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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  dnpos - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By frank - July 18 - 3:16 pm

  Thought I took a step up when I traded my f-250 for the Titan. Wrong! Brake rotors warped less than 5k Mi. Rear door latches work occasionally, even after replacement of both. Vents creak @startup &shutdown still. It drives like a canoe, will not go straight. nervous, twitchy. camber kit installed. 4 trips to dealer, realigned 4 times. told me dont come back. District ser. rep told me the roads have a crown in them, thats the problem. Ive been driving longer than hes been breathing, tell me something I dont know. I like the style, power, economy, even the sound. This is truly a d**n nice piece of junk. Thank you so much Nissan. I will recommend anything except Nissan to all listeners.

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  The Titan is the new King - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Miguel - June 10 - 1:00 am

  Excellant truck! Since this was my first pick-up truck purchase I drove several before driving the Nissan. I drove the Silverado and it was nice. It was all that I had expected of a truck. I also drove the Ford and Toyota. Of those three the Toyota drove the nicest but it didnt have the size for my growing family or the power of the other trucks. I drove the Nissan Titan last not really expecting much more then the others. I was shocked! The Titan not only drove wonderfully but it had so much power! Not to put the other trucks down but the Nissan was definitely the truck to own and to drive.

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  Not Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By rangerdeppe - May 21 - 4:22 pm

  I bought a 2008 Pro4X new from Nissan, and it has not been one of my better vehicles. Its had numerous recalls, the gas milage is terrible, the locking differential has never worked, the drivers seats squeeks loudly, the rear doors rattle, and now the rear bumper is rusting. This is the last straw for me. Since the truck is 3 years old, and has over 36K miles, Nissan will not fix the bumper. I cant believe it! This truck was nearly $40K, has never been in any kind of accident, and Nissan wont cover rust?! They told me that the rust warranty only applied to body panels, and bumpers were not covered. The rest of my truck still looks new, and the rear bumper has a big rust spot!

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  2004 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By matt hanscom - May 20 - 6:20 am

  This truck is powerful and fun to drive. Not good on gas but when you need the power, it is just a pedal push away. I like how spacious the cab is.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By GR8SHOT - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR. TRADED MY TUNDRA FOR THIS TITAN AND I AM NOT DISSAPPOINTED. BEST TRUCK I HAVE DRIVEN SO FAR.

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  Gas Hog is an understatement. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gashog - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been very impressed overall with the New Titan. The brakes are outstanding and smooth. Power is always available but after going through a few tanks of gas, Im finding that if you keep your foot in this truck, it will pass everything but a gas station. Terrible gas mileage so far, even when driving ultra conservative. (ie highway at nothing over 65mph) 8mpg-10mpg (way off from the stated 15-18). Tow mirrors are very difficult to get use to.

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  Titan problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By wayne casey - May 6 - 7:00 pm

  Truck runs great. No problems on the highway. Had problem getting a electrical brake added to the truck. Company would not help at all with the electrical brake. Had to go to a after service to get the brake added. Own a 24 ft travel trailer, towes the trailer with ease. Had to have the brakes replace 3 times or until they got the proper roto for this vehicle. Great vehicle for offroad. Ive got about 34,000 miles on this vehicle and have own the truck since July of 04.

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  Nice truck but consider higher trim leve - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jlarzz - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck 2 weeks ago. It is a blast to drive. But, the XE King Cab doesnt come with power windows/mirrors, keyless entry or tinted glass (rear tint is an option). Think about this when you buy one, Im 61" and cant reach across the bench seat at a stoplight with the foot on the brake to adjust a mirror, unlock the passenger door (well, maybe with the console up) or roll down the passenger window. Consider the next higher trim level. Otherwise, It drives like a sportscar with power on tap. I can blast over speed bumps at work without hardly feeling them.

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  small business owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By CHARLES - April 30 - 10:46 pm

  nice truck lots of power fun to drive. sticker reads 15 city and 19 highway. i get 10 city and 15 highway. doors dont close very well, passengers allways close twice. g.p.s. is not user friendly. when you are driving your passenger can not use the gps and pulling over so you can use it is not allways possible. thats sucks. hunda has a better gps.

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  awsome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By al - March 5 - 3:16 am

  Ive had this truck for almost a year. the ride is great. awsome power, great sound from exhaust. best looking truck. Already been in the dealer for new window switches, front brake dicks raplaced. Heat shield retightened, and nasty rattles coming from dash, driver and passenger doors, head rest,(which dealer has tried to fix with poor succes) Tail gate slides to right or left when opened.