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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By skidunn - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I hated removing my seats in my old car, they were too heavy and my wife never had a chance so the fold down flat rear seat and flip away second row are awesome. Havent had it long enough to determine true milage but it averages over 14 Ill be happy, after all its an SUV. Kids really enjoy all the room to get in and out. Step rail is positioned much better than the Yukon. The shifter down in the middle is very convenient for down and up shifting manually. Also like the smooth ride. It really absorbs the bumpy roads. The only bad thing is I have to share it with my wife.

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  Needs Work!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Regretting - February 24 - 10:00 am

  At 15K miles, has been in shop for warped front brake rotors, torn sunfoof visor, broken rear wiper, rear window washer leaking inside, A/C vent controls not functional, fastener cover missing on grab handle, and FOBs inoperable. Have driven on short and long trips - too many rattles, too much road noise, trucklike ride. Handles poorly in heavy rain - even in auto 4wd.

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  I would love to love this truck... - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By desant89 - February 24 - 12:46 am

  I am stunned reading these reviews. I have had more small problems than ever. Windows rattle, sunroof rattles, cheap plastic interior creaks all of the time, ride is a little rough, poor fuel economy. I have been to the dealership as much as an employee. A friend has one, and notices the same annoyances. Funny, when I get in it, I still love to drive it! Trips to the dealer are killing me though. Too many annoyances for something in this price range. Nissan has to do better than the plastic interior in this vehicle. If noise does not bother you, this is an excellent vehicle. What is with the cable driven windows?

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  Retired - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Geza S. Kovacs - February 5 - 1:26 pm

  Funn and safe vehicle to drive. True value is in winter, driving in the snow.

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  2wd LE - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By padjfl - January 31 - 11:33 pm

  We have had our Armada for two weeks and really are enjoying it. It has everything needed in a large SUV power, refinement, safety features, and roominess. The mileage is low but, it is a fair tradeoff for the excellent utility and to have the family in a large, safe vehicle. The Armada blew away the domestic SUVs in interior materials quality and features, especially for the price. Nissan really did their homework with this vehicle and it shows.

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  LOVE my Armada, great family car!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Adrienne - January 29 - 4:56 pm

  Overall, this SUV has been GREAT. We bought it soon after we had our baby end of last year. There is so much room- leg room, storage space, trunk space (when you fold down 3rd row). I couldnt be happier except for one thing- the brakes have needed resurfacing twice so far, and are about due for another, and weve only had the car 8 months. I dont feel unsafe, but it is a pain having to bring it back to the dealership to have it worked on every few months. However, the positives definitely outweigh the negative. I didnt want a minivan, and this is the next best family type car. Also, my husband said if he was going to drive an SUV, thats what he would drive, b/c its also very "manly".

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  We love this truck - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Steve S - January 22 - 3:33 pm

  My wife and I loved our Town & Country but wanted to go SUV. I compared just about everything on the market and nothing came close to the Armada for the money. We now have 8K miles and not a flaw. I cant get my wife out of the truck now. I wonder why everyone in the market for a large SUV isnt buying it. Rode in the backseat of a friends Durango. Uggghhh.

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  G R E A T Vehicle - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Marion - January 12 - 7:26 pm

  Nissan has hit a home run with the Armada - Competes with Escalade only less expensive and seems to hold up better. Absolute luxury and comfort!

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  Ausome Vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Balywick - January 12 - 10:00 am

  After much research and test driving of several large and mid-size SUVs, our family decided to purchase the Armada. Absolutely no regrets!! After our initial trip through the mountains, we couldnt be happier! The Armada handles very well and is fun to drive. The kids have plenty of room and the vehicle looks great both on the inside and outside. Also, the BOSE stereo system Rocks!! While I bought this vehicle mainly for my wife to cart around the kids, Ill try to sneak in a few drives myself!! If youre looking for a big brut that the whole family will enjoy, this is the one!!

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  Needs Improvement - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rpx708 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  The steering is tight, after 7000 miles, already had alignment checked and corrected, replaced back windshield wiper motor, had left driver door electric window motor checked and told was okay (still stops working while closing the window and preparing it to take back into service, replaced back passenger door window due to air leakage through the window. The style looks sharp, leather color combo with exterior dont always seem to look good together. Had a hard time deciding on color because of this. Ive taken several long trips (New Orleans and Orlando from Austin at seperate times), after several hours, felt uncomfortable driving.