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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  The armada le rocks - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By armaurerbaby - February 25 - 10:36 pm

  I love driving the armada...Youll be going 80 and have no idea! I feel safe and I always catch people looking at me in it. We have the LE version with many bells and whistles and they work great. We thankfully havent been in the shop much at all. The brakes wear out too quickly even though they fixed the 2005 model issue..my husband says Im hard on the brakes. 1 thing major went wrong & it took 3 different shops to figure it out FUEL SENSOR was off & I kept running out of gas even though gauge said it wasnt empty, thankfully under warranty.

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  KICKS ASS FOR LESS$$$$$$ - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By NISSANMAN - February 22 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV!!!! GETS MANY LOOKS, KINDA HARD TO GET GAS. I HAVE TO ANSWER SO MANY QUESTIONS. I HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS NISSAN.

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  CA Lemon Law - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Weebfive - February 22 - 5:16 am

  If you live in California and you have had more than two safety related issues (brakes) seek the advise of an attorney. My wife and I purchased our Armada 10/03 and @ 4k miles we had our first brake problem (warped rotors). The dealer machined the rotors and replaced the pad. @ 9k miles warped rotors again. The dealer replaced the rotors and new pads. Again @ 13k & 16k warped rotors. Because of all the vibration (warped rotors) that went on during the braking it cause a lot of the interior components to loosen up & made the Armada sound cheap inside. We had other problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, Windows & air conditioning. Nissan reluctantly refunded our money. CA lemon law

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  WOW - I LOVE THIS SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SOUTH-TEXAS - February 16 - 2:00 am

  WENT TO DEALER TO CHECK OUT THE ARMADA AND IT GOT US HOOKED. WOOOW, ITS BIG BUT FITS IN A STANDARD GARAGE, NICE INTERIOR, UNBELIEVABLE PERFORMANCE, NICE RIDE, DID I SAY UNBELIEVABLE PERFORMANCE, GREAT STEREO, EASY TO GET IN AND OUT OF, LOTS OF CUP HOLDERS, REAR AIR, 2ND ROW HAS A LOT OF ROOM, THE CLOTH SEATS ARE VERY NICE, THE FIVE SPOKE RIMS ARE IN MY OPINION THE BEST LOOKING, AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY, VERY HAPPY WITH OUR PURCHASE.

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  2006 Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By andy - February 12 - 2:10 am

  Bought 2006 Armada LE Tech package sirius and DVD. Love the performance and comfort. The 3rd row split is great for cargo and kids. Pulls our boat like there is nothing behind it! Yes it gets low gas mileage but we have 4 kids and a boat and their is nothing that compares to this SUV!

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  Wheel Shimmy Problem Ruins This SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By KD - February 11 - 3:06 pm

  While this is a great SUV there is a major problem that ruins the drive. This truck has a wheel shimmy problem like nothing I have ever experienced before. It began a week after we bought it. The SUV has been in and out of the shop ever since. I have heard every excuse from the dealership as to what it is, how it was caused and how they have fixed the problem. Yet back into the shop it goes on Saturday for another "part" that was on "back order" to correct the problem. (Yeah right!) It shimmies going down hill (I live on a hill), it shimmies at speeds above 50 mph, and now it has worn out the left front tire (a huge Wrangler) while leaving the other tires untouched. What a shame.

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  great SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Crisco 2 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Really solid car, quite and relieable.

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  A few problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mhhotrod - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Althopugh we have had a few problems, still love this SUV. Great towing, great acceleration. Too many sqeaks and rattles on interior. Dealer is not getting them fixed correctly. Our CD player wont load CDs correctly, had the unit replaced already and the new one doesnt work either. The good still out weigh the bad so far. 1500 miles and hopefully no more problems. It a great ride

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  Nothin but Trouble - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Miller - February 3 - 4:23 am

  Only have 29,000 miles and have taken it in 5 times to have the brakes REPLACED due to brake failure. Company didnt put strong enough breaks on such a large vehicle (doesnt sound too safe, huh?). I know 3 others whove had the same problem. I contacted the company for lemon-coverage, but they claimed they put on the final fix and therefore wouldnt replace or refund. Nice car to drive, but wish Id chosen something else -- new cars shouldnt be in the shop every other month!

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  The Big Kahuna - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Scott - January 29 - 9:03 pm

  We bought this suv because we have a travel trailer that we use on a frequent basis. The car is big, but the engine and design of the car makes it feel much smaller to drive. The one item to mention that other owners didnt is that if you plan on towing with this vehicle make sure you get the factory tow package with the vehicle. The tow package has a different lower rear end gears and stabalizing shocks that make it capable of pulling 9,100 lbs. for a 2 wheel drive Armada and 9,000 lbs for a 4 wheel drive Armada. A standard Armada without the factory hitch and other features only pulls 6,500 lbs. There are very few suvs that can pull this much weight. Powerful, capable SUV with room