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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Personal Experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
By BigDawg - September 16 - 2:00 amBig, Powerful, Roomy (I am 320 lbs @65") stylish, affordable, reliable, fun to drive, great service after sale, all the right bells and whistles, corners well and "feels the road." Worth looking at and test driving if you are in the $30,000 to $34,000 range and know you are buying from a reputable dealer. This bad boy is HOT and bigger that the Sequoya, Tahoe and Expedition but a littler smaller than the Surbaban. Check this one out. I did and bought it.
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Incredible Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Scott O - September 16 - 2:00 amJust got my loaded Armada SE Off-Road 4WD and it is impressive. This is my fifth Nissan in 6 years and this is by far the most impressive. Performance is incredible. Comfort is amazing. While fuel economy is less than desireable, my supercharged XTerra got the same mileage and required premium.
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the best SUV yet - 2004 Nissan Armada
By carluvr - September 14 - 4:16 amWe bought this Armada used in December 05 with only 11000mi on it and my dad and family took the truck to Yosemite in the winter three weeks after we got it and it worked wonders in the snow and its got the 2WD off road package....it has dusted every suv out there and returned 20+ mpg on the highway back from camping fully loaded....One problem is a rattle that happens once in a while by the drivers A-pillar...overall this rig is the best SUV we have owned or driven...
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198k and still rolling - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Hootna - August 14 - 4:12 amI have owned my Armada since I bought it with 75k miles on it about 9 years ago. I guess overall it has been a good car but if you are the type that takes your car in for every minor issue it will bleed you dry. My automatic opening rear died long ago.. The brakes suck there is a known issue that the brake system fails and makes a grinding like your wheel is about to fall off but resets once you shut off and restart but u never know when it may happen.. AC fan interior controller went out but I replaced it myself.. AC fan by the radiator went south long ago so if car is not moving AC is not super cold in summer months.. Clicking noise sounds like machine gun from some broken vent actuator happens every so often and finally the crappy check engine light because of the exhaust manifold cracking issue that I am not paying $3500 to fix.. Oh forgot the oil pressure gauge is pegged on high but its a sensor issue so whatever.. I live with this stuff now for the repairs I had to do... Fuel pump took a dump towed go dealership that told me it was not only the pump but some fuse box this cost me $2500.. Screw u Nissan... Also $250 because the piece that the oil filter attachs to that is between it and the engine got screwed up guess if they over tighten when installing oil filter it can happen but think its a bad design.. But hey overall I love my Armada but as you can see I dont care about check engine lights..squeeks..rattles..etc. so my overall cost for repairs hasnt been crazy. In fact I have yet to change the tranny fluid and probably wont for fear replacing it at this point may cause the beast to fail. We will see how long she runs at this point if anything fails I will just buy another vehicle but I will miss her she has been a great ride.
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YEP - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Drinkmartinis - August 11 - 2:00 amFinally another foreign car in the big SUV market. Even with no options this vehicle is well equipped. Great leg room in the rear seat, my kid cant kick the front seats anymore (come to think of it I dont think Shaq can reach either). The ride is quiet but the SUV has tons of power. Comfortable cockpit with controls easy to find. If your looking for the new BIG SUV this is it. Cant wait for the first road trip!
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Poor suspension - 2010 Nissan Armada
By armada platinum - August 8 - 2:00 amI love everything except the navigation, suspension and the dark dashboard during daylight driving. Suspension you feel everything steering wheel vibrates when going through bumps or pot holes. Navigation does not work while driving. Set-up that is you must stop, put in park and hand brakes in order to operate. Imagine driving with family kids want to watch another movie cant do it. Setup address cant do it. Nothing. Who ever design this was a total idiot. Imagine stopping on the interstate, side road with kids, some one hits you from behind. Is that not a safety issue. Who is really going to wait for rest stop or an exit specially 15 or 30 miles down the road lets be realistic. For the money it cos
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CONCERNS - 2004 Nissan Armada
By yvan - August 4 - 2:00 amI got this beautiful truck after owning a tahoe and a expedition, runs wonderful but i start it to have problems w/it since the winter in NY my driver side door wont close ,only in cold weather,my front brakes where gone in 3 months they replace it for free this time,at that time i discover a leak on the power sterring they fix it to,but my driver side door still got the problem NISSAN USA is involved and hopefully will fix once and for all.
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Better brakes - 2005 Nissan Armada
By big and bad - July 19 - 4:43 pmThis is a nice machine;however, the brakes seem to be flawed...The veh shakes and shimmers when slowing down...Memory seat would be nice
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THE BEST BY FAR - 2004 Nissan Armada
By ARMADA/LOVE IT - July 19 - 10:00 amI HAVE OWN THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS AND THERE IS ONLY ONE WORD FOR IT EXCITEMENT, U HAVE TO HAVE DRIVEN ONE TO TO REALLY APPRICIATE THE VEHIHCLE,THE POWER WHEN U EXCELLARATE,THE COMFORTE OF THE LUMBAR SEAT,TO HAVE SO MUCH CONTROLL AT YOUR FINGER TIPS,NEVIGATION SCREEN ,ALLOWS YOU TO VIEW,TIRE PRESSURE,FUEL REMAINING BEFORE EMPTY,ETC. AND THE SOUND SYSTEM 10 SPEAKER BOSE 6 CD CHANGER,AND THE LOOK OF THIS VEHICLE REALLY CATCHES THE EYE,I COULD GO ON ,CONSIDERING I HAVE ALL THE BELLS AND WHISLES SUNROOF,DVD ETC. NISSAN U DID IT. THANKS
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still in love - 2005 Nissan Armada
By jj - July 13 - 4:13 pmWe are still in love with this vehicle as if we just took it home. It is powerful,comfortable, and easy to load and unload and great head turning appeal. Love my rear sensors for parking/backing up as it is difficult to fully judge backing distance or objects low to the ground[especially if a child/animal walks behind you suddenly] Seems to accumulate a great deal of break dust so difficult to keep as clean as wed like. great bang for the buck in our view!
