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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  my truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By fatty - June 28 - 2:00 pm

  I enjoy the truck very much and find it fully capabale of doing everything i want.

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  Great truck if you have plenty of gas mo - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mitch - June 22 - 3:06 pm

  Love this truck, the LE has everything you would want

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  Fun to Drive, Hard to pay for!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Chuck - June 21 - 6:56 am

  This truck is fun, fun, fun to drive. With the 305 HP motor, it makes you feel like youre in a Mustang the size of a tank. I have only had one problem so far. The hose from the AC condenser in the dash to the outside was defective and it caused water to leek in the truck on the pasanger side. It took several trips to the dealership and 6 weeks to resolve the problem (I think it was the dealership though). If you can afford it, buy one. FUN, FUN, FUN

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  Great Truck for the price - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By smoothnuke - June 17 - 10:48 am

  I bought this truck a little over 3 years ago now and overall it has exceeded my expectations in all aspects. I bought the Pro4x brand new for $28,400 just $400 more than the SV model and I am glad I did. I have used every feature on the vehicle and have had no problems. As of now I do not tow anything regularly, I have towed up to 9000 lbs without any problems at all. I have never gotten stuck in snow/mud and I have definitely put it to the test. The locking rear in 4 low will go through anything. I have put this truck up against many other comparable models and it has out performed time and time again.

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  All is Great But the MPG - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By David - June 11 - 11:56 am

  I only get 15 to 15.5 mpg. The Rockford Fosgate package is a let down. Only the amp is RF, Stereo is Panasonic, speakers are clarion. But it still sounds good.

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  Titan is the truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By TITAN IS THE TRUCK - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2007 SE loaded... Power, Power, Power... A half ton that does the work of a three 1/4... 312 HP, plenty of torque and pulls like my 2001 Ford 350. Fuel mileage is not the best but hay its a real truck. I like the old Fords but I think they are missing the boat. Wake up Ford "Please"

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  Love that Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Craig - June 8 - 11:33 am

  I have been a Ford owner forever and have never found another fullsize truck that suited me other than the Ford till the Titan It has been a pleasure to own and the most fun truck i have ever had. In addition to that I recently had my first and hope last major accident and the Titan did just what it was supposed to. it crumpled where it should and didnt where it shouldnt. The air bag was like hitting a pillow. I wiped out a telephone pole dead center of the front and was able to drive it home then shop for a repair shop. Last but not least The Box frame is built in welded segments that allowed a proper repair with little to no bending of the existing frame. GREAT TRUCK

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  New to Nissan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Leo - June 8 - 5:46 am

  Looked @ Ford,Chev/GMC,Toy. Drive a Ford for work. It was nice til I drove the Titan All have good features, although to get what I wanted I had to purchase other options as well. The wife and I took our sons sportster, BBQ, Refrig from Slo Ca to Sunnyvale Ca. approx 500 mi round trip. Average 16.7 mpg up and back. Interior: just right for the drive, queit, mirrors were great, controls were perfect, wife slept most the way back and so did I. No complaints @ this time. Exterior: Its different, took a while to get used to it, it grows on you Drive train: Very smooth shifting plenty of power for the freeway ramps and passing Limited slip works great.

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  Terrific Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LA Texan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a new Nissan Titan LE 4-wheel drive. It has more than lived up to my highest expectations. This Titan is so good it justs blows Ford, Chevy and Dodge out of the water. The ride and handling of the Titan is more like a fine sedan than a full sized truck. And the 305 hp engine seems much stronger in actual use. The 5 speed auto transmission is impressively smooth. The interior is well planned and has loads of space, but is not as plush as the new Ford Lariat. Nissan has definitely set a new standard in full sized 1/2 ton trucks with the Titan. Ford, Chevy and Dodge will have to run hard to catch up.

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  Car and Drivers #1 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Ray Harris - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Car and Drivers #1 choice over the F- 150. It out performs the Hemi in almost all categories. And it has the most interior room. Not to mention the fact that it is the most innovative of the big 5.