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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  04 Titan LE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jery - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This truck is awesome. I bought it to pull my boat and do honey-dos around the house. I have driven many trucks before, but this one stands out. I love my truck. Power is great under load as well. I had a Chevy Trailblazer pull up next to me and from a standing start ( I was pulling an 18.5 ft boat), I pulled away from him easily! The truck handles well too and was priced less than the competition equipped comparably.

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  Lots of Power, Lots of Fun!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MSanchez - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle purchase I have made. This truck has power to spare! I had no problem in 2 feet of snow, hauling gravel, even just going to town this truck is at the top of the list if you ask me.

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  TOTAL TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Doyle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  After reading everything in print on this truck I bought it. This is the best truck on the market today. Power for everything you want. While passing I hit 103mph very quick and wasnt pushing it at all. Smooth ride and very low road noise. Perfect V8 sound. Rockford Fosgate is a must if you buy one. The gas mileage 13.5-14.5 city depending on how you drive. Highway 14.5-15.7 (65-80mph) Right there with the others in a 4wd. If you are looking for a truck look no futher because this on is it. After market accessories are hard to get, bug shield ect.. Watch the blind spot use the wide angle mirrors before you change lanes!

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  titan upgrade - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titan upgrade - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I just love this titan --- 4wd is totally cool!! I love just geting stuck and dirty!!! You really need to drive this fun and exciting truck!!!

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  The best Truck on the Market - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ROBERT HODGSON - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Before Purchasing this truck I had researched it for 9 months straight,Of all trucks out there this is by far the best truck every built,with very quiet door closing,so much room in the back seats without having your knees hitting the seat in front of you.The gas mileage is very good for this truck (crew cab 4x4)getting HW 21.5 mpg,city 17 to 18 mpg.All controls so easy to reach and well designed dash board. Once the truck is up to speed on the highway,it free wheels using far less fuel-At75 mph the engine is only turning 1800 rpms.

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  Best Truck I Found - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Allen - March 6 - 4:23 pm

  This is my 2nd Titan, after owning an 2004. True, the Titan has changed much but I still think its the best looking truck. My neighbor has a new Ford and the Titan just looks better. So what if its been around longer? Before buying this truck I test drove a loaded tundra 5.7l immediately beforehand. The Titan felt more powerful, had better acceleration, and handled better. It was at least $5k cheaper too. I have the loaded LE with navigation and everything and the interior is really nice. Its also notably cheaper than the competition who must defray their frequent redesign costs. Nissan got it right in 04 and customers benefit from lower prices today.

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  Long Haul Tow Vehicle - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By countryroads - February 24 - 6:20 am

  I bought this truck to tow a 4500 lb, 26 travel trailer on long trips. It is perfectly matched with this trailer. It is very comfortable for two adults. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong since purchase. Fit, finish and quality are evident everywhere on this LE 4x4 truck.

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  MY 08 Titan Pro 4X - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By txcwbyus - February 17 - 2:06 pm

  I travel with my work quite a bit, in fact, in-service date 11-19-07, and I already have 13700 miles (mostly highway). I am off roading occasionally due to my work, and appreciate the sense of reliability I gain with my Titan. No more anxiety, which is a relief. It handles snowy conditions very well, and allows me to climb steep terrains with ease, and safety.

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  They want MSRP? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By intrepid - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I want one of these trucks, but Im not going to pay MSRP for it. The 2004 trucks are almost 1/3 of a year old already. The ride is VERY stiff, maybe because it was a SE model that I test drove. I think the exhaust is too loud for a 30- year-old plus driver. (I’m forty-one) My plan is to wait, and buy the 2005 model in 8/2004. That is if the LE model drives smoother, and has a quieter exhaust system in 2005. I know it is "require that you own this vehicle in order to write a review", but no one has, as of yet. Please feel free to delete mine after someone does. I just would like to get other opinions of the truck, before my purchase next summer 2004.

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  GREAT VALUE, GREAT TRUCK - 2014 Nissan Titan
  By beefcherry - February 11 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned my new LOADED 2014 Nissan PRO-4X TITAN for about a month and couldnt be happier. Yes the MPG is not great, but I knew that. I saved around $7,000 by choosing a TITAN. I looked at a RAM 1500, Sierra and Tundra all comparably equipped and all were a minimum $7,000 more. The money I saved I will use for fuel. And by my calculations, itll take me about 7-8yrs to breakeven. The tech inside is fine. The interior is fine. The ride is better than all and the steering and handling is great. Its all subjective, but to me it works. Go scoop one up before the redesign and they jack up the prices.