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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  Mr rudy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rudy - January 13 - 6:53 pm

  AMAZING TRUCK! hadthe brake problem almost immediately after purchase.Dealer replaced, since then its been AWESOME. FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE! used to drive a land cruiser by Toyota, and this is just more fun! Fuel consumption is bad, but anyone buying a pickup truck should know what to expect! other wise stick to hybrids NEONS!

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  Awsome Power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Casey Campfield - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Power, performance, comfort, and rugged good looks make this vehicle a real pleasure to drive. I look forward to it every day. The reliability of Nissan vehicles is second to none. This is my third Nissan over the last 23 years. You could count the number of mechanical failures I have had on them on one hands fingers.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Russel Huber - January 7 - 9:40 am

  I test drove a ford f-150 xlt triton, a chevy silverado 1500 and a 2500HD and a tundra. i test drove the nissan titan last, and that was my final test drive. Ive had my titan for less than a month and i wouldnt buy any other truck. this truck has so much power and interior room. overall, i give this truck a 10 out of 10.

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  Great Truck, Needs more standard equipme - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Great Truck - January 5 - 3:03 pm

  I really like this truck and glad that I bought this model. Its the only model that has body colour front grill and bumper. Mechanically everything is sound. This model didnt offer enough options such as fog lamps and a wheel upgrade. Also needs a little more added to the XE preferred package such as power windows, power door locks and keyless entry. Saftey Reasons.

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Baldbudman8 - January 5 - 11:40 am

  I just bought my 2006 Titan and all I can say is...WOW!!!! This truck has all the bells and whistles that Ford and Chevy has but with a lower ticket price. It handles like a dream and is the most comfortable truck i have owned. This truck and me will be around for many years to come.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By John - January 2 - 12:46 pm

  I just bought my vehicle at the end of last year. I got a really great deal. I was hesitant about buying one after all the problems with the quality of the 2004. So, I waited for the 2005 model. I am glad I did. The truck has great power, style, and comfort features. I am in a Ford family. So it was somewhat a shock when I showed with a Titan. It is a great truck. The gas mileage is really good for a vehicle this size. I havent had any problems with the 2005 Titan. I did buy an extended warranty. It has the space of full size suv with the utility of a truck. That is the best of best worlds. I also love the added features such as the sonar for parking. I use it quite a bit.

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  Thirsty Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jon - January 1 - 11:23 am

  Really love the Performance, and sound of the truck. Really quick. LE has an awsome Rocksford Stereo system, and has a sub-woofer under the drivers seat, you can feel the thump. Good A/C, lighted tailgate, sprayed in bed-liner, tie down system. Now for the bad news. This truck gets terrible gas milage. No matter how you drive it, easy, hard, fast or slow, it only gets 14-15.8 MPG.

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  2005 LE 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By john liming - December 20 - 7:36 pm

  Fun to drive, and has good power. Appeals to wide range of age groups. Youll get looked at in this truck. Has a pleasant exhaust note. Stereo sounds great. This is my first Nissan and "so far so good" I previously owned a 1999 F-150, and was ready to buy a 2005 F- 150, untill I tried out the Titan.

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  Love the Power - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By maurice - December 19 - 3:46 am

  I bought my first Titan in 2004 the first year king cab version. I loved it. It got me a couple of tickets and I Learned. They are good trucks hard on the gas but has the power. The only problem I have really had is the 04 and the 08 I have now are hard on rear tires. I dont spin the tires they just seem to wear on the back only. They a just good trucks.

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  After 2.5 years of driving the Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - December 18 - 6:56 am

  I spent quite a bit of time researching full sized trucks before choosing the Titan. I am not a contractor or towing sort. My two choices ended up being the Titan or Ridgeline. After kicking the tires and test driving, I went with the Titan. Wifey liked the Titan after driving both, which surprised me since the Ridge has the independent suspension and better ride. Roomy, definite power, great sound from the Fosgate and exhaust (if you like that sort of thing), nice amenities with the LE model. Overall, I am pleased with the Titan after 2.5 years and 15k miles.