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:
Showing 81 through 90 of 662.00-
we love it - 2004 Nissan Armada
By kelbell - January 23 - 10:00 amWe were skeptical about buying an SUV thats only been out for a year. We are so happy that we did, so far! Weve had it about a month now and I cant wait to drive it. It is so comfortable and spacious. It rides beautifuly and the pick-up is great for an SUV of its size!
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Always enough room - 2007 Nissan Armada
By Cindy in SouthernCal - December 30 - 9:23 pmPurchased my SUV over a year ago and just love it. Parent with teenagers, always room for all the kids and bikes. No problems with anything and the Nissan service dept is excellent for regular maintenance. I recently purchase a small car (another Nissan) for gas purposes but refused to give up my Armada.
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Awesome - 2004 Nissan Armada
By Michael Mcnally - December 21 - 2:00 amI have had the Armada for about 6 weeks now and absolutely love it. The drive is smooth the power is there if you need it and the size inside and out is great. The stereo system is great. I recommend the captain chairs for second row we love it. we love everything about it.
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Fun Machine - 2004 Nissan Armada
By TMRST - December 17 - 10:00 amI have put 1,000 miles on the Armada - city and highway driving - and it is averaging a little over 20 miles to the gallon; why does the editors review state that mileage is dismal? This is better mileage than the other large utes. The seats in my Armada are leather; and again I disagree with the editor in that my wife and I find the seats very comfortable. This is a fun vehicle to drive.
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Greatest SUV on the planet - 2004 Nissan Armada
By justtara - December 10 - 10:00 amThe Aramda is the biggest and the best SUV in it class. It offers more standard features(Safety)than any of the other vehicles in its class. Ive tried the Fords, the Lincolns, the GMCs, Dodges and the Toyotas SUVs and none of them stack up to the Aramda. The Aramda rides and handles like a smaller SUV and has great off- road capablities. Its fun to drive and its very quick 0-60, I think around 7 seconds, none of the other competitors even come close.
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GREAT SUV FOR ME! - 2006 Nissan Armada
By Victor Salgado - November 15 - 10:12 pmso I bought my 06 Nissan armada LE 4x4 back in 2005. I was very first owner of this SUV.... I think the price wasnt the best. I paid $54k+ tax and all so it went up to $58k. This truck has been to mexico and back 7 times! And has never gave me a problem on the way. I drive two days straight no stopping only for gas&food.. When I drive past Arizona it is about (105-120°F) and it has never over heated on me. Now I see many people on the comments giving this SUV 1 star because the breaks got worn out? Of course they will go out eventually. I love this truck. I own a 2008 ford f250 6.4 lariat 4door 4x4 I have had it for a year and a half and so far wasted $+10,000 in repairs including transmission it has been in the shop 7 times so far...... And my armada has always been there for me! My son also drives the armada and like every teenager he drives it like shi*! Full throttle. Burnouts and stuff and yet the truck is still up ! Reason why the truck is still up is because I actually spend time on it. Spark plugs , filters. Oil and the rest. Some people never change that stuff and expect it to go for years! I give this truck a 5/5.
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My second armada - 2010 Nissan Armada
By duckman - November 12 - 2:00 amThis is my second armada i also owned a 2005 se i love the power and reliability we use ours to tow a travel trailer extensively the self leveling rear end never gave us a problem and the power this unit has a fully loaded 29 trailer fells like your not pulling any thing ive owned fordm Chevy and dodge you can keep em these are in my opinion the most comfortable, powerful,and reliable suv/truck 4x4 on the market.
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Awesome SUV - 2008 Nissan Armada
By Peppershaker - November 2 - 11:23 pmWe bought this last week and we traded in a 1997 Nissan Quest with 135000 miles and never had it in the shop so we bought another Nissan product. This truck is the bomb and it gets 16.5 with a K&N air filter around town and 19.5 on the hwy, so if your looking for a great big SUV this is the Truck. Our old van only got 16 in city and 21 on the hwy so theres not much difference in the fuel economy, and the power is awesome with the 5.6 liter V-8 engine.
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Nissan Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
By bsyokoyama - October 29 - 10:00 amGreat Vehicle. I purchaed the LE which has many many standard features. The automatic liftgate and rear back up sensor are great additions. Very confortable, very well built except for the sunroof controls (very cheap looking). I was about to purchase a GMC SUV, but 3 of my neighbors who own one talked me out of it and I am glad I took their advice.
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all the space youll ever want - 2004 Nissan Armada
By el_santo - October 29 - 10:00 amExcellent car except for the a/c unit. Took it on a trip and on the way back it started doing funny things(the vents seem to have disconected and a very little if any iar was coming trough the vents, temperature of air went up as well). Took it to dealer and since the problem went way on its own they could not do a thing about it.
