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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Brute power - 2005 Nissan Armada
By "Nice One" - February 8 - 12:26 pmThe Armada packs a punch. The 2004 Lincoln Navigator I drove last year was comfortable and stylish, but doesnt compare in the performance department. The Armada tows my bass boat through the Smoky Mountains with ease. Its first off the line at traffic lights. Handles well for such a giant. Entertainment system is tops.
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Bang for your Buck! - 2010 Nissan Armada
By Niccole - January 9 - 8:43 pmIm coming from a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder and decided to upgrade to a larger SUV. I originally looked at the GMC Yukon but found for the price and rebate, the Armada was a better choice. As everyone has noted, the only complaint is the gas mileage. I also find that since its a V8, it has more of a truck feel; which, Im adjusting to. Ive seen better navigational systems, but Im adjusting. Overall, for the price, I believe I made the best choice!
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Armada anomaly - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Allen_Crabtree - December 9 - 10:00 amLet me start by stating that I could not have found a better dealership from which to purchase my Armada. Bachman-Bernard in Greeneville, TN is worth your drive. I LOVE my Armada but unfortunately within the first 3 months the front passengers seat broke 3 times, the drivers window quit working, and an odd clicking sound coming from the rear hub turned out to be a miss-drilled brake rotor. It took 30 days to finally repair the passengers seat apparently due to availability of parts. After getting my Armada back, I had one blissful day before the passengers window started to malfunction the same way the drivers window did previously.
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perfect - 2004 Nissan Armada
By jjtubs - December 9 - 10:00 amperfect suv for any family. gas prices over two dollars a gallon sucks it really good...oh well, no price is too high for saftey.
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Great Looks - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Sanaa - December 8 - 2:13 pmI love the style and the performance. It also feels much smaller behind the wheels. This SUV drives like a car and very stable on the freeway. It currently has 16,000 miles and has been serviced 4 times total (3 times for the breaks, where the rotor had to be replaced or shaved). My husband is 65" and he loves the car, except for the lumbar support comfort and the overall quality of the leather, fabric,plastic and paint.
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what a shame - 2004 Nissan Armada
By mark - October 21 - 6:30 amwhat could have been the best hands down SUV on the market is a junker. The vehicle has plenty of power but the quality of the materials used is sub par. So, interior mars easily, squeaks, rattles, and bellows. Leather seats are already loosing their shape. Brakes were an issue, but with the new replacements theyre great. The exterior plastics are showing signs of sun damage (this vehicle is kept in the garage). the longer we have it, the more strange noises we hear and the more i wonder just how reliable this vehicle is. Dealers we have dealt with have been very unhelpful. If I could do it over again, i would not have bought this vehicle. $46,000 worth of headaches. buy an excursion.
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Brake Rotor Warp - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Jeff - October 16 - 3:56 amGreat comfort however the brake rotors warped after 3000 miles. Steering wheel shimmy at high speeds
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OK truck not better than a Sequoia - 2009 Nissan Armada
By John - September 9 - 1:33 amWanted a Toyota Sequoia but ended up buying this one because of it is 4K cheaper. Never own a SUV before and will never get use to drive a car/truck this big. Yes it has all the creature comfort but it drive like a truck. With gas price moving up again this look like a mistake to get one. If you really need a truck to carry 7 or 8 adult then this is not going to be your first choice. This truck has higher clearance so it is good for offroading...but who will take this 50K machine off road? Before you decide to buy one make sure go take a test drive. Did I mentioned that I felt it was a mistake to bug a truck this big? Maybe it will grow on me. Thus far Im still driving my 10 yrs old van.
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Love my Army... - 2005 Nissan Armada
By Ayespye - July 10 - 8:10 pmIve only had this beast for 2 months but its perhaps the best ride Ive ever owned. I got rid of my Volvo S80 in favor of the Armada...and the difference is astounding. The ride in my Armada is soooo much smoother, I was surprised. The room in the back seat is PHENOMENAL! The raw power at any speed over 15mph is a fun kick in the rear. Ive had it over 90 a couple of times and have never noticed the before mentioned "shake" in the steering wheel. Im not looking forward to replacing the tires when the day comes either.
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Good Buy - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Rodney - June 24 - 1:10 pmWe purchased the Armada on 4/29/06. I test drove the car and I felt very comfortable in the seat.(510" 290 lbs.) I love all of the bells and whistles. This car is very loaded with nav system, DVD, back-up sensors and seat memory. I have to issues: gas mileage. It is very poor. The other is the position of the inside door handle. It is too low.
