2008 Nissan Armada
Based on analysis of 33 Armada reviews and test drives.
Nissan Armada - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Nissan Armada ranks 8 out of 10 Affordable Large SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 33 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Armada, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Nissan Armada delivers powerful and relatively agile performance, but can't match the style or predicted reliability of others in its class.
The 2008 Nissan Armada is a strong, nimble performer that can handle whatever SUV owners might throw at it, but in a competitive class, others offer nicer interiors and better predicted reliability. Though the Armada isn't the cheapest SUV in the class, some reviewers see it as a good value for its size and off-road prowess.
- "The Armada puts the right stuff in a lot of the right places for buyers desiring a full measure of the large SUV experience," -- Automobile Magazine
- "Overall, the Armada is a nice debut effort by Nissan, even though you have to wonder why the automaker chose now to roll it out with super-size SUVs not exactly getting the most positive publicity of late." -- The Sacramento Bee
- "I found the Durango easier to maneuver, quite comfortable and less imposing on city streets. The trade-off, of course, is that it is not as roomy." --The New York Times
- "Both the Armada and QX56 are built on the excellent, highly competitive full-size Nissan Titan pickup truck platform. But what succeeds as a pickup here just doesn't make it as an SUV." -- The Washington Post
Armada Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Performance, particularly power delivery, is a highlight of the 2008 Nissan Armada. Car and Driver writes, "The throttle response rivals that of the excellent GM V8, an alluring burble pulses out the exhaust, and shifts of the five-speed transmission are almost undetectable." continue
Armada Exterior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2008 model, like its predecessors, has a look that some reviewers don't mind--but enough think others in the class look better to rank the Armada's exterior in the middle of the class. All can agree, however, that it looks bold. "A bold, double-deck, chrome-laden grille design made the front resemble a giant dinosaur head ready to consume small sedans in a single bite," says the Sacramento Bee. continue
Armada Interior - 7.5 (Good)
The interior of the Armada reflects its exterior, which means the cabin is expansive -- though not more so than competitors. The Armada's size "does add up to a roomy interior, particularly in the front seat, one that's nicely color-coordinated with a well-designed control layout," says the Detroit Free Press. "But it doesn't add up to immense cargo volume, at least by the standards for this class." continue
Armada Safety - NA
According to government crash tests, the 2008 Armada earns five of five stars in driver protection and four of five stars in front-passenger protection in frontal crash tests. Moreover, the Armada earns a rollover rating of three of five stars. continue
Armada Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Nissan Armada reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Armada is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue