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 Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By MARK W - November 8 - 9:06 pm

  Very little to complain about. I have switched over from a series of Dodge Ram trucks and will never go back. This SUV is superior to any other large truck or SUV I have ever driven. The only complaints would be that the power seat controls tend to accidentally adjust while getting in and out of the vehicle and laying the seats flat for storage is not a completely simple task. Besides that, it is fun, big, smooth and more powerful than even necessary. Highly reccomend this truck.

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  What a vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ross - November 6 - 3:00 am

  This truck is smooth, powerful and can tow your house. What a value compared to the rest of the class. Nissan quality shines through. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JT 2004 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Not a single SUV that matched base model performance at under 33k

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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By meterman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Driven Suburbans for 22 years. Very impressed with this vehicle. Pickup is great, very comfortable.

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  Great Full Size SUV - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Ben - September 23 - 12:29 am

  Very spacious interior, seats 8, powerful engine and great towing capacity in its class.

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  Needs improvements - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Sherry - September 15 - 5:23 pm

  I do like the size of my Armada. However, I think that it should be made of better materials in the interior. It should not be squeaky at 9100 miles. It has rattles in it already.

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  1100 miles and it needs new brakes!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By horatio - September 9 - 8:33 pm

  Wow! 1100 miles and pulsating front brakes. No recall yet! No parts available! Will resurface the rotors but the problem will come back! Can they spell class action lawsuit! Sign me up! I love the truck but the issue has not been resolved in months according to these postings. Its a real shame.

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  This monster is fun to drive! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Sulaco - September 5 - 2:00 am

  The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside the vehicle was the roominess. No vehicle on the market matches the amount of legroom and space youll get in the second and third row seating. The ride is extremely smooth and handles very well for such a large truck. We upgarded to the SE Journey package so that we could have the 2nd row captain seats, which flip easily and out of the way for access to the 3rd row. The styling and leather are very nice and unique and is extremely comfortable for a long drive. There are plenty of places to store various items, even enough room to put your laptop in. I cant say enough about how much I enjoy our new SUV.

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  Way better than the Astro Van I traded - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By thingman - September 4 - 2:56 pm

  There are going to be problems with first run vehicles. So far I havent experienced any of major proportions. The lumbar support needs fixing for tall drivers but this is minor. I love the way this vehicle runs, drives, rides on the highway etc. Coming from an Astro van, I can tell ya about rattles and squeaks. This vehicle doesnt rattle anywhere near a GM, Chrysler or Ford product. Havent experienced any problems with the brakes and if I do it will be a good reason to upgrade to slotted rotors. Overall impression is if ya want a fast, fun hauling beast the Armada is for you. And compared to its competition, it still tops the American products in quality.

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  Not What I Expected - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Tony - September 1 - 6:50 pm

  Just traded in my 04 Armada after two years of making payments on a Dodge Neon because my Aramda was always in for service. Too many problems to list - brakes were repaired two different times and still didnt work properly, radio crackles, sunroof leaks, brakes!!!, squeaks and rattles which drive me nuts. The interior always had something rattling. Residual value after two years was disappointing losing over $20000 of the purchase price. Nissan knows there are problems but doesnt take care of the poor souls that have 04s. Hopefully the 06 model will address some of the concerns. Very happy in my new Lexus!!!!!!!