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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  Gotta Love the Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JPillow - March 9 - 4:30 pm

  After Having my Titan for a while I will tell you this. If you ever get tired of it,( not likely) just go and get yourself a cold air intake. Nismo make the best one for that pickup. And itll save you a hundred bucks or so. Easy install, and then you will rejuvenate that titan and you will remember how much fun it is to drive

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  good truck except - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnc766@comcast.net - March 7 - 2:00 am

  good truck but theree should be an option for a quieter exhaust system the stock system is neat sounding but I dont want to hear it all the time especially in a LE edition

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  NUMBER 1 TRUCK ON MARKET - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By PatriotsFan - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Only Dodge comes close to this truck and after you drive the Titan you realize how far off Dodge still is. American car companies just dont get it with the exception of Saturn but hey they dont build a truck. Just got 17.7 miles to gallon on vacation gotta love that. I have had most of the same minor issues with the truck such as rear radio reflection, squeek in dash and need for locking glove box (center console storage locks though). Back seat room blows all others away. Comfort ride power its all there in spades. I have hauled some big loads and this truck drives like nothing in the bed. Plenty of storage and my radio has been great as is the cd player.

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  Ford has found its match... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By T Powell - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely satisfied with my new Titan. Sticker w/ Popular package was 27,200, Invoice was 23,800, and I purchased for 22,100 including $1500 rebate, and before TTT&L fees. The truck has a commanding road presence, drives like a dream, can pull a bus, and is full of innovative features. Before you buy a Ford, Dodge, or God Forbid, Plastic Rattle Trap GM, 3 of which Ive owned, do yourself a favor and at least drive this truck first. I guarantee you will favor this vehicle over the any of those trucks. The domestics are built on ancient technology..the Ford is definitely comparable, but overall, the Titan prevails. The best bang for you buck

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  Brakes warp - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jf - February 13 - 5:03 pm

  I own a 6,300 lb travel trailor and I purchased my 2004 Nissan Titan just so I could pull it. It has no problem pulling, the problem is stopping. Everytime I pull this trailor the front rotors warp and the truck shakes really badly. I have had it worked on several times and Nissan is aware of the problem. They even told me that all of the Titans and the Armadas have this problem. They have not fixed it to date. I will never buy another Nissan product again because they know the problem and wont fix it. The regional sales director for Nissan in North Carolina last response to me was "Safe driving," which was very irritating.

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  2006 Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By c wood - February 8 - 2:16 pm

  Very pleased with the purchase of my 2006 titan. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. It is apparent a lot of thought and research went into the design of the this functional as well as pratical vehicle. I am not equally as pleased with my servicing nissan dealership. I hope R Nissan located in Edgewood Maryland is an exception to all other dealership.

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  Ultimate Tow Maching Machine - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By bytes4u - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Hands Down Nissan. Test drove dodge, chevy (had a ford 4x4 Expedition not AGAIN) I went from a 525i 2003 BMW to this truck and so far since the biggest factor was to tow a boat and that she does!!! Nissans truck will be a BIG HIT in the fishing world !!! All the magazines have ruled it the boat warrier haulers! What a ride and great sound system?

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  Wife loves my Titan more than me! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Scaler - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to tell that Nissan put alot of thought, money, and effort into developing the Titan. What an awesome truck! Easily the best vehicle period Ive owned or driven. Smooth power. Lotsa power. Great suspension with my off road pack. Comfy, quiet (except for the head-turning V-8 burble}, Excellent interior layout. It goes on and on. My only beef is with my column mount shifter. Without fail when shifting to park my hand comes down and turns on the wipers. Obviously it is a minor quirk in an otherwise great truck, especially for a first effort. Can you imagine what the 2007s will be like after all the tweaking gets done?

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  2007 Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Nathan Pendleton - January 16 - 8:25 pm

  I bought my truck brand new and have driven it for 10 years. It has really been a great truck. Ive had only one issue, the tire pressure monitor system had a slight problem but that was just recently (10 years in). Its been a great, powerful workhorse thats never left me wishing I had more truck. I highly recommend the Nissan Titan.

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  No Problems yet. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jason - January 14 - 8:56 am

  I bought it used at 69k and now it has 92k. No problems. Its fun, fast and solid. Black with DK Grey leather. Its a great truck, I want to sell it because i want a Vette.