Used 2005 Nissan Armada Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
The best truck I ever had.
I have a 2005 Nissan armada 5.6L V8 and It has 210,000 miles on it and Is still running great.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nice Secret
Update from my July 2007 review. We bought this in 12/2005. Now has 90,000 miles, and it still drives great. Wife doesn't want anything else. Still very solid, drives great, and no significant problems. We can afford a new one, but there is no need yet. Still load it down for vacations with 6 people and luggage carrier. Driven through blizzards, pulled trailers, and it's still wife's daily driver. Great truck! She will want a new one eventually, and I will probably keep this one for a work/ranch truck.
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,400612 mi away
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,999996 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,9501,044 mi away
Nice vehicle ... BAD brakes
Beautiful vehicle! WOW. I did however have it in the shop within 2,000 miles. There is a KNOWN defect on the braking system in the 2004 & 2005 Armada's & Titan's that Nissan has chosen not to share with the customers unless it becomes a problem. Supposedly there are no parts available to make the repairs on the brakes at this time, so they are temporarily turning the rotors to keep the vehicle from "skipping" when attempting to stop. GAS mileage is horrible. If you enjoy spending time at the gas pumps, then this vehicle is meant for YOU. All jokes aside, it is a beautiful vehicle. I just wish they had shared the braking problem with me when I bought it.
It was great...at first
No doubt the Armada is cool. Step on the gas and it pounces forward, and it looks aggressive. All the pillars are annoyingly thick however. For the first 100000 miles we were pretty happy with it but at that point it kind of started to disintegrate. 6,000 dollars in one year on things that shouldn't go wrong like diffs and suspension components. Also, there's significant rust coming in around the rear wiper and the rear wheel arches. This is unacceptable on a 5 yr old car that is garaged every night. Every time we've used it to do real work, it's broken. I like it but I sure wouldn't buy another.
Love my "Batttleship"
I'm a big guy with a big family, so this is the perfect vehicle. Yes it is a thirsty beast, but I knew that going in. This is by far the most comfortable vehicle I've owned. Family trips are great with six of us and our gear easily accommodated. Pulls my camper with ease. Handles amazingly well for its size. Moves the soccer team and school band like a champ.
Awww!!!! Man!!! Another Mistake
I cannot stress to you about how much my 05 Armada has been giving me problems. I have to take it to the dealer every couple of weeks to get something fixed. From the A/C to the automatic tailgate. The A/C wouldn't give out cold air. It takes about 15- 20 minutes for it to get going. The steering wheel vibrates when you go 55 mph or more. The DVD system would not play the DVDs. The front headlights got water stuck inside of them because they were not installed correctly. The CD player would not eject my CDs. I went to the grocery store and I had a whole bunch of foods for Thanksgiving and the tailgate would not open. You could not manually open it or even open it with the remote.
Needs Improvement!
This is my 6th Nissan to own and maybe my last. The 04' Armada has quality issues, starting with the brakes. I have had my brakes worked on twice and heading in for a third. It begins with a vibration in your steering while braking. Took it to the dealership at approximately 8K, they shaved the brake rotars, then again at 11K the rotors were completed replaced as well as adding a stronger torque bar for stabilization. Now I have no idea what they will do and I am at 15K and concerned my warranty will run out before the problem is resolved. It is a pain to pay $33,000 for a new vehicle and have to have it in the shop this much. Nissan needs to do a recall and take care of the consumer.
After 5000 miles
I left a review back in Jan 05. Loved it then. Still like it, but after 3000 miiles the brakes make the front end shimmy as others have mentioned. I need to take it back to get it fixed and it is making me mad that this has happend. Milelage is about 15 mpg. Since day one the car vibrates at about 75mph. Had then balance the tires, and it comes an goes on the highway. Just want something to work right without problems for once.
Front rotar problems
I love this truck, but I am waiting for a kit to repair the problem with the front end rotars. I have had the car in three times in four months to have the rotars shaved. They are over heating and causing severe front end shaking. This is a problem in design, and Nissan is putting together a kit that they will install in late June. This has ruined the the joy of purchasing an otherwise great truck!
Update
After more ownership, things just get worse. Poor build quality: more things keep falling off/apart. Intermittent failures such as door sensors claiming that a door is ajar when it isn't. Climate controls are AWFUL! Blows 110 degree hot air even down to 65 F setting on the display and the next notch below (60F) blows cold air with NO heat! Impossible to get comfortable. Have to press the seat 1/2 memory buttons with about 50 pounds of force to get them to activate. Many other nit picks. Our worst vehicle by far, and we've owned more than a half dozen SUV's over time!
Wheel Shimmy Problems
When looking for an SUV this one was top on the list. We have had it for a year and a half and it has been back into the dealer over ten times for warranty issues. Top problem on this SUV is the wheel shimmy. The steering wheel shakes at speeds over 60 mph and going down hills. Each time I take it back into the dealer it is a new story as to what is going wrong and how they will fix it THIS TIME. Repair number 4 has just failed after two weeks of driving. Nissan should be ashamed they cannot fix the shimmy problem that affect nearly all 2004 - 2005 Armadas because they put undersized rotors on these trucks.
Made in America and it shows
This car has more rattles than Baby Superstore!! I've had mine in the shop for various noises 6 times in 6 months and I'm trying to work in the 7th. It's the worst built car I've owned in the last 5 years (including a Mercury Sable). I'm actually thinking of taking the hit and trading it in for a Honda. I've owned a Maxima and G35Coupe and both were excellent. The quality of this one is disappointing. The gas mileage is on the low end of the EPA estimates so be prepared to shell out the cash. It is fun to drive, has plenty of storage and comfortable seats 8.
Needs work
I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. And may I add, no help from Nissan. I was lied to by the salesman on the towing capacity prior to purchase. DO NOT believe the gas mileage that is listed on the sticker. You will be in for a rude awakening. Problems I have encountered; Transmission slips on occasion while towing. Nissan will not attempt to fix as they cannot duplicate. They never tested it while towing! Speaker had to be replaced. Horrible AM/FM reception, head replaced but did not help. Have replaced the front brakes at 7300 miles. (YES they went bad at 6800 miles) Back seat is a horrible ride. Just remember it is a very expensive vehicle to operate!
LEMON
Within 400 miles my Armada was back at the dealers. First to have the oil pump changed (be aware that Nissans arrogant business model means that they don't have spares available yet and you will have a long wait), and there it remained when they discovered that they needed to replace the whole engine. It's now been in the garage for 30 days. I will never drive this car again. It is a LEMON.
Nice Secret
Bought this 05 model in 12/05 preowned with 16K miles, in immaculate condition. No brake problems at all. We have had it 18 months and it now has 39,500 miles. It literally has never been in the shop, and it still drives perfect. Wife's daily car and she loves it. I am impressed every time I drive it, to the point that I want one also. We're considering a new '08 with all the extra options (roof, 4X4, DVD, nav). I loaded it with 4 adults, 2 kids, too much luggage, roof luggage rack, trailer hitch rack and drove it 80+ mph on West Texas Interstates for 1,200+ miles round trip to NM. It surprised me how smooth, powerful, and stable it was. Still got 17.3 mpg
Great Truck but - Beware of Brakes
We bought this SUV the day before Houston was in full evac for Hurricane Rita. It got us out of town and all the way to Dallas without a fuel stop, which was good since there was no fuel! We love the truck and have since moved to Denver. Wish we had 4WD now, but will have to make the best of it. Beware, as many other posts have noted, the rotors will warp at 5K miles. Nissan will fix it, but it is a problem. If you're buying a new '05, make them fix it before delivery. Other than that, it is a fine truck.
Not What I Expected
Just traded in my '04 Armada after two years of making payments on a Dodge Neon because my Aramda was always in for service. Too many problems to list - brakes were repaired two different times and still didn't work properly, radio crackles, sunroof leaks, brakes!!!, squeaks and rattles which drive me nuts. The interior always had something rattling. Residual value after two years was disappointing losing over $20000 of the purchase price. Nissan knows there are problems but doesn't take care of the poor souls that have '04s. Hopefully the 06 model will address some of the concerns. Very happy in my new Lexus!!!!!!!
Wheel Shimmy Problem Ruins This SUV
While this is a great SUV there is a major problem that ruins the drive. This truck has a wheel shimmy problem like nothing I have ever experienced before. It began a week after we bought it. The SUV has been in and out of the shop ever since. I have heard every excuse from the dealership as to what it is, how it was caused and how they have fixed the problem. Yet back into the shop it goes on Saturday for another "part" that was on "back order" to correct the problem. (Yeah right!) It shimmies going down hill (I live on a hill), it shimmies at speeds above 50 mph, and now it has worn out the left front tire (a huge Wrangler) while leaving the other tires untouched. What a shame.
Pretty happy with the "Beast"
We purchased ours used with 30k miles. It had a brake issue within the first two months, but this was corrected by Nissan under warranty. Other than that we have had no complaints. This is the ultimate family vehicle! We had a Yukon before, there is no comparing the two. The Armada takes it to a whole new level. If you have kids and need to haul them and their gear and like to do it in comfort and style, this is your truck. Fuel mileage is not great, but when you think about the added safety and cargo room, it is a fair trade off.If you have to commute 30-40 miles a day, then perhaps the Armada is not for you, but for hauling groceries and taking kids to soccer Mom can do no better!
Nissan Never Again
Had to trade my Nissan in after only 3 months. The rattles drove me about insane. Live in the cold country and it depended on the weather which rattle would occur. When I traded it in, had to tell dealer that the rotors were going. Had the 4x4 light go on with out any reason then go off. Dealer said that computer didn't show the light going off. NOT IMPRESSED. Bought a Denali can't even compare the two.
Armada
Worst Vehicle I've ever owned. Rattles like a "tin can". Front window/door panel rattles all the time. Dealer supposedly fixed problem but still rattles, drives me crazy! Had the brakes fail on me when approaching a stop light. Something to do with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) module. Nissan has known about this problem and still no recall? A/C doesn't blow cold even though their is enough freon in the system. Takes up to 30-40 minutes before blowing cool, not cold. Have had two fuel injectors replaced before 40,000 miles, thankfully it was covered under my extended warranty. All in all this vehicle was poorly engineered. Would not recommend to anyone. Buy Chev. Tahoe instead!
05 Armada
Terrible build quality. Plastic pieces falling off under the dash, paper thin sheet metal body, underpowered A/C, and poorly fitting interior panels. Hard to reach and difficult to control seat/mirror memory.
Nice SUV for family road trips
Very spacious inside with lots of leg and head room. The only downside is cargo space is limited if using all available seating. The other option is to use the roof rack if needed.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Piece of CRAP!!!
From brake issues (which Nissan never recalled) to rear leveling suspension issues. I owned this Armada from 2019 to 2022. Nissan states it's towing capacity for the 2005 is up to 9,000 lbs and I would venture to say it's only 1,000 lbs max towing capability... it's certainly not made for towing large elements. You will also most likely have sagging issues in the rear when towing because the leveling system malfunctioning even after fixing it. Very unsafe truck and would NOT suggest any one purchase this money pit even if you're not towing.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
my tank!
we, love it we went from a domestic midsize to the armada and it just feels so big! I have plenty of room for a carseet and and can still seat 5 more kids and my husband comfortably, thats important when hauling around a girls softball team and all their equipment, the trunk has plenty of room for it all, there is no complaing because someone is touching me, or my legs are cramped. everyone has their own space. the dvd player makes for a quiet ride when it is on.
The rating
We recently went on a long road trip and it was a comfy and smooth ride. When we got back we had to give the suv a car wash from all the bugs and pollen.overall it a great suv and powerful.👍
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Its an experience worth having
I've owned 2 Mark VII Lincolns and 4 Eddie Bauer Expeditions but the Armada has them all beat. Tried GM, Toyota- bought the Nissan. Quality and fit of materials, comfort for us- we're big people-, quality of the ride, acceleration and the comfort of our passengers all adds up to an experience worth owning. There is no finer automobile of this type or in this price range that comes close. Backing up is easier with the rear camera. Never get lost again with the GPS system that talks you through the streets right to the doorstep of your destination. Even a gated 5 speed shifter and tow mode. Satisfied? Yes! Try the Sirius on-board radio! Forget Range Rover and Cadillacs... Go Nissan!
Love my Armada
Only problem was fixed under warranty. Nissan redesigned brake rotors and replaced mine free. Very fast, reliable, all the bugs have been worked out. After owning it for 2 years, its still my favorite car to drive. I also own a vette convertible and G35. It is more quiet than the G35 and better for long road trips. I drove it to VT and drove in 6" of snow without problems. Great truck that I recommend to everyone. Get an '06 leftover if you can. The "improvements" for '07 aren't worth the extra money.
A Good Value
I looked at all the makes. Sequoia was just too pricey and the domestics have too many recall and other issues. Infinti version not worth the extra money - expensive cladding. The Armada rides well so far. Especially like the price-value for this size SUV. Nissan dealers aren't very good though so be happy if you get a well- built vehicle that doesn't require their assistance. Anyone expecting great gas mileage in a 4x4 with this size and engine shouldn't have bought one in the first place. Compare this to others with similar features and this is a clear winner. Will do another update after some additional driving. Toyota should be worried that there's a new big SUV to take on the Sequoia.
I would buy this over and over
I looked at large suvs' for over a year. Not for one second have I regretted purchasing my Armada. It's huge inside, the engine roars get out of my way, and the thing moves. If you know how to responsibly drive a large suv, you'll love this truck. My friends are amazed at how this thing handles. And I'm never short to offer rides. Let's face it, all large suvs' have paltry gas mileage. But, you gotta pay to play. I absolutely love this truck.
I love my Armada
We purchased this vehicle after researching several other options, including the Tahoe/Yukon, Escalade and Sequoia. I fell in love with the automatic lifting back hatch, with a 3 yar old and newborn it is very accommodating. My husband loves the 3rd row seating, it is very spacious and your knees aren't in your face. Very comfortable and I would highly reccomend this vehicle for someone looking for a large SUV.
First and Last Nissan
I was advised not to purchase this vehicle, but bought one anyway. Big mistake. Has been back to dealership six times for repair. Brakes twice, both front windows, door latches, defective tire, and lots of rattles! Definitely doesn't like cold weather. Also, very dissapointed in Nissan, as they are not willing to stand behind their product. Only good thing is the look and the loads of room inside.
Happy but some issues
Had some problems with the brakes, had to take it for service 2 times. Fuel economy could be much much better but for a big V8 should be expected. Some noise in the back but once again SUV, should be expected. Overall I would say a good solid SUV. Ton of room for a large family. Navigation is great. Cargo room is very convinient. Power liftgate helps. SVT is a great feature to have, keeps the truck on the ground. Had the truck since February, goes through snow like knife through butter.
my 2004 beast
I always feel funny vibration in the whhels, not the smoothest ride as I would like to have for vehicle over $40K. Also both front doors have strange clicking noise. Can't get rid of it. It's annoying!!! have only 2000 miles on it. During first service will make a list for correction. The car is hard to wash - even Embassy car Wash can't do it well; too many edges around the bumpers.
Poor Quality
A Nissan Failure. Very poor in quality, poor braking system. Rotors are too small and warp between 3k-4k. Sunroof leaks and rattles. Rattle sounds through out entire truck. Poor radio reception and navigation system will not work in cold weather until vehicle reaches warm temperatures. Also though your wheel alignment may be fine the steering wheel itself becomes off centered. My Armada has been in the shop for all of the above problems 16 times in the first full year. Not where a new vehicle $40K+ belongs unless it's a Lemon, the Armada is a lemon. The truck has already lost $20K in trade-in value. Thats a big hit just to get out of this and in to something more reliable.
Overall best value in full-size SUV
If you simply price compare the full- sized SUVs out there, the Armada is a clear winner in virtually every respect. It is a huge winner in terms of performance and power. The only thing that Expedition or Suburban has over the Armada is room behind seat #3. Well, Nissan clearly decided that more room between each row of seats is more important than room for stuff. And I agree with this decision.
Love it but hate the brakes!
I love my Armada but I have to have my brakes and rotors replaced every 3000 miles. I'm now waiting for yet another repair kit to come out. My dvd console broke off the ceiling and after 2 repairs to stop it from rattling, the rattle is worse!
ceiling pannel to noisy/unstable
Its awesome to drive this new vehicle but it drives the whole family crazy of the noise from the ceiling pannel.Service Dept. tried to fix for many times/days for them to hold our truck to staighten the problem but made it worsth.Its a nightmare to be in the service allthe time.I feel like an employee or technician in this dealership till this time.
Needs improvements
I do like the size of my Armada. However, I think that it should be made of better materials in the interior. It should not be squeaky at 9100 miles. It has rattles in it already.
10.7 Inches Ground Clearance!
Only disappointment is that I could not order an Armada with 5 speed manual transmission. Had dealer swap tires from the Armada "Off Road" vehicle to the LE model in order to have 10.7 inch ground clearance. Back seat legroom is more than any other SUV. In my business, I cover highways and ranch roads and farm fields, often with three or more folks who need room for comfort.
Be Careful
This vehicle has serious brake issues! I have an 2005 model and at 2000 miles of city driving, the wheel and pedal started to vibrate. Now with 3000 it is so bad it is embarassing to drive with friends. Nissan was just "turning" the rotors but now have developed a new brake kit however the dealers in my area are clueless when the will get the upgrade. Make sure you get an upgrade before you buy!!!!!!!!! P.S. nissan says this upgrade will work...only time will tell.
Worth it to me!
I used this site for my research so felt I should leave a review. Was going to buy a 2004 Nissan Armada, but went for the 2005 model after reading the concerns about brake and rattle issues. I have a dealer friend who said the brakes have an added shim kit, and the console is new. This truck (SE 4WD) is for my wife, but I look forward to driving it on the weekend. I only have put 1,000 miles on it since picked it up on New Years Eve. The mileage so far is about 15 mpg, but the truck is not broken in yet. I went without the tow package and am glad since the gearing is slightly different. I drove trucks with both packages and at 80 w/o tow pkg you are at less than 2,000 rpm. With the other package you are at 2,300 rpm. This truck has more room than the Toyota 4Runner we traded in for it. I have owned Nissans in the past and have been happy.
Armada muscle sport ute
Agressive muscle SUV with unusual good looking proportions from the norm. Handles and and dives just like a sedan. Can use wheel well flare trim to offset the large tire slpash and plain side panels front and rear. A lower front bumper grille detail to cover lower fan exposure would be nice. Visibility is good for size.
target audience
I recently purchased an Armada, my son was born 3 months back and it was time to buy a minivan!No way, so test drove the Armada, had instant attraction to the styling, the power and the cool interior. The honeymoon however was short lived. The truck seats 7 (I have captain's seats) but once the third row is up, there is very little cargo room,so either you take your friends or their luggage. The truck doesnot have a split third row, so it's either seating for 4 or 7. i went to get a cargo (ski) box, neither thule nor yakima make a box that will fit the armada, the crossbars are too far apart! The center roof console willnot fit any dvd system other then the factory installed system.
Great SUV overall
Bought fully loaded 2004 Nissan Armada. Quiet yet powerful V8 engine, fun to drive, great acceleration. Duriong last Xmas, I drove it to Mexico from Minneapolis, MN - not a simple problem. Best features in the class: DVD Navigation, lots of computer settings you can adjust, nice leather with heated seats. Much better than Toyota Sequoya or Ford Expedition. SHIFT_drive!
Grandma's Truck
I've purchased nissans since 1981, 1st large SUV. Love everything about it except the rattles & leather compared to other nissans I have own. The power it has compared to other SUVs is far superior.
Power and Style all in one
Compared to my 03 Expedition the Armada is a far superior SUV. The interior is on par with others in its class. The interior is quiet at 80+ even with 22" wheels, the seats are comfortable and the fit and finish is very good. Kids love the DVD and theater seating. The Armadas trump card is its performance. This is FUN to drive. The acceleration is way above the competion. Steering feel is tight and suspension is perfect for its size. The 5 speed automatic always picks the right gear and should be great for towing. The rear camera available with nav system is perfect for tight areas, kids, and hooking up the trailer. Styling is bold and aggressive. Would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this SUV.
family man
Tons of room, power, and excellent handling. I have 4 kids and have zero problems with loading and unloading. In addition, rode for 5 hours in a snowstorm without complaints from the kids, the wife, or problems with handling.
Better than I thought it could be
I purchased a used Armada last month and have been impressed by the solidness of the vehicle thus far. In my 8500 miles of driving the vehicle, there have been no problems except for a wear mark on the drivers armrest. Navigation, homelink, DVD, transmission and engine have functioned seamlessly. The blindspots are not as large as I thought with the help of the side mirrors possioned properly. I am 6'-10" and fit quite well comparred to the Toyota and Ford equalls. No regrets in purchasing the Armada and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Nothin' but Trouble
Only have 29,000 miles and have taken it in 5 times to have the brakes REPLACED due to brake failure. Company didn't put strong enough breaks on such a large vehicle (doesn't sound too safe, huh?). I know 3 others who've had the same problem. I contacted the company for lemon-coverage, but they claimed they put on the final fix and therefore wouldn't replace or refund. Nice car to drive, but wish I'd chosen something else -- new cars shouldn't be in the shop every other month!