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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  Love it but hate the brakes! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jmg0123 - January 5 - 1:10 am

  I love my Armada but I have to have my brakes and rotors replaced every 3000 miles. Im now waiting for yet another repair kit to come out. My dvd console broke off the ceiling and after 2 repairs to stop it from rattling, the rattle is worse!

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  We Love It !! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Linda Engle - December 6 - 9:36 pm

  We traded a 2005 Volvo XC90 for our new Armada. We found the Volvo has many of tthe same safety features plus the luxury items missing in the Volvo. Both my husband and I love the ride, the handling, the room and the extras. Lots of goodies for the price. It is expensive to fill up but worth every penny.

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  Armada - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By k9mark - November 21 - 12:17 pm

  I have owned two Armadas which I loved until the problems arrived. On both Armadas the metal lines for air conditioning for the rear area rusted through. Because it was caused by rust it was not covered by Nissan. Also on both Armadas the rear hatch window leaked. It took three weeks to figure out where it was leaking. The plastic molding for the interior was easy to scratch. On my 2009 with 40,000 miles the power steering hose split. The driver seat had a lot of flex while driving. The front disc brake rotors warped at 30,000 miles.

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  Armada 2004 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By j.trussell - November 18 - 6:20 am

  This SUV has the perfect amount of room on the inside BUT it is a PIECE of JUNK. The interior is cheaply made and easily scratched etc. I have had a tremnedous number of items replaced on the inside -the DVD player, DVD console in the ceiling, leather cover on a passenger seat, ac vent, volume control button on the steering wheel (this needs replacing again)drivers window had to be worked on 3 times, passenger window also, back of front passenger seat had to be replaced, brakes 3xs, lots of rattles when driving---it has NOT been a good experience. Love the size and the amenities in it but it is cheap!!!

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  I Love My Armada. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By V - October 20 - 2:13 pm

  I Just Love My Armada. I have Nothing more to say.

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  Great truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By gr8bolr - October 13 - 2:33 am

  I bought the 2008 Armada and traded a 2005 Dodge Durango Limited. There is no comparison between the 2. The ride, room, and all the bells and whistles are all so much better in the Armada. Fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired as I travel about 20000 miles a year but I was aware going in. Great truck.

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  Favorite car ever - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Robster - October 7 - 4:43 am

  After shopping SUVs for months I could not find anything that offered everything with power and room to spare. This is simply my favorite vehicle ever. It handles like a small car, is as quick as a sports car, has the room of a full size van with accessibility, all the technology a guy could ever ask for for a reasonable price. The mileage is to be expected for a vehicle like this. I just cant get over how satisfied I am with this vehicle. I pull a trailer with a Diesel powered pickup and this SUV is not far behind on its towing prowess. I want to buy another one before they quit making them!

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  Best Big SUV Period - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By BigBaby - October 4 - 3:06 am

  My wife and I traded in our 2007 Armada SE for this 2009 model, and we havent had a single regret. I never thought a full size SUV like our Armada would be this much fun to drive, but it is. Granted the gas mileage could be a little better, but hey its a small price to pay for all the safety & luxury features it provides. We looked real hard at the Ecalades, Tahoes, and Denalis when we decided that we needed a big SUV, and I can truly say that none these vehicles have anything on our Armada.

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  cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mrbust92 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  it is a cool car and its fun to drive

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  MY ARNADA - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dawson - September 22 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE BEST SUV MADE BY NISSAN TODAY