2004-2008 Nissan Armada: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Trailer-towing capability
- Interior storage space
- Passenger and cargo room
- Visibility
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan entered the large SUV field for 2004 with a wagon based on its Titan pickup truck. Armada shared Titan's 305-hp V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. It had seats for up to eight and its 2nd- and 3rd-row seats folded flush with the floor. Armada came in SE, SE Off-Road, and LE models. Standard were curtain side airbags covering all three seating rows. Front side airbags and leather upholstery were optional on SE, standard on the others. Armada offered rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. The automatic transmission had a tow-haul mode. ABS and traction/antiskid control were standard. Load-leveling suspension was standard on LE, optional on the others. Armada's liftgate had opening glass. A power liftgate was an exclusive LE option. SE Off-Road included skid plates, special shock absorbers, and 17-inch wheels vs. other models' 18s. SE and SE Off-Road had 2nd- and 3rd-row benches for eight-passenger capacity. LEs had 2nd-row bucket seats with a removable center console. The 2nd-row bench was an LE option. Other standard features included power-adjustable pedals, heated mirrors, and rear obstacle detection. Options included a navigation system and DVD entertainment.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Armada 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Nissan Armada:
An available rearview camera marked 2005 for Nissan's large SUV.
2006 Nissan Armada:
Armada's folding 3rd-row bench seat moved to a 60/40 split design from a one-piece type.
2007 Nissan Armada:
This large SUV got more power for 2007. The sole engine was again a 5.6-liter V8 but was increased to 317 hp vs 305.
2008 Nissan Armada:
Freshened styling and more available features marked the 2008 Nissan Armada. Newly available features included keyless access and engine start and a Bose-brand audio system with 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files.
Our road test for the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 Nissan Armada is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Armadas have fairly strong takeoffs and decent passing response. Towing capacity is a class-leading 9100 lb, and the transmission's tow/haul mode is useful for toting large loads. Fuel economy is average to slightly below average, even among large SUVs. Test 2WD models averaged 12.0-14.5 mpg. All Armadas use regular-grade fuel. These large SUVs ride well, taking most low-speed bumps and ruts in stride. There is some truck-type jiggle over patchy surfaces. Like others in the class, Armada feels clumsy in close quarters, though it doesn't experience any undue sloppiness in turns. Braking feel is a point of contention among testers-some find too much pedal play. Any Armada is fairly quiet, though engine noise is intrusive. Wind and road noise are kept in check. Armada's cabin d¿cor is fairly plain, but the gauges are easy to read. Climate controls are simple as well, though several test Armadas suffered from various squeaks and rattles throughout the interior. Passenger room and comfort is very good in the first and 2nd seating rows. The 3rd-row bench is flat, hard, undersized, and difficult to access. Standard power-adjustable pedals help drivers of all sizes find a comfortable position. Armada's tall body makes the standard running boards a necessity, but it also makes for good visibility. The addition of a 60/40 split 3rd-row bench for 2006 is a welcome addition, as it adds some flexibility to Armada's cargo hauling capability. There's no need to remove the headrests in order to fold the seats, which is a plus for convenience. This SUV suffers, though, when it comes time to raise the 3rd row. It requires owners to crawl into the cargo area or climb into the 2nd row via the rear side doors.
Value for the Money
Armada doesn't lead its class in any area. And it trails key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Still, engine performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Despite quality gaffes in some of our test models, Nissan does have a good reputation for mechanical reliability.
Armada doesn't lead its class in any area. And it trails key rivals in 3rd-row comfort and ease of entry/exit. Still, engine performance is laudable, and prices generally undercut those of similarly equipped competitors. Despite quality gaffes in some of our test models, Nissan does have a good reputation for mechanical reliability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Armada 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg. Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 57 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Armada includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Armada .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems:
In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2004-06)
Cold-starting problems:
The engine may not restart after a short trip (less than 10 minutes) in very cold weather (less than 10 degrees F), requiring replacement of the power distribution module. (2004)
Electrical problem:
The electrical system could be damaged or even start a fire due to a short if trailer wiring is connected wrong. The company was updating earlier models with revised body control module and wiring harness, but only on vehicles that entered the shop, so it is important to check that this service was performed. (2004-05)
Engine knock:
What sounds like engine knock may be a problem with service port fitting in the evaporative emissions control system; a revised part is available. (2004)
Mirrors:
The outside (door) mirrors quit moving because actuators fail. (2004-06)
None:
Lack of power at wide-open-throttle may be due to lack of fuel pressure requiring pump replacement. (2004-07)
Oil leak:
Oil leak at the oil cooler adapter (oil filter adapter) due to bad gasket on VQ35 engine. (2004-06)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid may leak from the connections for the transmission cooler; revised fluid lines and clamps have been released. (2004-05)
Transmission problems:
Transmission shifting problems and possible no-start due to water entering main engine wiring harness connector attached to transmission. (2004)
Water leak:
The engine may not crank, may crank but not start, or the transmission may misbehave due to water getting into and corroding the connector between the engine control wiring harness and transmission wiring harness. (2004-05)
Windows:
The pop-out vent windows may rattle and/or close by themselves requiring replacement of the window latches. (2004-06)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $870 |
| Alternator | $560 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,605 |
| Brakes | $670 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,010 |
| Exhaust System | $850 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $910 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Armada details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Armada 2WD | $22,000-26,500 | $20,200-24,400 | $14,300-17,200 |
| Armada 4WD | $24,200-28,500 | $22,500-26,500 | $15,700-18,500 |
| 2007 | |||
| Armada 2WD | $19,500-23,200 | $17,900-21,300 | $12,700-15,100 |
| Armada 4WD | $21,500-25,000 | $19,800-23,000 | $14,000-16,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Armada 2WD | $17,900-21,000 | $16,500-19,300 | $11,500-13,400 |
| Armada 4WD | $19,800-23,000 | $18,200-21,200 | $12,900-15,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| Armada 2WD | $16,400-19,000 | $14,900-17,300 | $10,500-12,200 |
| Armada 4WD | $18,200-21,500 | $16,700-19,800 | $11,600-13,800 |
| 2004 | |||
| Armada 2WD | $15,000-17,500 | $13,700-15,900 | $9,500-11,000 |
| Armada 4WD | $16,500-19,200 | $15,000-17,500 | $10,600-12,300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Armada include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 123.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 206.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 78.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 5541 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 96.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 28.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 8 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Armadas shared a single powertrain that consisted of a 305-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. This is the same configuration Nissan used in the full-size Titan pickup trucks on which Armada is based. For 2007, the sole engine is again a 5.6-liter V8 but now with 317 hp vs 305.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 5.6 / 341 | 305-317 | 385 | 5-speed automatic: 13/18 | 5-speed automatic: 13.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Armada include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2005 Armada |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 Nissan Armada directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2007:
The driver-side third-row seatbelt upper-anchor bracket may be cracked. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing risk of injury. Dealers will replace the seatbelt bracket.
2008 Armada with manual adjustment front seats:
The manual seat-adjustment hardware may not fully engage when adjusted, increasing risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will inspect the seat track assembly on the driver and front-passenger seats and replace the entire seat assembly.
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