The Armada->ke551 is Nissan->ke62's fifth model built on the F-Alpha platform. It joins models like the Titan->ke482 pickup truck, Xterra->ke1160 SUV, Frontier pickup truck, and Pathfinder->ke548 SUV, all built on the same platform. The Armada was unveiled in 2004 with only a small update in 2008 that brought on a new exterior style and a more luxurious and refined interior.

Over the years, the Nissan Armada hasn't changed much in terms of power. It has always received a 5.6-liter V8 that delivers a total of 317 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque. The engine is combined with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission, heavy-duty fully boxed ladder frame, and comfortable double-wishbone suspension It also offers a towing capacity of more than 9,000 lbs.

For 2012, the Armada remains virtually unchanged and will be offered in three trim levels: Armada SV, Armada SL, and Armada Platinum. Each model is offered in a choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, with prices starting from $38,490.

Hit the jump to read more about the Nissan Armada.

2004 - 2012 Nissan Armada

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2004 - 2012 Nissan Armada
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 317
  • Torque: 385
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

2004 - 2008 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada's first feature is its powerful, yet dynamic design language. The SUV displays a long wheelbase and manageable overall length that both offer enhanced stability and handling. The longer interior also offers plenty of cargo room.

At the front of the car, you will easily notice the straightforward and powerful headlights, as well as a massive hood. The back of the vehicle gets massive bumpers.

The interior offers a choice of 8-passenger or 7-passenger seating, with ample cargo space behind the 3rd row seat. It also gets a full-length overhead console with map lights, vents, and available DVD Family Entertainment System.

2009 - 2012 Nissan Armada

In 2008, Nissan revised the Armada with a new front fascia, new headlamp and fog lamp designs, a new one-piece roof rack design, a revised rear fascia, and new exterior color.

The interior received new interior colors and fabrics, a new gated shifter, new wood-grain accents, heated steering wheel, a lockable glove compartment, a revised steering wheel, and combination meter illumination.

Engine

Under the hood, everything has remained the same for the Nissan Armada since the very beginning of its production. It is powered by a 5.6 liter V8 engine with a total output of 317 HP and a peak torque of 385 lbs-ft. The engine is mated to a reinforced electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode, which revises shift patterns accordingly. The transmission features a unique gear set for use in high torque situations.

Despite the fact that the Armada offers a towing capacity of over 9,000 lbs, it still delivers a fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Prices

Armada 4x2 SV 5AT

$38,490 USD

Armada 4x2 SL 5AT

$43,940 USD

Armada 4x2 Platinum 5AT

$51,050 USD

Armada 4x4 SV 5AT

$44,090 USD

Armada 4x4 SL 5AT

$46,840 USD

Armada 4x4 Platinum 5AT

$53,950 USD


DVD FES Package

$1,600

Moonroof

$1,000

Driver Package

$2,500

SV Tow Package

$300

Captain Seat Package

$450


Splash Guards

$165

Cross Bars

$120

Floor Mats & Cargo Mat (5 piece set)

$230

Rear Cargo Net & Organizer

$245


Competition

The list of competitors for the Armada includes models like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Cadillac Escalade->ke245.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is offered with a choice of two engines: a 249 hp 4.0 liter Dual VVT-i V6 petrol engine or a 173 hp 3.0 liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. This may be suitable competition for the Armada, but the Cadillac Escalade is the perfect definition of luxury in the SUV market. Not only is it the most luxurious, it is also more powerful than the Armada with its 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 hp and 417 lb.-ft. of torque.

Nissan will have to overhaul the Armada if it wants to trump the Escalade in term of power and design. Of course, the Armada falls way under the price range of the Escalade; the Armada starts off at around $38,000 while the Escalade starts at about $63,000.