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:
Showing 1 through 10 of 1,131.00-
Definitely not a real truck (Ford) - 2005 Nissan Titan
By Mike - December 1 - 1:03 pmI purchased my 2005 Nissan Titan at the end of the year for business the tax advantage and shortly found out that its not a working truck. I currently own four Fords and this Nissan cant hold a candle to them. It feels like the frame is stressing with 200 lbs in the box. Nissan and Toyota should stick to cars because they are in over their heads when it comes to trucks.
-
poor quality - 2011 Nissan Titan
By rubrman - November 4 - 5:51 amAfter many trips to the dealer for a/c defrost repairs still not fixed. Sun roof works on and off would not recommend buy this truck way to many problems.To many to list
-
it beats walking - 2009 Nissan Titan
By j - October 16 - 11:06 pmgreat power tows my snowmobiles well the fuel mileage 15 all around driving ,20 on highway at 60 mph only problem banging noises from front end and rattles. nissan cant solve problem , they know its an issue.
-
not quite perfect or acceptable! - 2004 Nissan Titan
By kind of mad - August 26 - 10:16 pmexhaust 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.
-
New Truck - Same problems - 2008 Nissan Titan
By Dochundley - August 20 - 9:16 pm08 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
-
Differential Problems - 2005 Nissan Titan
By Tim - June 13 - 2:53 amThe ability of the 2005 Nissan Titan to tow was what caused me to purchase the vehcile. The 5 speed transmission does an excellent job of towing a 4,800 lbs boat. However, at 75,000 the rear differential developed a noise, which required its total replacement. It wasnt a failure of one or two parts, but a complete failure where an entirely new differential was put in. The rear end appears to be undersized as I changed the fluid every 20,000 to 24,000 miles which exceeds the maintenance requirement. The dealer has replaced 2 or 3 others all around 60,000. I talked with the dealer and Nissan who said it was out of warranty so tough luck. This truck cant be counted on to hold up!!!
-
NO MORE TITAN - 2004 Nissan Titan
By LC - April 7 - 1:50 amNissan had the vehicle more the last 6 months than I did. Had to replace engine at 26,000. Never did get it to run right. Just returned to dealer and traded for something else. Worst service I have ever seen form a dealer ship. Will never own another Titan.
-
Garys Nissan Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
By Gary L - December 25 - 1:26 amThe Titans power is great.Trans is smooth. Passengers in the rear gets a bit choppy and jiggly on rough highways.Minor wind noisy above 75mph. The brakes feel very smooshy and unprecise but very powerful if enough force is applied.Short rear passengers(58") keeps on wrestling with the seat belts because of no height adjustments.Cheap plastics around cabin makes rattling noises when encountered with pot holes.The large storage bin can hold lots of stuff, but hard objects tend to make knocking noises when the truck encounters pot holes.Lack of height and lumbar adjustments make long trips uncomfortable.Lack of power mirrors is inconvenient.The bed is very short!
-
Comparing my old 2007 Titan 4X4 with 2017 Titan - 2017 Nissan Titan
By John Rigs - September 30 - 4:40 pmI was excited to purchase the new 2017 model with great expectations. After 2 weeks of driving and evaluations, Nissan did an exceptional job of adding many more features. 7 speed transmission was a big hit. With the older Titan 5 speed it shifted on hills with high rev. Power was better pulling the RV. So many new features that was needed was a big plus. The biggest drawback is the handling. The steering wheel was very stiff and due to the added size of the truck, it took much more space to turn and handle. In all I loved the feel of the smaller older Titan but like the more luxurious and more power of the new Titan. If I was in the market for new Titan, I would really take the time to get the feel of the steering and the new larger size to see if it is worth the upgrade. I would have preferred little larger than the older Titan with all the new features. Hope they improve on the size and handling in the future...
-
Bad Brakes - 2005 Nissan Titan
By Give me a break - August 19 - 10:20 pmI have enjoyed my Nissan Titan, however the brakes are a different story. The rotars on my Titan were resurfaced at 4500 miles and again at 10,000 miles. I have called and complained to Nissan with no satisfactory results. This is a serious safety issue that Nissan will not address.
