2006 Nissan Armada Review
2006 Nissan Armada Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious interior, powerful V8 engine, lots of storage areas up front, fold-flat 60/40 third-row seat, comfortable ride quality around town, solid tow rating.
Cons
- Leather seats not as comfortable as their cloth counterparts, dismal fuel mileage, cumbersome to park.
What’s new
The 2006 Nissan Armada SUV now has dual-zone automatic climate control and a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat as standard equipment. Nissan has also added upgraded side mirrors to the LE trim and a standard tow package to the SE Off-Road. Finally, satellite radio is a new option this year.
Edmunds says
Aside from its odd styling, the 2006 Nissan Armada SUV sizes up favorably with its domestic competition on nearly every front.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Nissan Armada SE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$295/mo for Armada SE
Armada SE
vs
$247/mo
Avg. Large SUV
Vehicle overview
Nissan has had a reasonable amount of success with its small pickups and SUVs. The ever-popular Pathfinder was first introduced as a two-door and came off like a rough-and-tough-looking mini-Blazer. Later the four-door version came along and allowed those who needed extra rear-seat room to join the bold-looking Pathfinder party. Each subsequent redesign of the Pathfinder was an improvement, and the versatile compact SUV even stretched into the luxury segment when it was rebadged as the Infiniti QX4.
However, the one thing the Pathfinder could not escape was the fact that it was a midsize SUV, and in a world where full-size sport-utes rule, Nissan was left with nothing even approaching full-size. That all changed for the 2004 model year with the introduction of the full-size Pathfinder Armada SUV. Doesn't really roll off the tongue, does it? Shortly after introduction, Nissan wisely renamed it Armada. Name shenanigans aside, the Armada is a seriously big and seriously powerful SUV. Inevitably, most consumers will compare the Armada to the Sequoia, as they're the only full-size SUVs from foreign manufacturers. But the new Nissan SUV is bigger in just about every way -- more interior space, more horsepower, more ground clearance and more towing capacity. The Tahoe and Expedition are more appropriate competitors in terms of size and capacities.
The Nissan Armada is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 that makes 305 horsepower and rides on a fully boxed steel frame. This is clearly not a car-based SUV; with a towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds and the most ground clearance in its class, those looking for an alternative to the Expedition or Tahoe will wonder what took Nissan so long. The Armada offers more than just brute strength. It also offers such family-friendly features as a DVD entertainment system, satellite radio capability (either XM or Sirius), leather seating, one-touch up-and-down front windows and fold-flat second- and third-row seats. With seating options for seven or eight passengers, the interior is more than roomy, and second-row passengers are afforded limolike legroom. Based on its size, easy-to-configure nature, bold styling and powerful V8, the 2006 Nissan Armada is well deserving of its place next to the Expedition and Tahoe in the still popular and very competitive full-size SUV segment.
Performance & mpg
All Armadas come with a 5.6-liter V8 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 305 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque, the V8 produces a broad band of power and warrants an impressive 9,100-pound maximum tow rating. SE and LE models are available with two- or four-wheel drive; the SE Off-Road is 4WD only. Four-wheel-drive models use a pushbutton transfer case with dual-range gears.
Safety
The Nissan Armada comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, rear parking sensors and side curtain airbags that protect all three rows of passengers. A vehicle rollover sensor will deploy the side curtain airbags when it senses an imminent rollover accident. Seat-mounted side airbags for front occupants are optional on the SE and standard on the LE.
Driving
While the powerful V8 does give the 2006 Nissan Armada a "light on its feet" feel when accelerating, the massive girth of this truck is obvious when cornering or coming to an abrupt stop. Still, ride quality is smooth and comfortable on the highway, and the well-weighted steering makes the full-size Nissan SUV easy enough to maneuver in everyday driving situations. The big V8 has a nice throaty rumble when pressed and at the same time delivers smooth power on par with the Sequoia's V8.
Interior
The full-size Nissan Armada offers seating for up to eight passengers and easy-to-use, fold-flat second and third-row seats. For maximum flexibility in hauling people and cargo, the second-row bench has a 40/20/40 split while the third row has a 60/40 split. Opting for the LE model drops seating capacity to seven and replaces the second-row bench with captain's chairs. There's plenty of storage space up front and an unprecedented number of overhead storage bins. With both the second- and third-row seats folded flat, there's 97.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
2006 Nissan Armada models
The Nissan Armada is available only as a four-door SUV. There are three trim levels: SE, SE Off-Road and LE. Base SEs come well equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, three rows of seating, a power driver seat, a tire-pressure monitoring system, power-adjustable pedals, rear parking sensors, rear-seat air conditioning, an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash CD changer and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SE Off-Road adds Rancho shocks, a lower final drive ratio, 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, foglights and skid plates. The high-line LE model loses the hard-core off-road equipment but gains upscale items like a power liftgate, heated leather seats, driver-seat memory, a power front passenger seat, second-row bucket seats, and an upgraded 10-speaker Bose audio system. Many of these features are optional on SE and SE Off-Road models. A sunroof and rear DVD entertainment system are optional on all trims. A DVD-based navigation system with a rearview monitor is an exclusive LE option.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Nissan Armada.
5 star(76%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(2%)
80 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Best car I've owned Period
garrettb, 09/25/2012
2006 Nissan Armada LE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
We just sold her, Annie was her name.
The kids still ask after her.
What a great car.
Great power, huge interior, the kids don't even come close to kicking the back of your seat.
We bought used with 50K miles and I sold this car with 90K on it and never put one nickel into it other than regular oil changes, oh yeah 1 battery and thats it.
It always got 12 mpg unless on a real long … trip.
Got 16 once.
I watched a friend with an Explorer- Junk and then a Tahoe, nice but not a good as this Nissan and not nearly as spacious.
4 out of 5 stars
198k and still rolling
Hootna, 03/07/2017
2006 Nissan Armada LE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
I have owned my Armada since I bought it with 75k miles on it about 9 years ago. I guess overall it has been a good car but if you are the type that takes your car in for every minor issue it will bleed you dry. My automatic opening rear died long ago.. The brakes suck there is a known issue that the brake system fails and makes a grinding like your wheel is about to fall off but resets … once you shut off and restart but u never know when it may happen.. AC fan interior controller went out but I replaced it myself.. AC fan by the radiator went south long ago so if car is not moving AC is not super cold in summer months.. Clicking noise sounds like machine gun from some broken vent actuator happens every so often and finally the crappy check engine light because of the exhaust manifold cracking issue that I am not paying $3500 to fix.. Oh forgot the oil pressure gauge is pegged on high but its a sensor issue so whatever.. I live with this stuff now for the repairs I had to do... Fuel pump took a dump towed go dealership that told me it was not only the pump but some fuse box this cost me $2500.. Screw u Nissan... Also $250 because the piece that the oil filter attachs to that is between it and the engine got screwed up guess if they over tighten when installing oil filter it can happen but think its a bad design.. But hey overall I love my Armada but as you can see I dont care about check engine lights..squeeks..rattles..etc. so my overall cost for repairs hasnt been crazy. In fact I have yet to change the tranny fluid and probably wont for fear replacing it at this point may cause the beast to fail. We will see how long she runs at this point if anything fails I will just buy another vehicle but I will miss her she has been a great ride.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Armada-my first big unit.
Raul, 07/04/2006
2006 Nissan Armada LE 4dr SUV (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
After driving my Odyssey for many years....I bought my first SUV, and so far has been I am very satisfied with it. I research through everyone's comments on the car, and selected LE fully loaded, NAV, DVD the works. So far, all systems are working as it was designed. Pro-excellent exterior and interior design. My kids loves the DVD, while I can listen to my music. NAV - love it with all … of its functionality. Cons- MPG, but its expected for a big SUV.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Very pleased!
Northern Cal buyer, 10/12/2005
2006 Nissan Armada SE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.6L 8cyl 5A)
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 SUV's in this class don't 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 won't regret it. I'm very satisfied.
2006 Armada Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $34,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 14 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $295/month |
Seating | 8 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 20.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Armada include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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