Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Titan, introduced for 2004, was the first Japanese pickup to truly possess the attributes that buyers typically expect from a full-size truck. Manufactured at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi, plant, it boasts dimensions and capabilities that are very similar to those of domestic full-size pickups. Though it hasn't sold as well as its rivals and is now growing quite long in the tooth, a new or used Nissan Titan can still meet the basic needs of many truck shoppers.

Current Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck. In terms of size, it's very similar to the trucks offered by domestic automakers, which means it provides competitive amounts of cargo and interior room. There's a fully boxed frame underneath for maximum rigidity and strength, as well as a traditional solid rear axle with leaf-spring support.

Nissan currently offers the Titan in extended-cab (King Cab) and crew-cab styles, with two bed lengths each. Buyers may also choose between standard- and long-wheelbase versions, with the latter adding 20 inches in length. The King Cab is offered with either a 6.5- or 8-foot bed, while those on the crew cab are each 1 foot shorter. The King Cab's rear-hinged doors open extra wide to aid cargo loading or a passenger's entry to the rear seats. The crew cab has four traditional doors and a larger rear seating area with more available rear legroom than the extended cab.

Each Nissan Titan body style is available in four trim levels. Similar to other Nissan products, there's the entry-level S, the midgrade SV, off-road-focused PRO-4X and the luxury-oriented SL. The S has a front bench seat, while captain's chairs with a flow-through console are standard on the other trims. Standard safety features now include stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Notable options, depending on trim, include upgraded audio systems, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and utility-enhancing cargo bed features. For those who anticipate pulling trailers, the SV Value Truck or SL Max Utility tow packages are also available.

The PRO-4X trim level adds equipment for serious off-roaders that include Rancho shocks, a lower final-drive ratio, skid plates, an electronic locking differential and 18-inch off-road wheels with aggressive off-road tires. Unique exterior and interior styling cues to differentiate the PRO-4X from the other Titan models are also included.

For power, Nissan offers only one combination: a 5.6-liter V8 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V8 is rated at 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The transmission features a tow/haul mode for when the truck is used for pulling or carrying heavy loads. For every body style and trim combination, two- or four-wheel drive is available.

In Nissan Titan reviews, our editors have found it to be powerful and capable both on- and off-road. Downsides include a lack of additional powertrain choices and the absence of a heavy-duty model. The Titan has also been outclassed by newer competitors in terms of comfort and overall design. Still, we think Nissan's Titan is worth a look.

Used Nissan Titan Models
The current, first-generation Titan debuted for 2004, and these earlier trucks could be a good choice for a shopper searching for a used late-model pickup. The first couple of production years, in particular, outclassed domestic pickups in many ways. The most notable changes for the Nissan Titan came for the 2008 model year and included the addition of a long-wheelbase model, exterior and interior styling refreshes and new features. Models built for 2007 and earlier were available in one wheelbase length only, lacked the two different bed lengths for each body style and also had a reduced maximum payload.

It should be noted that stability control, side airbags and side curtain airbags were not standard on all Titans until 2010. Used shoppers should investigate whether the truck in question is equipped with them. Also, the current trim levels were introduced for the 2011 model year; previously, the Titan's three main trims were XE, SE and LE, though feature content was broadly comparable.

User Reviews:

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By nicetruck - September 9 - 10:50 pm

  I owned a 2002 Toyota Tundra, very good Truck, but nothing like the Titan. The design, interior room and comfort, power train, storage, fun factor etc are second to none. I recommend this Truck to anyone looking to purchase - new or used. I have just over 1,000 miles trouble free to this point and I mean not event a hint of an issue. I could go on, but I guess the bottom line is that this is a great truck that you will enjoy driving, owning, using for a long time.

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  Go get one! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Trav - September 8 - 1:06 am

  I use this truck to tow my boat and get around town with my family. Great power and torque. Very well thought out interior and exterior design overall. Highly recommend.

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  not quite perfect or acceptable! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kind of mad - August 26 - 10:16 pm

  exhaust sounds like my husbands 69 camaro. lots of interior rattles. upgraded radio has problems. scary towing a heavy boat. i would rather tow with my husbands gmc. backseat of king cab is not fullsize. but it has lots of power and rides nice.

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  redneckpapa`s new toy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By dale c. - August 24 - 6:13 pm

  most awesome truck i have ever been in, and i have been in a lot of domestics that can not come close to this beast! NISSAN hit a grandslam.

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  New Truck - Same problems - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dochundley - August 20 - 9:16 pm

  08 Titan, AC drain leaks onto passenger side carpet, rear vibration, guages reflect in side mirror at night, 15MPG, gas spills down the side of truck if you fill up too quickly when low on gas - Udated info available in forums under nissan titan repair and maintenance

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  Lots of Looks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bruce & Nancy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive,fantastic stereo,very comfortable,quiet.

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  Whoa! Im in love with a truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom Morrello - August 18 - 10:00 am

  After months of research I finally made my move and bought a new Titan. I must admit, I am blown away! It seems like Nissan thought of everything from Dana axls and big horse power to awesome interior features, placement and design. Mileage seems appropiate for a full size truck and if you dont like the tasteful exhaust note you need to change out of your wifes underpants. I love the tone and wouldnt care if it was even a tad louder. On the highway the cabin is pleasingly quiet.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jason - August 17 - 6:58 am

  I am the second owner for my 2005 Titan. I have owned the ruck for almost 7 years and have put the majority of the miles on it. To understand my perspective, I do all of my own maintenance and repairs on my vehicles, I perform all maintenance on schedule, for the most part, and do not have a lead foot when driving. Throughout my ownership I have only had to replace the front and rear brakes once each, However I am a fairly easy driver that does minimal towing so I do not stress my brakes. I have had no major mechanical issues or major repair expenses. Here is a list of what I have replaced or repaired over the course of 100,000 miles of ownership: -ECM Relay due to recall -EVAP Canister Purge valve at 150000 mile due to check engine light for P0455 code -Front and rear brakes once each due to wear -Starter to due issues where I had to turn the key a few times to get it to start. Starter is under intake manifold so it is a pain, but it only took me a few hours one evening to replace -Replaced tailgate latch due to broken clips -Replaced rear axle breather because they can become an issue and blow axle seals if clogged. Mine was rusty. -Regular maintenance items (spark plugs, filters, PCV valve, fluids) Rear parking brake shoes - One side started to delaminate and I heard a crunching sound in the rotor where the parking brake is. I am going to replace front shocks/struts due to one seeping fluid. So after 10 years and 157000 miles that is all that has gone wrong with my truck and it still drives as well as I can remember. The truck has plenty of power and drives smooth on the highway. I am really fond of the interior space, especially in the back seat. The ride can be a bit harsh and there are small rattles in the cab and body here an there, but it is a truck not a Cadillac. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase and plan on keeping this truck until it literally falls apart. In an effort to see what other trucks are like and if they are any better I have test driven and rented Chevys, Fords, and Dodges and I honestly cannot justify "upgrading" or changing trucks for what amount to a few mpg gas mileage increase and an upgrade in creature comforts (driver info, bluetooth, etc). $40,000 buys a lot of gas and repairs on my 10 year old truck. Overall I am very pleased with this truck. As with any car or truck, you get out of it what you put into it. If you take care of it it will last as long as you want it to.

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  A female perspective - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By jane - August 17 - 5:16 am

  I purchased this truck new at year end clearance price. This is my fourth Nissan and my favorite. Ive owned an 89 Pathfinder, 02 Frontier, 03 Pathfinder. Test drove a 2006 Frontier Nismo (bumpy and cramped just like my 02 Frontier) same day I bought the Titan. Was a little intimidated at first by the Titan but as soon as I test drove it I loved it. Power Adjust pedals, backup assist warning, utility track in bed, storage compartments everywhere, and plenty of interior room! Handles like a luxury SUV! Would be nice if steprails were standard. Gas mileage is terrible but I love driving this truck so much I"ll put up with poor fuel economy.

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  Touting Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By goesto11 - August 14 - 10:06 pm

  Overall outstanding truck. Many thoughtful features from the Nissan engineers, with great attention to the details (power in truckbed, spray in liner, UTILITRACK!). Comfortable on long and short trips. Much better build than my previous GMC half ton. This is a solid truck that will serve you well on the job site or in suburbia. Dislikes...the radio tuner is awful, with the FM radio freqs sounding like they are almost underwater. CD player is fine. The radio also has an aux in for us iPod/MP3 users which is very helpful. 18" Goodyears will require financing to replace. Also be advised that this beast will not fit in a standard size garage door opening without folding in mirrors.