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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Armada Owners Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
By happy client - June 23 - 2:00 amI have owned many SUVs including 3 Jeep Grand Cherokees and a Ford Excursion. This is definitely the nicest SUV Ive come across yet.
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So Far So Good - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Hoppes11 - June 23 - 2:00 amWe are now past the 1200 mile breakin phase and all seems to be fine. No major problems, I have heard one little rattle and the (internal only) antenna to the Bose stereo seems a little week. Our most recent fuela mileage was right at 14 in mostly in town driving. Our first road trip will be in about a month.
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Love It - 2004 Nissan Armada
By goarmada - June 12 - 10:00 amWe have had some minor problems such as ripped trim and unbalanced tires. but on the whole we love it. would not recommend as a daily driver or commuter as it guzzles gas. so much is standard that all we added to the base se was 4X4, bose, and dvd player. would have liked to have a sunroof at that trim level.
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I had it all wrong - 2004 Nissan Armada
By ange - June 11 - 8:00 amI wrote a review on 5/1/04 in favor of the armada, i guess i was excited.If you are thinking about buying an armada listen to me and save your money and time. Lets start out with 4 brake jobs (rotor problems of course), wind noise in the rear window, a defective fan, a cupholder that opened everytime you applied brakes and shall i go on! Of course with your warranty they will keep fixing it over & over & over. I decided to seek a remedy with a lemon law attorney. You do know that after 4 repeated repairs of an important part your vehicle is considered a lemon. Dont let nissan get away with this. Fight, fight,fight for your rights!! I hear the titan and the 2005s are no better!
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Cant believe how nice it is! - 2008 Nissan Armada
By uga91 - June 10 - 1:23 pmI cant say much except that this is one nice vehicle! You will love its comfort and performance. Drive it and you wont be disappointed.
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to my friends @ nissan usa - 2004 Nissan Armada
By john hellberg - June 7 - 10:00 amthe plastic scratches to easily on the inside. fuel economy is extremely poor. brakes are horrible, wear out easily. make the interior more appealing. front mudflaps are a joke for the money u charge. make it moulded into the runners along the vehicle. i am personal friends w/the owners @ smithtown. i do not hold them personally responsible with what i call poor interior workmanship. i really think u need to address the interior quality of the vehicle. all plastic and there is alot marks too easily!
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Needs work - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Kevin Edwards - May 26 - 11:16 pmI have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. And may I add, no help from Nissan. I was lied to by the salesman on the towing capacity prior to purchase. DO NOT believe the gas mileage that is listed on the sticker. You will be in for a rude awakening. Problems I have encountered; Transmission slips on occasion while towing. Nissan will not attempt to fix as they cannot duplicate. They never tested it while towing! Speaker had to be replaced. Horrible AM/FM reception, head replaced but did not help. Have replaced the front brakes at 7300 miles. (YES they went bad at 6800 miles) Back seat is a horrible ride. Just remember it is a very expensive vehicle to operate!
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The Ultimate Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Ermenia - May 24 - 12:23 pmMy armada is been great to own. I can take it anywhere and the ride is very smooth. The indicators in the dat for low tires, wiper fluid, etc are all easy to see and understand so there is never any concern about a problem coming up that I did not know about. It handles on the highway better than any vehicle, car or truck, I have ever owned (which is many since 1999). The acceleration is great. I do not have to worry when passing other cars or taking off from a stop that I will not make it around. It is been wonderful.
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One of the best purchases Ive made! - 2008 Nissan Armada
By gs451 - May 22 - 7:43 amTwo years ago, I had been off of a my Lexus GX lease and wanted something bigger. I was interested in the new However, I just happened to stop by the Nissan dealer to look at the Pathfinder and fell in love with the Armada. It has everything that is needed in a vehicle of its caliber. The rear parking sonar is standard on the Armada while toptional on other large SUVs (should be standard on every large car for safety reasons). But its been a true gem to drive and very reliable. Lease is about to end soon so I am looking into getting another Armada.I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. Poor gas mileage, but it is reliable, safe and has good resale value later.
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first 10 days - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Art Alvarez - May 11 - 2:00 amI drove a GMC Suburban for 3 years, and was ready to buy a Sequoia, when I stopped at a Nissan dealer and drove the Armada. The no pressure approach by the dealer, the incredible ride and performance of the Armada and a great price with all the extras makes made me buy this vehicle, which is a delight to drive. I am very much satisfied with the Armada.
