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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  ceiling pannel to noisy/unstable - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By nth2004 - June 8 - 4:26 pm

  Its awesome to drive this new vehicle but it drives the whole family crazy of the noise from the ceiling pannel.Service Dept. tried to fix for many times/days for them to hold our truck to staighten the problem but made it worsth.Its a nightmare to be in the service allthe time.I feel like an employee or technician in this dealership till this time.

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  Love It - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Going Places - April 20 - 4:53 pm

  This is a wonderful ride, could not imagine driving anything else. Will continue to look for nissan products in the future.

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  Stump Puller - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rshe - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had mine about 2 weeks now and love to drive it, when I can get it away from the wife. So far we have had a squeak in the overhead console (intermittent), car came with the tires overinflated by about 10lbs each and finally I popped the hood for the first time and found the oil dipstick sticking out about 2 inches.. Mainly minor QC issues that should have either been picked uo at the plant or the dealer. All in all, you have to love the power and handling on this beast.

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  Our Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Armada 04 Larry - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We have driven over 14,000 miles and I really like the driveing and handle, loads of power and it has a nice feel to the transmition shift points. Now for the problems: the major problem that we have had with our truck is the BRAKES!!!! The rotors were turned and new pads at 6,000 miles and new rotors and pads at 13,000 miles. We are not speed demonds and hard braking habits either. Nissan needs to address this NOW!! Way to much SUV way to little rotor. I am waiting for the 05 to come out, If the correct the brake rotors I going to get a Titan also. Nissan has serviced the problems and claims

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  Awesome upgrade from the Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Nvious2 - March 13 - 2:50 pm

  Besides fuel economy, it is a really nice ride. Lots of room and extras. I just love the front/back sonar and the backup camera. The automatic lifting gate is a really nice touch too. This vehicle looks very professional inside and out. Looks like they thought of everything when they built the 2008 model. I wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Armada Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ronus - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent power, comfortable interior, good sound system. Problem with clock on radio not keeping time properly. Would like split 3rd row seating like Sequoia. Gas milage performing below rating, but SUV is still under 1000 miles. Tires were over inflated, and driving seemed smoother after adjustment to specification (35 psi). Stiff suspension makes for bumpy ride over rough road, but very smooth on highway. Fun to drive, throaty sound, size of vehicle makes it feel like you could drive through a brick wall. Bring on a snow blizzard.

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  safty - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jim Grohn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  with such a larger vechicle as the Armada there should be side turning lamps. This vechicle also needs automatic locking doors, when the vehicle is but into gear.

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  so far, so good - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By jasmine - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE ARMADA FOR ONLY 1 WEEK, BUT I WANTED TO WRITE A REVIEW WHILE I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY. WE DID NOT GO TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BUY AN ARMADA, WE WERE GOING TO CHECK OUT THE PATHFINDER. MY HUSBAND AND I HAD DRIVEN ONE BEFORE AND LIKED IT. WELL, MY HUSBAND IS ABOUT 62" WITH LONG LEGS AND THE PATHFINDER WAS NOT A GOOD FIT. THE SALESPERSON SUGGESTED WE TEST THE ARMADA. WE FELL IN LOVE, I WENT HOME, DID SOME RESEARCH ON-LINE. WE WENT BACK AND BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. MY HUSBAND GAVE IT TO ME TO DRIVE THIS FIRST WEEK. I WORK ABOUT 20 MILE FROM MY HOME, I AM AN AVON LADY ALSO, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE THE RUNNING AROUND I DO, ALL I CAN SAY IS "SO FAR, SO GOOD" I LOVE IT.

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  ROUGH RIDE - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ORION53 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  OWNED TWO EXPEDITIONS BEFORE THIS ARMADA. GREAT POWER AND THE TEC PACKAGE IS FANTASTIC....TURNS ON A DIME AND HAS A SUPER SOUND SYSTEM. THE RIDE IS WAY TO BUMPY AND I HAVE EVEN REDUCED TIRE PRESSURE TO EASE THE TEETH RATTLING RIDE.....MAYBE MICHELIN TIRES WILL HELP... IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN I WOULD GO BACK TO THE FORD EXPEDITION.

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  Godzilla has arrived - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By NissanMan70 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Look out, its GODZILLA and hes coming at you. Love the Armada, perfect name for this monster. Big as anything, but handles like a mid-size SUV. Interior quality not great and some ergonomic features weirdly placed at first but easy to get use to. Dont know what more can be offered in the Infiniti version QX.