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Large SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,700 – $42,000*

2004 Nissan Armada

2004 Nissan Armada

2004 Nissan Armada

2004 Nissan Armada

Pros:
  • Interior storage space
  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Trailer-towing capability
  • Visibility
Cons:
  • Entry/exit
  • Fuel economy

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.

Overview

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.

Yearly Updates

2005 Armada
An available rearview camera marked 2005 for Nissan’s large SUV.
2006 Armada
Armada’s folding 3rd-row bench seat moved to a 60/40 split design from a one-piece type.
2007 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 Armarda
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.
2009 Armada
The 2009 Nissan Armada was largely unchanged.
2010 Armada
The 2010 Nissan Armada lineup underwent a model reorganization. Platinum replaced LE as the top-line model, and Titanium slotted below it but above the SE.
2011 Armada
The 2011 Nissan Armada lineup underwent another model reorganization. This large SUV offered SV (formerly SE), SL (formerly Titanium), and Platinum versions, each with rear- or four-wheel drive.
2012 Armada
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Nissan Armada.
2013 Armada
Armada’s updates for 2013 were limited to minor revisions such as new exterior colors and an expanded list of standard equipment. Also new was an upscale Platinum Reserve appearance package that brings unique interior and exterior trim.
2014 Armada
The 2014 Armada saw no significant changes.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.6/341
Engine HP 305-317
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 385
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic 13/18 13.3

Road Test

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 décor 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.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Nissan Armada 4WD SE w/Leather Pkg.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 5
50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 57

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
123.2 206.9 78.8 78.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
96.9 28.0 8
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 40.0 41.8 41.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2004 Armada 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Cold-starting problems
Description: 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)
Cold-starting problems
Description: 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)
Engine knock
Description: 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)
Fuel pump
Description: Inadequate power at wide open throttle due to poor fuel pump performance. (2004-07)
Fuel pump
Description: The auto-up feature may not work if the battery was disconnected or the power window is cycled numerous times without going fully up or down and must be reinitialized. (2007-09)
Mirrors
Description: The outside (door) mirrors quit moving because actuators fail. (2004-06)
Oil leak
Description: Oil leak at the oil cooler adapter (oil filter adapter) due to bad gasket on VQ35 engine. (2004-06)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission fluid may leak from the connections for the transmission cooler; revised fluid lines and clamps have been released. (2004-05)
Vehicle noise
Description: Popping and squawking from the front end over rough roads, speed bumps, etc. requires replacement of sway bar bushings with improved ones. (2004-10)
Vehicle noise
Description: Popping and squawking from the front end over rough roads, speed bumps, etc. requires replacement of sway bar bushings with improved ones. (2004-10)
Water leak
Description: 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)
Water leak
Description: Water may enter the passenger compartment due to tiny holes in the sealer between the windshield and cowl. (2004-08)
Windows
Description: The pop-out vent windows may rattle and/or close by themselves requiring replacement of the window latches. (2004-06)
Windows
Description: The power windows may quit working if the battery is disconnected or if the window fuse blows requiring reprogramming the windows. (2004-08)
Windows
Description: The auto-up feature may not work if the battery was disconnected or the power window is cycled numerous times without going fully up or down and must be reinitialized. (2007-09)
Electrical problem
Description: 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)
None
Description: Lack of power at wide-open-throttle may be due to lack of fuel pressure requiring pump replacement. (2004-07)
Transmission problems
Description: Transmission shifting problems and possible no-start due to water entering main engine wiring harness connector attached to transmission. (2004)

Recall History

2004-2006 Armada
Description: The intelligent power distribution module (IPDM) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, this could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the IPDM assembly. This service will be performed free of charge.
2005-09 Armada
Description: The fuel gauge may inaccurately display that the vehicle still has some fuel, typically about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty. This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall on the highway, which could cause a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel sender unit inside the fuel tank with a new improved sender card.
2007 Armada
Description: 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 front seats
Description: 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.
2008 Armada
Description: An out-of-specification a-pillar finisher might impede the correct inflation of the side curtain air bag near the upper portion of the b-pillar. Incorrect inflation of the side curtain air bag may increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in the event of a crash requiring deployment of that air bag. Dealers will replace both right and left front pillar finishers free of charge.
2008-10 Armada
Description: The brake pedal pivot pin end was not spin-formed to specification during the manufacturing process of the brake pedal assembly. The pivot pin could slide and cause the brake pedal to partially disengage from the brake pedal bracket. The driver will experience unusual and noticeable looseness in the pedal and a reduction in braking force increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect to see if the pivot pin had been formed properly and will replace the brake pedal assembly if necessary free of charge.
2010 Armada
Description: The second row center seat hinge assembly was manufactured out of specification. This may prevent the rear center seatback from fully locking in the in-use (upright) position. In the event of a crash, the second row center seat may not function properly increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will inspect the second row center seat hinges/lock for proper function. If the seat does not lock as designed, the second row center seat hinge assembly will be replaced with a new one free of charge.
2012 Armada
Description: Certification labels do not contain rim-size information.
2013 Armada
Description: Certain 2013 model Nissan Armada vehicles made between February 22, 2013 and May 3, 2013 may have brake master cylinders that intermittently reduce the pressure supplied to the front brakes.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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