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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HAPPY BUYER - 2004 Nissan Armada
By TEDDY S - July 21 - 2:00 amAFTER OWNING 6 SUV, THIS SUV HAS THE BEST START OF BEING ONE OF THE BETTER ONES. HOPE I WILL FEEL THE SAME 3 YEARS FROM NOW ?
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Sweet motor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
By maxim1010 - July 21 - 2:00 amHappy so far, excellent ride, absolutely incrediably motor/drivetrain. Coming off Ford F150 this thing makes ford looks like POS. Tons of room
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Love it! - 2007 Nissan Armada
By benjamin_check - June 24 - 6:26 pmLove it! 66,000 miles and not one problem besides a bad airbag sensor, and a dead battery 4 years in. Put in a cold air intake from injen or s&b, maybe an exhaust or chip and hold on. Body roll is minimal, the thing rides like a big nimble draft horse, a Clydesdale. Brakes are good stock, outstanding once you upgrade the pads, amazing with performance pads and rotors. Mine has 24 Asanti rims on it on with 35 series Pirelli tires and it actually rides more carlike. 3rd row is comfortable for adults for moderately long car rides, far from the useless 3rd row in a tahoe or yukon. Its a great truck..tows it, hauls it, moves it.
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Move over TAHOE/EXPEDITION - 2004 Nissan Armada
By yeticc - June 9 - 2:00 amI decided on the Armada after driving the Tahoe and the Expedition. I even had put a deposit down on the Tahoe and got it back and went with the Nissan. I like the 5-speed auto compared to the 4-speed. The gated shifter on the floor is great as well. The power is great, the styling unique, the interior room is 2nd to none in the class. The towing capacity is great as well. The Armada is everything you could want in an SUV.
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Great for towing. - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Doug In Denver - May 23 - 10:00 amMy wife and I just purchased our Armada and have already gone on a 3500 mile trip towing our 5000 lb. travel trailer and our 4 children. No issues at all with towing, even with our altitude here in Denver and over the Vail Pass, it was no problem. I would suggest this SUV to any of my friends and family.
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Bigger is better - 2004 Nissan Armada
By heliumarm - April 26 - 2:00 amHave owned Tahoes,Suburbans and a Sequoia. The Armada is an improvment.It has nice power but the trans shifting is vague. Ride and handeling are above avg. for something this big. Interior is comfortable enough but has lots of plastic. Bring your Exxon card,its thirsty, 13 1/2mpg. Great storage and cup holders. I wish Bridgestone had Revo tires this size.
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Very nice truck - 2008 Nissan Armada
By ken - April 5 - 11:06 amThis purchase has been a very good one for me. It feels so cozy inside while driving that I dont feel like getting out. The drive is nice b/c of comfortable leg room and elbow room. Gas is good while traveling, but not in the city. Im still glad I purchased one. For a big vehicle I dont have any blind spots b/c of the design of the vehicle and big mirrors. Trust me you will enjoy the power the beast has.
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2008 Armada LE 4x4 - 2008 Nissan Armada
By makosdad - March 26 - 1:36 pmI just purchased a loaded 08 4x4 turning in a 05 Pathfinder. I bought this vehicle on the last day of the month and netted over 10,000 off sticker with the 4500 rebate. We love the truck so far, the navigation works great as does the vehicles voice command. Wish the sound system had an integrated iPod adapter but I can live with this. Drive is smooth and quiet and the handling is super. Exterior looks hot with the 20" wheels and the new interior is far superior to the prior years.
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rough ride #2 - 2004 Nissan Armada
By kenn i - March 8 - 2:00 amI love the exterior of the car and the bold styling. i enjoy the bose stereo with the 6 cd in dash. though i feel for an LE this truck should have better manners on the road. i recently took the truck into new york city and i felt going over bumps the truck did not take the bumps so well. you can feel the bumps way too much. i recently had a 2002 infiniti QX4 which just came off lease which drove much better than this armada. hopefully when the Q56 infiniti comes out it will have been built much better than the armada.
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Great truck for the money - 2009 Nissan Armada
By Brian - March 2 - 11:43 amI never thought I would buy a "full size" SUV, but the Armada is an awesome truck. Great quality, great ride/acceleration. My wife who is 411 has no trouble driving, thanks to power adjustable pedals and rearview camera. We got a great deal since we were coming off a lease on our Pathfinder. We bought the Armada instead of leasing again.
