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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  2005 Nissan Titan after a year - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Joe E. - August 31 - 8:16 am

  I am very pleased with my 2005 Titan, after one year. I purchased the truck based on looks and drive-ability I find it to be very nimble in town or on the highway. I do limited towing, I cannot really comment on heavy loads, but see more and more pulling large trailers on the road. The integrity inside and out has been solid. I had a problem with a brake vibration early, but my Nissan deal readily repaired the problem and showed me the technical bulletin. I highly recommend driving the Nissan Titan if you are in the market for a full size truck.

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  the titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By john arriaga - August 28 - 2:43 pm

  i have only had my titan for about two months and i love it !it is so big comfortable inside, and has pulling power all at the same time, it doesnt get the best gas mileage with the big motor v8, but if you buying a v8 gas souldnt be an issue anyway. i couldnt be happier.

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  Switched from a Tundra - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By rckdr - August 19 - 11:56 am

  This is a much beefier truck than the 2000 Tundra I traded for it. I find it comfortable, luxurious although not what I was looking for and a great truck for the price. Much more truck for the dollar than Toyotas flawed new Tundra that is out. I have put about 2000 miles a month on it through the winter of Northern PA and the traction was outstanding and secure. I am still adjusting to the 7.5 bed and crew cab while around town, but the bed size makes loading a snap with the utilitrac system and spray in liner.

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  Best truck I had ever owned - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ROBERT HODGSON - August 15 - 9:40 am

  My experience with this truck so far has been good,Problems found so far is the front passenger window will not go up if it is all the way down,and the front brake rotors had to be turned down.all is fixed and runs and performs outstanding.I had loaded this truck with so much fire wood and it did not even get me a problem with a heavy load,the truck did not even sag one bit. The gass mileage is not bad at all for the style of truck--I get 20 mpg highway 16 city-if you are heavy on the peddle expect 13mpg city or lower!!

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff - August 14 - 4:43 am

  This truck has been great so far, truck is actually fun to drive for a truck. Great Power, and tons of room inside.

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  05 Titan SE 4X4 king cab= AWESOME!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Gambadora - August 13 - 5:06 am

  The Titan is exactly what a full size truck should be. Power, Reliability, Comfort and Convenience, and Versatility. Nissan has hit the mark with its first attempt at a "full size" truck and it shows! It is amazing that this car company is putting out the designs it has in recent years. I find it a breath of fresh air. Oh did I mention RELIABILITY and RESALE value?

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  Love It - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Romanjr66 - August 12 - 10:26 am

  Love all the extra interior room.Traded in an extended cab Z71 for crew cab Titan. Mpg is what I expected for a full size truck.

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  LE CREW CAB4X4 ,6000 miles - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DADDYMACK - August 10 - 4:13 pm

  So far I have enjoyed my le titan crew cab. I have owned all the other makes at one time or another. The Titan v8 has more power plus the best gas mileage. Unless you are going to tow more than 7200 bls ,DONT GET THE TOW PACKAGE! Most customers think they have to have this to tow . Thats not true. I get 18.37 to 18.69 mpg on the highway not towing,and 14.38 to 14.68,all round. This includes a lot of stop and go in town and out. The 03 prof. grade truck I had only got 16.54 on the highway. The ride is good for a 4x4 and so far only one little rattle. Handles more like a car. The transmission so far is excellent! GM needs to take notice.

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  the winds of change - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sean124352 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  this truck blows all the other truck right out of the water. it has great performce, confort, and fetures. i bought mine for $89 over invoice. bottom line great truck the power is awusome. the F-150 runs out of power fast on the highway, this just keeps going, like the maxiama

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  Best Truck I Ever Owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By DL Boozer Jr - July 31 - 4:43 am

  Ive purchsed a ton of trucks in my lifetime, and the Titan by miles is the best truck I have ever owned! I brought my first truck in 1987 at age 22, which happen to be a Nissan (hard body); great vehicle. As time would have it, I eventually decided to purchase a big truck. I test drove them all, for two years. Finally, Nissan decided in 2004 to get in the big truck business and the rest is history. I thank goodness for my patience to pass up purchasing a big truck from the rest and returning full circle to best! DL Boozer Jr