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:
Showing 581 through 590 of 662.00-
worth it - 2006 Nissan Armada
By charles - June 6 - 4:00 amwanted something roomy and this is it. has technology package with gps and its worth every penny for never having to stop for directions again. xm sounds great over the bose system. back up camera is awesome and a great safety feature. my son loves the dvd put in ps2 for him - where was all this when i was little?? we live in big bear and this handles great in the snow no more chains.... average is about 16 mpg not bad for what you get im very satisfied with the purhase.
-
excellent - 2004 Nissan Armada
By wildoak - June 1 - 10:00 amI looked at the Murano/s last year, and am soo glad I waited until this year, the second I saw it in the dealership, I was hooked. And i researched it, and all the others online for quite awile. And then I went out and drove it, and that was it, it took a little more time, But I wanted to wait to get what I wanted, and I am handicapped, and it is very friendly and comfortable for me. And it tows a camper with no trouble.
-
MY FIRST SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
By ange - June 1 - 10:00 amTHIS IS MY FIRST SUV, MY HUSBAND PURCHASED IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE ARMADA. WE TOOK IT ON A ROAD TRIP WITH 6 ADULTS AND 1 CHILD ONLY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. IT HANDLED WELL ON THE ROAD AND WE GOT 100 MILES TO A QUARTER TANK OF GAS. THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.
-
Awesome SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
By sache302 - May 20 - 10:00 amLove it!
-
Great Family SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Dallas - May 17 - 6:03 pmWe purchased our Armada for traveling long distances and off-road. ItÂ’s been one of the best and most comfortable vehicles I have ever owned. We travel from ATL to Denver about 3 times a year and from ATL to Houston TX about 2 times a year and I have had no problems, except for the radio went out at 18K miles. No problems to speak of since. Off-road this is a larger and it has never been stuck. I am one that wants to use the 4X4 aspect of this vehicle so do not think it has not been put to the test. The only thing I would change is the fact the paint gets scratched when rubbing against trees. All in all I think this vehicle suits our family needs to a tee.
-
So Far, So Good... - 2005 Nissan Armada
By D. Jarrett - May 15 - 3:06 pmIts only been two months for us, but aside from the dismal gas mileage, this vehicle has been all we hoped it would be. There is an annoying click, or, slight hitch in the driver and passenger power windows as they go down. Not sure if that is common to other Armadas. A bi-fold thrid row seat would be prefferable to the current all-up or all-down. It would just give you more seating and cargo options. If I had to guess, Id bet that Nissan corrects this for future models. But its eye-catching good looks and thoughful features like a power liftgate, rear sonar, mud lights, and fold-flat 2nd & 3rd row seats have made it very nice. Oh, did I mention the power? Wow...
-
armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By phong le - May 12 - 6:33 amSo far based on test driving the Armada versus others SUV. I found that the Armada has everything that I needed. From the comfort of the vehicle to the practical function of it.
-
Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
By MIKE - May 6 - 7:53 pmWorst Vehicle Ive ever owned. Rattles like a "tin can". Front window/door panel rattles all the time. Dealer supposedly fixed problem but still rattles, drives me crazy! Had the brakes fail on me when approaching a stop light. Something to do with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) module. Nissan has known about this problem and still no recall? A/C doesnt blow cold even though their is enough freon in the system. Takes up to 30-40 minutes before blowing cool, not cold. Have had two fuel injectors replaced before 40,000 miles, thankfully it was covered under my extended warranty. All in all this vehicle was poorly engineered. Would not recommend to anyone. Buy Chev. Tahoe instead!
-
Big Honkin Truck! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By ChrisL - April 28 - 1:26 amI traded my Jeep Liberty for an Armada. Needed more room for the dogs and everyday errands. I cant believe how easy this thing is to park/drive. The reverse camera, excellent stereo, incredible power---all more the reason to enjoy. Mileage is a little scary, but who cares as long as you are comfortable.
-
Big Honkin Truck! - 2005 Nissan Armada
By ChrisL - April 28 - 1:26 amI traded my Jeep Liberty for an Armada. Needed more room for the dogs and everyday errands. I cant believe how easy this thing is to park/drive. The reverse camera, excellent stereo, incredible power---all more the reason to enjoy. Mileage is a little scary, but who cares as long as you are comfortable.
