave a review. Was going to buy a 2004 Nissan Armada, but went for the 2005 model after reading the concerns about brake and rattle issues. I have a dealer friend who said the brakes have an added shim kit, and the console is new. This truck (SE 4WD) is for my wife, but I look forward to driving it on the weekend. I only have put 1,000 miles on it since picked it up on New Years Eve. The mileage so far is about 15 mpg, but the truck is not broken in yet. I went without the tow package and am glad since the gearing is slightly different. I drove trucks with both packages and at 80 w/o tow pkg you are at less than 2,000 rpm. With the other package you are at 2,300 rpm. This truck has more room than the Toyota 4Runner we traded in for it. I have owned Nissans in the past and have been happy.

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  Love that car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BIg - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just love it! Lot of space. Can go camping anywhere. The best SUV I ever had.

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  Good but not great SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Rick in ATL - December 30 - 3:53 am

  Lots of rattles and air leaks keep this good SUV from being great. Great powertrain and sound system, smooth ride and comfort. Poor dealer service.

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  2005 Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mbrochujr - December 21 - 8:10 am

  Reliability is far below the GM trucks. I have 5,000 miles on mine and its going in the shop for the 7th time. The Armada was a nice concept but a poor finished product. I do not recomend it and mine, as I have now filed for Lemon Law protection. Look at the over 6 pages of service bullitons from Nissian.