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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  Almost Got it Right - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Islander - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  The 2005 Nissan Armada has tons of power and is fun to drive. The interior is very flexible. Every seat folds down. I have 21,000 miles on my Off Road 4x4 and have worked through a few issues. The brakes were fixed on the 3rd try after a service bulletin came out. The Bose stereo system does not sound like a $750 system. I still have rattle sounds in my dash and doors. Overall, I still like the truck and would recommend it though.

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  great vehicle - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By gorilla7 - December 28 - 7:43 am

  this is the best choice and value in a large suv dont bother with the tahoe or yukon no room on interior, no tow capacity cost 7-10M more for equel equipment expedition = no power, ugly sequoia = toy like dash, no handeling dont knock it till you drive it you must drive this vehicle to really appreciate the luxury

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  Nissan what happened - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By TNEP - December 24 - 10:00 am

  My fourth Nissan ,my first disappointment. The quality of this vehicle is surprisingly bad. 1200 miles so far,lots of rattles ,bad paint on bumper,tailgate button disappeared into the dash, finishes inside are not tight fitting. Im worried Ill run out of warranty before problems.

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  Finally Got My Wife in a Full-Size SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By zluver - December 14 - 6:33 pm

  Wife had always been opposed to full- size SUVs until we test drove an Armada while getting our 350-Z serviced. A week later, we were driving in a red brawn SE w/ the tow and DVD packages. Invoice - $3K + TTL. Were sold on Nissan ride quality.

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  Brand new and already needs repairs/replacements. - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By denverdan - December 5 - 3:16 am

  I traded in an Infiniti FX35 that I never had a single problem with. I needed a vehicle that would tow my new boat and since the Infiniti (Nissan) was so good, I figured that the Armada would be the perfect choice. So far the vehicle has 210 miles on it and I have made a horrible mistake. There is a terrible shake from the steering wheel when the vehicle hits 65mph (I never took it that fast during the test drive). The lift gate doesnt shut tight without slamming it and pushing hard at the same time. I feel like my rear window will shatter some day if I have to keep this up. The drivers side rear view mirror begins vibrating at 40+mph and only gets worse the faster I go.

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  Very pleased! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Northern Cal buyer - December 2 - 4:50 pm

  Any review from a buyer that states "Bad on Fuel" is suspect. If you actually purchase a vehicle like this, and then are shocked by the fuel economy AFTER the purchase, you probably deserve everything you get. Poor fuel economy aside (and which of the SUVs in this class dont have poor fuel economy?), this is a great SUV. Distinctive styling that sets it apart. Powerful engine. Sharp interior. Comfortable 3rd row seats that can actually be used for more than just an emergency. Tons of storage. Get this vehicle loaded with the technology package and you wont regret it. Im very satisfied.

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  What was I thinking - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Liz - November 25 - 7:16 am

  Wow this thing is a gas guzzler. What was I thinking when I purchased this thing. I always wanted an Armada, so I bought one but with big regrets. Too many blind spots. I have a hard time seeing when I am trying to back out of a parking space. While this thing is very powerful, the gas mileage is awful. I paid cash for mine. I am going to trade it in in about another month for something that gets better gas mileage. If you want good gas mileage, this is not the vehicle for you.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Briant Bodrato - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Nice riding suv. Great sound system. Lots of Leg room and storage area. Very happy with this purchase.

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  I Cant belive I own one - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kassi574 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  its my first day driving the car so i have so much to do then i will tell you how mch i love it.

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  awesome car - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Subin - November 16 - 8:53 am

  I just got my Nissan Armada. It is fun to drive. The V8 engine helps pull the armada 0 - 60 in less then 7.0 sec. It has so much power that your head jukes back everytime you give it gas. The motor has an amazing roar too it. It takes the snow like nothing. It is flawless.