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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  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mel62 - December 7 - 4:36 pm

  purchased new and has been spraying gasoline out filler neck when re- fueling. Dealer has replaced evaporative canister 3 times and fuel tank once. Just returned at 43k and dealer and Nissan refused to repair item.

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  Titan and its Brakes - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By brian - September 10 - 6:46 am

  I have had the truck 1 year. I enjoyed the truck for the first 3000 miles, then the brake problem kicked in, new rotors and pads. 5000 Miles later, new rotors and pads, 3000 miles later new rotors and pads. Do we see a pattern. Did some research, the 04 and 05 models have the smallest brakes on them, when compared to its competiton. New vented rotors and new desighed pads, is that really going to fix the problem.

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  Never Buy Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Harrison - April 26 - 12:30 am

  After approx.6,000 miles truck would shake at 50 mph. Dealer replaced all 4 tires and rims which helped. Very poor gas mileage(14/16) hwy and 10/12 city.

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  Problems with Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Waterlogged - March 30 - 3:00 pm

  Bedliner bubbles, Water intrusion on passenger side interior after it rains which has caused entire interior MOLD issues, seats, carpet and more. Rain also causes doors to pour out water when opened. Rusting has appeared on front passenger tire as well as metal parts in the interior of the vehicle. Attempts to fix this have been unsuccessful.

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  1st and LAST NISSAN! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 1st and LAST NISSAN - December 3 - 10:30 pm

  I agree with the person who wrote, "the list of things that didnt go wrong would be shorter." this truck and Nissan corp usa can take this truck and shove it! These people charged me for a fuel-pump, oil/spark-plug change, ipdm, and a mass-air-flow-sensor, as well as a throttle position-sensor, to the tune of $6300.00, when all that was wrong at the time was a loose wire on the #2"mini-super-coil". (which they gladly fixed for free) Kraft Nissan in Tallahassee, Florida is one dealer you should pass up. I was told by Nissan corp. USA and Kraft Nissan that they had the best techs and they were right and I was wrong. I hope that $6300.00 gets them through this rough economy, they are gonna need it!

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  Not a Real Full Size Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By tt - July 26 - 4:23 am

  The driver seat (capt. chair) does not allow full size people to set comfortable like Ford and Chevy. Slip feature causes the vehicle to lose power, which leads to getting stuck in mud or snow much easier than the competition. After about 5000 miles rattles and squeaks appear. The heated seats are more like warmer seats. Front-end sits too low (does not set level) Major vibration at 80 mph on cement roads. Difficult to change oil. After only 200 miles I have a major warranty list. After washing it the first time I would say there are too many emblems, it needs less external detail. It does have great power and sound system.

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  Big Lemmon - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry - May 28 - 4:30 pm

  After less than 6 months of ownership my Titan has developed severe problems and has now been in the shop for over 2 weeks with no firm estimate of when I will get my truck back. The technicians at Nissan have recommended the dealer replace the entire rearend. One of the service reps at Hall Nissan said that they discovered a computer problem as well. I have been in contact with the dealer almost daily now and have spoken with Nissan "Customer Service Dept" a couple of times. The end of next week is the earliest I can expect my truck to be fixed was the last answer I received and they didnt sound sure about that. I am completely dissatisfied with both the Nissan product and service.

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  Used Dissapoinment - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Natedawg - December 25 - 9:30 pm

  All the hype about Nissans maintaining their value must be a joke. I bought an 04 Titan used with 9000 miles and within the first month have had it in the shop for four different problems. Windshield wiper fluid reservoir leaked, power windows stopped working, cupholders broke, passenger side rear door wouldnt open, a total mess within the first month of ownership. And it also doesnt help when the dealer doesnt care and will get to it when they can. Other than that, I like the truck, it looks good and rides great. Just a few things going wrong ruins the experience, especially stuff that shouldnt break on a truck with 9,000 miles

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  Lemon mobile - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Y. - April 14 - 10:46 am

  I was initially excited about purchasing a 2006 Titan; however, on my way home from the dealership the vehicle started to experience brake problems and a vibrating steering wheel. This vehicle has already been in the shop three times, all four rotors and pads have been replaced--to no avail. Nissan has been uncooperative and the dealership is incompetent. On paper, the specs look great, but Im seriously concerned about the safety and reliability of this truck. Ive also started experiencing engine hesitation and rattling from underneath the bed. This is my second and last Nissan. I performed some research on the internet and these problems appear somewhat common.

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  Dont Buy It - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By farmerboyd - March 16 - 10:25 am

  I bought this pickup new in December 2010. I needed a tough truck to work out of on my farm. What could be tougher than a Nissan PRO4X super duper four wheel drive? Now 8 months and 22,000 miles later the front end suspension cratered and the dealership refuses to fix it under warranty. Nissan will not stand behind their product. Also had issues with interior and radiator mounts. I know of three 2011 Titans bought in our small town. One has already traded for Chevy, another hates his pickup, and I will trade as soon as possible. No trade in value makes it hard though. It lost more than $12,000 in value in 8 months. Yikes