2005
Nissan Armada

Starts at:
$34,000
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New 2005 Nissan Armada
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SE 2WD
    Starts at
    $34,000
    13 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE 4WD
    Starts at
    $36,800
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 2WD
    Starts at
    $39,100
    13 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE Off-Road 4WD
    Starts at
    $39,950
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 4WD
    Starts at
    $41,900
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Notable features

305-hp, 5.6-liter V-8
Long-wheelbase layout
Seven- or eight-passenger seating
RWD or 4WD
Standard adjustable pedals

The good & the bad

The good

Interior space
Cargo room
Standard rear backup sensors
Standard three-row side-curtain airbags

The bad

Instrument layout
Decreased visibility due to thick pillars
Difficult entry and exit
See all specifications

Expert 2005 Nissan Armada review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Nissan launched a full-size sport utility vehicle for 2004. Named the Pathfinder Armada, the new SUV was related to Nissan’s recently introduced Titan pickup truck.

Jed Connelly, Nissan senior vice president of sales and marketing, promised the Pathfinder Armada would deliver “class-leading room, power, safety features and utility.” During 2004, the name was changed to, simply, Armada.

Enhancements are minor for 2005. A power rear liftgate has been added to the SE Sunroof Package, and a Rearview Monitor is included in the Technology group. Front active head restraints and seat belt pretensioners are now standard. SE and LE models gain equipment that was previously part of the Upgrade Package.

Manufactured in Mississippi, the Armada is offered with rear- or four-wheel drive in SE, SE Off-Road and upscale LE versions. Towing capacity is 9,100 pounds.

Exterior
Despite its large dimensions, the Armada displays a kinship to other Nissan SUVs. Built on a long 123.2-inch wheelbase, the SUV is 206.9 inches long overall.

Running boards and heated power mirrors are standard. A body-colored grille appears on SE models and a chromed version leads the LE. Puddle lamps appear on the LE model. Armadas have an independent rear suspension.

Interior
Depending on the seating arrangement, either seven or eight occupants can fit inside the Armada. Flat-folding second- and third-row seats are standard, and second-row captain’s chairs are standard or optional depending on the model. Folding down the front passenger seat yields space for items up to 10 feet long.

Seton leather seating surfaces are standard in the LE. Privacy glass is used for the rear liftgate and the second- and third-row side windows. Flip-out rear quarter windows are powered on the LE.

A DVD-based entertainment system and Nissan’s navigation system are optional. Adjustable brake and gas pedals are standard. Standard rear sonar sensors warn of nearby objects while the vehicle is backing up.

Under the Hood
Nissan’s Endurance 5.6-liter V-8 develops 305 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a five-speed-automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive models have a two-speed transfer case with 4-Low and Auto 4×4 technology.

Safety
Side curtain-type airbags help protect occupants in all three rows. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard in the LE and SE Off-Road. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system includes traction control. A tire-pressure monitor is standard.

Driving Impressions
Because it’s built on the same platform as the Titan pickup, the Armada’s trucklike ride quality isn’t too surprising. On the whole, this SUV doesn’t feel quite as solid as the Titan. The Armada is pleasantly quiet and emits only minimal truck sounds.

Steering is relatively light, and the Armada handles a tad loosely for a truck-based model. But it steers capably enough and maneuvers with reasonable confidence in turns. Performance is strong but not exceptional.

Second-row legroom is abundant. Getting in and out requires a bit of a climb, but the running boards help. The driver enjoys a comfortably cushioned seat.

2005 Nissan Armada review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Nissan launched a full-size sport utility vehicle for 2004. Named the Pathfinder Armada, the new SUV was related to Nissan’s recently introduced Titan pickup truck.

Jed Connelly, Nissan senior vice president of sales and marketing, promised the Pathfinder Armada would deliver “class-leading room, power, safety features and utility.” During 2004, the name was changed to, simply, Armada.

Enhancements are minor for 2005. A power rear liftgate has been added to the SE Sunroof Package, and a Rearview Monitor is included in the Technology group. Front active head restraints and seat belt pretensioners are now standard. SE and LE models gain equipment that was previously part of the Upgrade Package.

Manufactured in Mississippi, the Armada is offered with rear- or four-wheel drive in SE, SE Off-Road and upscale LE versions. Towing capacity is 9,100 pounds.

Exterior
Despite its large dimensions, the Armada displays a kinship to other Nissan SUVs. Built on a long 123.2-inch wheelbase, the SUV is 206.9 inches long overall.

Running boards and heated power mirrors are standard. A body-colored grille appears on SE models and a chromed version leads the LE. Puddle lamps appear on the LE model. Armadas have an independent rear suspension.

Interior
Depending on the seating arrangement, either seven or eight occupants can fit inside the Armada. Flat-folding second- and third-row seats are standard, and second-row captain’s chairs are standard or optional depending on the model. Folding down the front passenger seat yields space for items up to 10 feet long.

Seton leather seating surfaces are standard in the LE. Privacy glass is used for the rear liftgate and the second- and third-row side windows. Flip-out rear quarter windows are powered on the LE.

A DVD-based entertainment system and Nissan’s navigation system are optional. Adjustable brake and gas pedals are standard. Standard rear sonar sensors warn of nearby objects while the vehicle is backing up.

Under the Hood
Nissan’s Endurance 5.6-liter V-8 develops 305 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque. It works with a five-speed-automatic transmission. Four-wheel-drive models have a two-speed transfer case with 4-Low and Auto 4×4 technology.

Safety
Side curtain-type airbags help protect occupants in all three rows. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard in the LE and SE Off-Road. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system includes traction control. A tire-pressure monitor is standard.

Driving Impressions
Because it’s built on the same platform as the Titan pickup, the Armada’s trucklike ride quality isn’t too surprising. On the whole, this SUV doesn’t feel quite as solid as the Titan. The Armada is pleasantly quiet and emits only minimal truck sounds.

Steering is relatively light, and the Armada handles a tad loosely for a truck-based model. But it steers capably enough and maneuvers with reasonable confidence in turns. Performance is strong but not exceptional.

Second-row legroom is abundant. Getting in and out requires a bit of a climb, but the running boards help. The driver enjoys a comfortably cushioned seat.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

87% of drivers recommend this car
4.5 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • By BrunoZ from Charlotte
    Owns this car
    July 4, 2020

    Put 230k miles on this tank and runs like new!

    Seats go completely flat to provide huge cargo space. Raised a family of five over 15 years and used it to haul many items that other SUVs could not handle. Plenty of power. Only drawback is gas.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    19 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jj from NORTH RICHLAND HILLS
    Owns this car
    November 4, 2019

    Very good deal and smooth transition into from lot

    Beyond my expectations from past experiences. Have to say it more than enough room for our families needs. Have had Nissan in the past, but this is a complete different experience.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By amore07
    Owns this car
    July 24, 2018

    Overall good, just bought one that's too old

    Overall I loved this car but we just got a bad deal on one that was 13 years old. So the lines started to rust out underneath. If it was in the budget, I would have bought a newer version of this. Seems like it came with standard with a lot of features other cars didn't. Wish the gas mileage was better, but it's a big SUV, so what can you expect. It towed what we needed to with ease. Overall, I'd recommend this car just not the particular one we bought.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Towing
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sandy
    Owns this car
    November 2, 2017

    My 2005 has 200K miles with $71 in total repairs

    The 2005-7 Armada has to be the most reliable SUV ever built. My water pump went out at 170K miles, I replaced it myself in an hour for $71, now with a lifetime autozone warranty. I've done the usual wear and tear items of course, tires x 4, brakes, all synthetic oil changes (very easy to DIY), battery x 3, and serpentine belt x 2 (45 min DIY). Comfort is off the charts, I love the leather seats and the my entire interior looks almost new at 200K. And its out in the Texas Sun all day everyday with only the factory tint. The interior is incredible versatile and huge! Cross country travel could not be any more spacious, comfy, and downright enjoyable! My two kids LOVE having a full row each to themselves. The engine is strong as ever. Hope to get at least 400K miles from this vehicle. Many people are above 300K miles with few issues. Everything is easily accessed - ignition coils, plugs, fuel injectors, air intake and filter, oil filter and drain plug, transmission fluid drain plug and dipstick/fluid entry, brake pads are easy, water pump, fluids, alternator, a/c charge port, full spare, fuses. Mileage is always sited as a downside, but frankly there is nothing better on the market in the Armada's class. The Sequoia' mpg is identical but has no personality or grunt. The Armada handles like a sports sedan and is downright powerful at 6.8 secs 0-60. In typical Nissan style, it puts all the power down, beautifully. One caution: You MUST add a discrete transmission cooler (takes 30 minutes for $40 on amazon) to keep the radiator fluid and transmission fluid separated, should the stock radiator's interior bladder crack--this is the only major design defect of the Armada/Titan. Spend $40 to do it yourself or give $100 to a shop to install a tranny cooler and the problem is solved, since the transmission fluid will no longer enter the main radiator for cooling.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Desert Chic from Palm Desert, CA
    Owns this car
    April 10, 2012

    Largest SUV I've owned and I LOVE it!

    We bought our 2005 Nissan Armada two months ago. We replaced a 2004 Toyota 4Runner that we had just outgrown. We have 5 children and needed more space badly. The Armada definitely has the space! My kids ride very comfortably now and are actually looking forward to long road trips! The third row seat provides plenty of leg room for my twin 10 year olds, whereas before in the 4Runner, it was like their knees were up around their chins! Now the twins and their 11 year old brother can all ride comfortably in the third row, leaving the middle open for my two and five year olds and their carseats. The rear A/C is wonderful, and they can actually feel it in the back! I also love how the third row seat folds flat easily, no more folding and hanging seats. Even with the seat up there is a good amount of cargo room, much more than we had before. We bought an LE, so we have a DVD player which keeps all 5 kids entertained on long drives. The leather seats are easy to clean, and I love the sunroof! It has excellent pickup and power, accelerating onto the 10 freeway is fun! It has so much pickup that I sometimes accidently squeal the tires a bit pulling out of our community. :) I have been making weekly trips into Brea, which is about 220 miles round trip and the ride is so comfortable, the cruise control is easy to use, (which wasn't the case with our 4Runner), and oh man, the Bose sound system is sweet! It's in excellent condition and runs smoothly for being 7 years old, I had it checked thoroughly by the Nissan dealership here and they gave it a clean bill of health. I LOVE the sound of the V8, it just sounds so meaty! I used to be a little sports car kind of chic, but I'll take a big meaty Armada any day over a little car! I feel so safe in it! Its low enough to the ground with the running boards that when my husband and I go out, I can dress up and wear heels and its easy to get in and out of. I had thought about getting a van since we have so many kids, but we would have the same seating, and since vans get about the same gas mileage, with so much less power, why would I go there? The chrome trim is stylish, and I will be adding some Rockstar rims to it here in the next couple months. I couldn't be happier with this Armada! My only wish, that we had gotten a 4x4!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Armada Family from Moncks Corner, SC
    Owns this car
    June 7, 2011

    Second Armada

    This is my second Nissan Armada and I am very pleased with it. It has every option available except the 4x4 option. The navigation is simple and includes a backup camera. The gas mileage says 13/19 but with my regular tuneups I get 400 miles off of a 28 gallon tank and 510 on highway travel which equals in my case 14/18. Lots of knee space for first second and third row passengers. Greatest feature in my opinion is to drive while listening to the radio while my children watch a movie with their headphones on! Gotta love that with no crying and fighting!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By FabShoeGal from Dallas, TX
    Owns this car
    December 29, 2010

    Love My Beast!!

    I have always been a car driver but when my business demanded me to get a full size towing truck I had to figure out what to buy... and I am SO glad I found the Armada, I was going to just buy a Tahoe/Yukon, but am very thankful i did not, I love the exterior style, and the fold flat seats are amazing... I can easily flip them down to make as my brother would say "an enclosed truck bed" or i can flip them up and have room for everyone to sit without having to lug a single seat in or out of the truck (as you do with the tahoes)!!! I bought the truck with 70k on it and have put 20k on it already and love it and plan on getting a good 200k out of her! ;)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By sans clan from Denver CO
    Owns this car
    November 10, 2010

    Nissian Armada 2005

    Great car, seems like a lot to pay for a used care with 72K miles, Giving off a lot of break dust after just one month, but nice vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Luvmyarmada from Indiana
    Owns this car
    September 2, 2010

    Power, Safety, & Style; total package

    We bought our '05 Armada over 4 years ago with 93,000 miles on it. We have now surpassed 130,000. We have had zero mechanical problems (knock on wood!) with the truck. There is room for almost anything you can throw at it (think 2 parents, 3 kids, and 2 dogs with enough stuff for week camping/boating trip). But, the amazing thing about this vehicle is the power! We have towed everything from boats to loaded car trailers with it and most times you barely notice that it's behind you. It puts my husband's Silverado to shame every time. Gets the same gas mileage while pulling the boat as my husband's truck pulling nothing. The only reason interior only got four stars was because of some issues with knobs and window switches giving out on us.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Armada240 from PA
    Owns this car
    April 18, 2010

    Great SUV!

    We test drove about every SUV out there and the Armada did it all better! We purchased a 2005 Armada and we have it to this day. My wife simply liked the fact there was not a long hood on the thing. It performs well and is very comfortable and if you need to tow, this is the vehcile for you! Worst mpg was 13 and the best was 24 on a trip. The one thing I'm not impressed with are the brakes! The rotors warp and the only thing Nissan will do is turn the rotors down. The brakes they used for this are simply too small. Turning them down takes more surface away and in turn your back at the dealer complaining again. and yes, they'll turn them down again. All in all I would buy this vehicle again!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By SUV Veteran from Boston, MA
    Owns this car
    November 17, 2008

    Best of the SUV's I've owned

    I've spent several years with different SUV's - mostly Jeeps (Grand Cherokees, Cherokee Sport, Wrangler Unlimited, etc). This Armada is by far the best of the bunch. We leased a new 2005 SE - and its been great family car. Its been in the shop 3 times, and all 3 were covered under warranty so no charge. Our lease is coming up, and we are going to buy a 2005 Armada LE to replace it. Spend a lot of time with friends who have Tahoe and Surburban - they all want my Armada.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tim from New York
    Owns this car
    July 5, 2007

    The worst SUV I have ever owned

    This suv has spent more time in the shop than in my driveway. For two years now just about every mechanical aspect of the vehicle has been repaired/replaced
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Nissan dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Nissan Armada?

The 2005 Nissan Armada is available in 3 trim levels:

  • LE (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • SE Off-Road (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Nissan Armada?

The 2005 Nissan Armada offers up to 13 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Nissan Armada?

The 2005 Nissan Armada compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Nissan Armada reliable?

The 2005 Nissan Armada has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Nissan Armada owners.

Is the 2005 Nissan Armada a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Nissan Armada. 87.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 16 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.2

Nissan Armada history

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