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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  Second Titan - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Truck4ever - December 15 - 4:56 am

  I bought this one after my 2005 Titan XE hit 135000, justified by the sale tax credit and an upgrade to luxury. The Titan drives better than any truck on the market right now, including the new Ram. Power is phenomenon, with about $1500 aftermarket upgrade youd have a monster in your hands to play with. I chose the 4X2 model for performance reason. My last Titan gave me 19-20 MPG at 70-75 MPH. This one so far yielded 17 due to the 20" wheels/tires. If you are looking for a personal carrier to cruise the freeway with authority, and can haul five in comfort plus 1000 lbs in cargo, this is it. One 2000-mile trip and you will understand. Thanks God, America still build full size truck.

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  Best truck in its class!! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Magdaddy - December 14 - 10:03 am

  Simply said, biggest interior space, 317 horsepower! Almost 10,000 lbs of towing capacity (not that I need that much)! Very fun to drive.

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  Best Truck I Have Ever Bought - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Roadturtle - December 13 - 7:56 am

  POWER POWER POWER I love this Nissan Titan. It has everything you could possible want in a 4x4 truck. Nissan did everything right. I have owned all of the others. Hey Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Toyota. You are falling way behind Copy this truck. It is the best. If you drive it You WILL buy it.

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  the best car EVER!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By uncle man - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best. Anyone who wants a 4x4, stylish, comfertable, lovely car that is the BEST car in the world but the nissan titan!

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  I used to love my Ram - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike in Oregon - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2002 Dodge crew cab, I stopped by just to look at a new truck design, all it took was a short trip, goodbye Dodge, even though the move cost me 1000s in deprication. This is the most fun truck I ever driven. It should come with a radar detector though as the quick accelleration could easily get you in serious trouble. Odd thing is my Dodge was made in Mexico, my Nissan is made in Miss. and the quality difference shows. Be ready to pay full sticker, there are no deals on these.

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  ITS GREAT!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By usmc0802 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but satisfaction with my new Titan CC SE 4x4. Full of power, tons of neat features, & I draw looks everywhere I go.

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  22 Months With 05 Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By quattroa4m - December 8 - 11:10 pm

  This is my 5th full size truck (Chevy, GMC, Ford, & Dodge) and by far the Titan has been the best experience. The drive-train is second to none, the interior comfort for long hauls is terrific, and the reliability has been rock solid. Yes I did have the brake recall performed (at 32K miles), but it just wasnt a big deal. Im very picky about braking, handling, and performance and it was pretty obvious that the front rotors were undersized. Since I was using the truck as a long distance runner, it just wasnt a big deal.

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  GREAT TRUCK,,POOR SEVICE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kevin sowers - December 6 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A GREAT TRUCK ON CURVES IT HAS THE RIDE AND FEEL OF A SPORTS CAR. LOTS OF POWER AND ROOM.

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  time to buy it - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By designbo1 - December 4 - 10:41 am

  Well my lease is finally up and as stated before Im buying this truck!!! Nissan tried their best to sell me another one, but they couldnt budge me from purchasing this one. One fine truck. 50K on it and not one issue what so ever. Im stuck on this one and hopefully it will last many, many more miles.. Fantastic truck... Heard Nissan will be coming with Turbo-Charged version in 2014,, If its anything like this it will be a winner!!!!!Ride is still outstanding, performance is second to none and it rocks!!!

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  Solid Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DRARLT - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Titan is a solid truck. We have the Big Tow and average about 13.5 with the first 2 tanks. Interior plastic is cheap feeling. Seats and comfort is excellent. CC is very roomy. Exterior is excellent, the truck is a looker. I have yet to tow anything heavy. With the power underhood, heavy loads should not be much of a problem!