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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  Excellent truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff S. - December 20 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this to haul our 4 horse trailer since the standard iterations of the domestic vehicles were not even close towing wise. This truck has exceeded my expectations!! It is able to tow 7500 pounds without a problem. The ride is like a luxury car and the cabin is super quiet. I am looking now at buying another car and they are so loud compared to this thing. It has the most comfortable cab I have been in. The downside is that the brakes did need to be replaced under warranty. The brakes could also be a little more powerful. I see about 15 mpg overall and have seen 17.6 mpg HWY.

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  The Bodacious Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Randy - December 11 - 7:10 am

  This vehicle gets up and goes and handles so well on the short and long hauls.

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  good truck but has its problems - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Good Truck - December 6 - 7:46 am

  I have 33,000 mi. on the truck.The radiator was replaced, the transfer case was replaced and now i have to have the exhaust replaced.There is a service bulletin for the squeeky passenger seat which will be covered under warranty.I also had the 4wd symbol on the dash dissappear and had no 4wd.I had to pull over and shut the truck off and the problem cleared.Overall with all the aggravation this rig has given me i still like it. I think they all have there problems.From my opinion i think the truck is a good value.Just hope that you get a good 1.

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  1st and LAST NISSAN! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 1st and LAST NISSAN - December 3 - 10:30 pm

  I agree with the person who wrote, "the list of things that didnt go wrong would be shorter." this truck and Nissan corp usa can take this truck and shove it! These people charged me for a fuel-pump, oil/spark-plug change, ipdm, and a mass-air-flow-sensor, as well as a throttle position-sensor, to the tune of $6300.00, when all that was wrong at the time was a loose wire on the #2"mini-super-coil". (which they gladly fixed for free) Kraft Nissan in Tallahassee, Florida is one dealer you should pass up. I was told by Nissan corp. USA and Kraft Nissan that they had the best techs and they were right and I was wrong. I hope that $6300.00 gets them through this rough economy, they are gonna need it!

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  Bad Tranny - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Biggy - December 3 - 9:20 am

  We just bought this titan crew cab and it has less then 5000 miles on it and it slams into reverse. whats with that. but driving the tranny doesnt struggle at all. all its power is easily put to the tires. never had a bad shift when driving. just putting it into reverse. other than that its a great vehicle.

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sleightofhand - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a week but so far so good. Very good power, handling, and braking make this the most rewarding driving truck i have owned. Love the quality feel and the rumble of the exhaust. Rockford stereo is extremely punchy and has pretty accurate sound. Love the 5 speed auto, its very smooth and overdrive is amazing turning 1500rpm at 65mph. Satisfied customer so far.

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  Titan LE Crew - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Hanson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Less than 1000 miles, but like it better than F-150 that I test drove.

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  A Real Good Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Brad - November 28 - 6:30 am

  After doing a lot of research on full size trucks, this is by far the best half ton out there. I am using this truck to pull a 7000 pound travel trailer and it does it with out a problem. The only problem i have had is the paint on the hood and roof have spot where the clear coat is cracked an nissan is going to repair them. I am getting about 17 mpg, and 12 mpg pulling.

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  Nice Truck But A Thirsty Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Derf - November 27 - 3:56 am

  Overall this is a very nice truck for a half ton, but at 11-12 mpg its one of the thirstiest trucks I have ever owned. My previous trucks were configured the same with big V8s & tow & off road packages and had better mpg performance. Helping a friend out with a trailer over 5,000 lbs can be a hassle also since the Titan needs a weight distributing hitch over 5K to achieve its 9,400 lbs rating. My tranny also hunts for gear between 4th & OD between 35 to 40 mph.

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bbhmf - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck,exhaust noise a little to much.Steering wheel wobbles occassionally over tracks? A pillars way to fat. Electronic throttle to jerky.