Used 2004 Nissan Armada Consumer Reviews
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a truly underrated car
Being a BMW lover for years I must say this truck impresses me because of its handleing and manuvering in emergency situations, its comfort surpasses all styling in and out could not be better, I have a family of 5 and I am a trucker therefore i love driving always. on road trips this truck is the best purchase ever, and dont worry about fuel because if you have a mini cooper and the price goes to $10 gal we would still be buying it.
Big Power, Big Room and Big Style.
Overall it is simply the most powerful, best looking and most roomy SUV in its class.....and that alone is saying a mouthful. Sure the interior is a little cheap, but you cant have everything. Bold bodacious styling, all aluminum DOHC V8 that will dust a hemi, and a huge, roomy and comfortable interior. Nissan spent the money where it counts in my book. Compared to where GM, Ford, Toyota, etc., etc. spent their money....I would go with the Armada any day. With that said, I did have to replace the front brakes. I got online, found some slotted rotors and ceramic pads, and fixed the problem permanently myself for about $300. I didn't fool around with the dealer's poor service.
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,999227 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995231 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,495524 mi away
Best hauler
I bought my Armada new and have been hauling 3000-8000 pound loads bi-weekly for the first 4.5 years. Only have done scheduled maintenance and replaced the front brake pads at 90,000 miles and have replaced 2 sets of tires. This is the best truck/suv I have ever owned. I live in minnesota and this truck starts in below zero temp every time. I now have a 125,000 miles and it runs like a top. It also looks brand new. In the past I have killed ford f150's and chevy 1/2 and 3/4 tons with all the hauling I do. This truck has out preformed all others I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable suv. I still have the original back brake pads and will probably get 10- 15k miles
I love it!!
I purchased this vehicle after trading my Infiniti SUV, although a little skeptical, I was instantly impressed. I have been driving it for almost 2 years, I don't hear a rattle. There was a recall issue with the brakes, dealership repaired n/c, no problem. More recently DVD system compartment rattle was also repaired and replaced by dealer. Comfortable seating for extra large adults. Roomy and attractive.
Great but............
I enjoy driving this truck ( I do mean truck because this vehicle rides nothing like the Tahoe we owned just before purchasing the Armada) Additionally, Nissan needs to pay attention to the details like brakes that squeak, DVD rattles, and tail gates that fail to operate correctly. Besides that the vehicle has performed well.
From Fla to NE
Having the vehicle in Fla was great until I moved to NE. Being flat, no hills and no pot holes in Fla I believed this SUV was as smooth as silk. Ha! being in the country in NE up and down hills, windy roads, uneven pavement and pot holes I found out pretty quickly how noisy, unbalanced and terrible the suspension was on this vehicle. However I have been quite lucky and surprised by how it handled in the snow considering I have no 4wd and I've been in 12-18" of snow many of times. I have had issues with the breaks and seem to have to get the pads and rotors redone about 2x per year other that that no other problems with the vehicle.
The Best with Class.
All I can say is I looked at all the ratings for the Armada. I wanted to by a Toyota Sequoia and found to much hype. The Armada has the power and Features (Standard),Toyota only wish it had. Move over Toyota or get ran over. Armada is the real deal.
My all Purpose Vehicle
Ok where do I start. I think Nissan did a great job with the design of this vehicle, just a poor job putting it together. Within the first month my Transmission started to slip, My tires keep loosing air pressure, my door handles get stuck, air keeps coming in from my windshield. Twelve months later my tires are all chopped up with 10k miles, air still comes from my windshield. I have had a Nissan since I was able to drive (20yrs) This has been by far not my best experience. Got another 24 months with this misery!
Surprise!
We bought 2004 Armada new. We loved the room for the family. Soon we noticed lots of noise and was told with in normal limits. Then squeaky brakes again told normal. The ride is rough. The DVD player ruined our DVDs. The interior is falling apart. While driving down the expressway (no overpass) our sun roof exploded! We were told again this was not a defect and we had to pay for that to be fixed. Sunday we were in another state for my grandson's birthday and the car quit. Had it towed to Nissan dealer hip and told engine blown. Something came loose & hit the engine.Waiting to hear if they will cover it. The cost will be $8-9000. So now I have a $16,500 loan on a car that is worthless.
Not bad for the money
I now have 55,000 miles on my 04. Overall I have been happy with it. There is absolutely no other sport ute that has the space, power and value for the money today. I usually change my vehicles every 2 years but I will admit I am spoiled with the attributes this vehicle has and I simply cannot see paying over $50k for trucks with fewer features. It does rattle a bit, my seat squeaks at turns, have had 3 brake jobs but you know we also had an 06 ML500 @ $60,000 and it had just as many problems. We got rid of the ML and believe it or not kept the Armada.
Factory defect.
I replaced the lower RH oxygen sensor and noticed the exhaust pipes joint was leaking. Factory defect: unsealed and wrong assembly. Bracket's flat part is welded in the wrong place too far from joint but installed anyway and useless. I had to buy new brace and sealer to fix the leak.
- Safety
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bad mistake
purchase in 8/2004 only has 4,000 miles on it and rattles everywhere rides like a log truck, gas not so good. trying to trade can't do that nobody wants it.
Kansas Armada
Very pleased overall with my 2004 Armada. Interior design could have been dressed up a bit (LE Model), but performance is excellent. A few rattles in dash and front door panels. Mileage about what I expected - about 16 on the road - but long distance driving comfort is excellent. Mountain performance superb. Very maneuverable considering its size. Like distinctive external styling. No mechanical problems (30,000+ miles). Bose audio and DVD system great. A bit cumbersome to flip second row bucket seats to access third row seating, but once you get there, a very comfortable ride. Like the deep throated rumble and acceleration is excellent.
Learn from other's mistakes
Purchased this vehicle new in DEC of 2003. I knew it was the first model year but it was a Nissan. So how many problems could it have? I'll tell you how many, more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams. This vehicle is a piece of junk and I felt the exact same way as another reviewer. Nissan should be ashamed of themselves! Problems?, exhaust, window, levelers, brakes, overhead console, electronic powertrain module, oem tires, and squeaks, rattles and shakes that are by far the worst of any car I've ever driven. And I'm 53. Don't know if things changed this year but the armada was rated one of the 5 least reliable vehicles for 5 years running.
This year is should have been skipped
Ill start off by saying that I absolutely ADORE my armada. Its an awesome, beautiful, powerful, comfortable vehicle that I enjoy getting in every time. That being said, the 2004 model is an absolute failure when it comes to reliability. I have had a magnitude of issues with this car since about 6 months after I purchased it. Here are my problems and my actions The 06 model would be your best choice as i have heard of limited problems with this.
4+2 Se Armada
I have own this Suv for approxiamately 1 month. The heat shield was rattling and deformed on the exhaust pipe. Nissan replaced the exhaust pipe with heat shield. It comes together as a unit. The dealership lost my original set of keys. They tried to make a new set of keys. The module was defective on the truck. So far in 4 weeks I 've had two defective parts replaced. It has a powerful engine. The ride itself is a little stiff compared to the GM trucks. ( Surburban, Denali). If I had to do it all over again I would have waited another year or so. Maybe by then some of these issues can be improved.
Armada on the Go
When purchasing, do your homework. With regards to this Armada SE from Nissan it been a great vehicle and have never broken down, but to the maintenance is important on any vehicle. Its had only normal services, i.e. tires, battery, brakes, fluid changes. Very happy withe purchase and bought it new.
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- Performance
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- Value
Interior rattles, but fun to drive
This truck will blast you out of your seats with the power. It's amazing how much power you get out of an SUV of that size. Love the truck and would drive it all day. The only set back is the interior squeak/rattles..and the front brakes rotors. Everything else is on point with this truck. I got mine in November and have 4600 miles....worked on brakes once in December. Squeak/rattle coming out of doors could be annoying sometimes. Otherwise, this vehicle is perfect!!
CA Lemon Law
If you live in California and you have had more than two safety related issues (brakes) seek the advise of an attorney. My wife and I purchased our Armada 10/03 and @ 4k miles we had our first brake problem (warped rotors). The dealer machined the rotors and replaced the pad. @ 9k miles warped rotors again. The dealer replaced the rotors and new pads. Again @ 13k & 16k warped rotors. Because of all the vibration (warped rotors) that went on during the braking it cause a lot of the interior components to loosen up & made the Armada sound cheap inside. We had other problems with the tire pressure monitoring system, Windows & air conditioning. Nissan reluctantly refunded our money. CA lemon law
Armada.......a big disappointment
This vehicle is the worst i owned. I owned a supercharged xterra which i assumed was the biggest leamon of all time. 3 recalls and numerous problems we traded for the armada. Nissan refuses to provide parts to fix the brakes and we have driven this shakey vehicle for 8mths. We have a water leak, rattles all over, power steering pump moans and a wind leak around the door. The transmisson has a shutter in it. Nissan has fallen to an all time low. I have owned nissan since 1985 and will never own another one. Stay away from nissan products if your smart.
The best SUV
I looked at all the large SUV's. Toyota seemed top heavy. Ford felt cheaply made. Chevy seemed too much of a truck. Dodge is just ugly. When we tried the Nissan, I thought finally a good looking SUV with all the specs and still cheaper than Chevy or Ford. I have never bought a Nissan before. I've only owned Ford, Pontiac and a Jeep so this would be a new experience. I can honestly say this is the best car I've ever owned and planned to buy Nissan again. I have 4 kids and this has been a life saver. Everyone has plenty of room and comfort and I don't feel we compromised getting what I wanted. The kids have the DVD and I have piece and quiet.
Nothing but problems
I purchased the Armada a month ago. In this short time I've noticed a constant rattling of the overhead console and cracks in the console which eventually lead to the console breaking loose and hitting my son on the head. The rear hatch locking and automatic opening/closing system sucks. It is constantly beeping on accelerations and over bumpy terrain. The beep is to indicate that the hatch is not closed properly. I've removed the mats in the event they may be in the way but that doesn't help. The locking mechanism for the center glove box is made of plastic with slight pressure on the handle it pops open so don't leave your valuables inside.
Japanese cars are NOT better
I've had 3 expeditions in a row and had very few problems. Thought I'd try something different so I leased the Armada. What a mistake!!!! This is the worst vehicle I've ever had. This truck has been in the shop 6 times. Brakes have been replaced and disks reworked due to design problems. Overhead console is ready to fall off due to the horrible install job on the dealer installed DVD player which now doesn't evn work. The squeaks and rattles are so bad that I can hear them no matter how loud the radio is. Downers Grove Nissan is an absolutely horrible dealership. I'm so disgusted with this truck and dealership that I'm trying to dump it for another Expedition.
15 days is too long to wait for a part
Faulty gas gauge. Vehicle returned for warrranty repair and remained un-usable for more than 15 days while we waited for Nissan North America to source a replacement part. Never again.
Moe's Armada
I love my Armada. It turns many heads, my family can ride with joy relaxing in comfort.
I wouldn't if I were you
Since we have owned this car, there has not been one day that there wasn't something wrong with it. I have 50 plus pages of invoices from warranty repairs. Brakes, rotors, windows, doors, seats, seatbelts, leaks from various places in the engine, exhaust system problems. Its loud and squeaky inside. It's big, spacious and fun but not worth the time in the shop. Not to mention the fact that the dealership and Nissan corporation have been pains to deal with. Seriously, get a suburban.
I had it all wrong
I wrote a review on 5/1/04 in favor of the armada, i guess i was excited.If you are thinking about buying an armada listen to me and save your money and time. Let's start out with 4 brake jobs (rotor problems of course), wind noise in the rear window, a defective fan, a cupholder that opened everytime you applied brakes and shall i go on! Of course with your warranty they will keep fixing it over & over & over. I decided to seek a remedy with a lemon law attorney. You do know that after 4 repeated repairs of an important part your vehicle is considered a lemon. Don't let nissan get away with this. Fight, fight,fight for your rights!! I hear the titan and the 2005's are no better!
great vechicle
one of the best vehicles ive ever purchased, great ride, handling and comfort for (7) adults Large amount of interior storage, with easy access and ease of folding seats which don't have to be removed
the best SUV yet
We bought this Armada used in December 05 with only 11000mi on it and my dad and family took the truck to Yosemite in the winter three weeks after we got it and it worked wonders in the snow and it's got the 2WD off road package....it has dusted every suv out there and returned 20+ mpg on the highway back from camping fully loaded....One problem is a rattle that happens once in a while by the drivers A-pillar...overall this rig is the best SUV we have owned or driven...
The Ultimate Vehicle
My armada is been great to own. I can take it anywhere and the ride is very smooth. The indicators in the dat for low tires, wiper fluid, etc are all easy to see and understand so there is never any concern about a problem coming up that I did not know about. It handles on the highway better than any vehicle, car or truck, I have ever owned (which is many since 1999). The acceleration is great. I do not have to worry when passing other cars or taking off from a stop that I will not make it around. It is been wonderful.
Tough truck
I have 120k miles on an '04 Off-Road, and there has only been the brake rotor problem, which Nissan took care of, eventually. I routinely tow 8500 lbs. with it and haul about 500 lbs of tools always, and the truck has held up really well. Better than my previous 2 Expeditions on all accounts, especially comfort & handling.
Mean SUV
We have had our Armada since Jan, 2004 and have put over 16,000 miles on it! We test drove it and the Sequoia and felt the Aramda was better. It has to be the "badest" SUV out there. We took it on a 5,000 mile trip to San Francisco this past summer and the Armada was outstanding! Had to get the left rear window motor replaced. Several squeaks and rattle here and there. I am blaming that on first year gremlins! Hopefully Nissan will fix that in future models. The gas mileage is terrible, but that's what you get with that awesome engine! I am thinking of installing a Borla exhaust system and see what that will really sound like!
Pathfinder Armada
It is a very cool car, and even though I am only 8 years old, I hope to buy this car in a few years. Very nice, I give it 10 thumbs up. Cool
WOW!
My family and I just bought this new car and we are really impressed. Not just by its performance but by 'its looks" A job very nicely done! :D
SAVE YOUR MONEY!
Where should I start? 2K miles first set of brakes. All windows squeak. I've been to the dealership 3 times, still can't fix it. Parts are on backorder for 2 months, now. 3500 miles, I lost the brakes COMPLETELY!!! After I was laughed at in the dealership, they found out that the power brakes booster went. Part went from being on "local" back order to "national" backorder. Car has been in the dealership for a week and nobody can say when am I getting it back. I paid $40K to drive a rental car. The only excuse everybody is giving me is that "it's the first year" So what????
Nissan Needs to brush up on fit & finish
At 4200 miles lost the transmission actuator. Could not put it to reverse. At Park vehicle could move freely with ignition off. Had it towed to dealer. NISSAN Corporate was POOR in pleasing the customer.
1100 miles and it needs new brakes!!!!!!
Wow! 1100 miles and pulsating front brakes. No recall yet! No parts available! Will resurface the rotors but the problem will come back! Can they spell class action lawsuit! Sign me up! I love the truck but the issue has not been resolved in months according to these postings. It's a real shame.
Just Another Vehicle
I have about 2700 miles on my Armada. The gas mileage (about 11.5 in town; about 14 on the hwy.) and the squeakes, especially from the driver's window, has made this vehicle a bad experience. I took it to my dealer for the window and was told they couldn't fix it and hoped that Nissan would come out with a bulletin on how to fix it. However, I do enjoy the room and comfort of the vehicle.
Outdoes GM, from a loyal chev owner
This vehicle has outdone my expectations on all facets. I pull a 32 foot travel trailer with ease, and struggled with the suburban. Dealership was more knowledgable and willing to work with me to get a match on vehicle. Will never go back to the GM line.
Fairly Satisifed Armada Owner
Owned the Armada since Feb. 2004 and bought it for it's towing capacity. We are towing a boat and it tows great. Problem is loud squealing brakes when they are warm. So far dealer cannot fix - says squealing is normal - I don't think so. Interior quality not up to par - 3 out of 4 window units had to be replaced. Console rattles and we're still waiting for a replacement since August.
This 2004 Armada LE is the bomb
I love it more than my H2. Rides smooth, lots of room, an tow a lot and it moves if you have to move. Very comfortable safer ride. And... easy to work on for the most. Likes to drink gas is the only drawback but then again you have the luxury without any huge payments so I'd rather pay a little more in fuel every month and feel safe.
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BIG BUT DRIVEABLE SUV
VERY COMFORTABLE ON THE HIGHWAY. WITH FOUR KIDS AND DVD IT WAS ACTUALLY A NICE TRIP. SECOND ROW SEAT LEG ROOM IS AMAZING. THIRD ROW ISN'T BAD EITHER FOR ME 6FT 1IN., MORE THAN ENOUGH FOR SMALLER PEOPLE. ENGINE IS STRONG THROUGH OUT DRIVING RANGE. EASY FOR ME TO DRIVE IN TOWN. PARALLEL PARKING IS NOT BAD ,ESPECIALLY WITH REAR SENSORS. NAV SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO USE.
Stay away
Multiple problems - Brakes problem replaced and then returned - Nissan would not replace again. Transmission Leaks, Oil Cooler leaks, Window switches and motors. Oil pressure is all over the place but Nissan and dealer say it is normal. Of course out of warranty and no help from dealer or Nissan. Now the tire pressure sensors are bad. No more Nissans for me, ever.
very nice
very nice car, it rides good and even handles good.
Not Bad for First Year
Excellent power and plenty of room. Love the power liftgate and all the airbags. The rear sonar helps in parking in NYC. driving this TRUCK is so much fun. Have not had the resonance problem so many have had but there are alot of rattles. Interior quality could be better. Sunvisor fell off already and rear center console broke too. A pin in the rear passenger door also came from the dealer broken.
Few annoying items
Love the power, however we are getting a fluttering sound in the interior at certain speeds that sounds like air pressure. It stops if you crack open a window slightly. Also what really bothers me is at 3000 miles the brake rotors had to be cut because a pulsating pedal, and now at 6000 miles we are having problems again-I want the rotors replaced and not cut again-I believe they are defective and do not want to have to replace them at my cost.
Free at at last, free at last, thank god...
To borrow words from the great MLK, regarding my 2004 Nissan Armada....free at last, free at last, thank god almighty I am free at last! My wife & I went out for baby formula/ diapers, december 2003 & ended up coming home w/ the biggest garbage We have ever owned or witnessed! The problems were endless, dealership looked the other way. We are free of last from that money pit & now driving a hyundai santa fe sport, which is special.
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I would never buy another nissan
Problem, after problem. Nissan isn't as cooperative as they should be, considering they know many of the problems associated with this truck. They pretend they're hearing these problems for the first time. I've had this truck at the dealership more than any vehicle I've ever owned. I am never 100% satisified with their repair work. I've had problems with the brakes & rotors, 4 -wheel drive, roof console,(it fell)and now still rattles after it was repaired. I had to replace the tires after only 25,000 miles(my last truck I got 65,000 Miles out of the tires) The sunroof also rattles. The dealership said rattles are only covered for the 1st 12,000 miles(read your owners manual)Poor quality.
This is a lemon
I have had to service this vehicle 8 times in 6 months. It leaked transmission fluids, needed a new windshield, the brakes have been replaced 3 times and I have had to replace 6 interior plasic pieces. I tell everyone not to buy one. This car is all style and no substance. I have a 7 year old Lexus LX470 that drives better, is more reliable and has 110K miles. Nissan of America will not do anything to support this hunk o' junk. Scott
Great family vehicle
Our young family of four is really enjoying this vehicle. The DVD entertainment center is great for long trips. It has a lot of power - I'm someone that loves to accelerate, and the Armada has good, very smooth, acceleration for its size. It handles very well on slick roads. The interior is unbelievable - storage is everywhere! And the second row seats have a LOT of room! It is easy to fold down the third row, and the fact it has shoulder belts in all 8 seating positions gives us a lot of flexibility in where the kids ride particularly when my wife travels with friends.