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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  Good so far - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By PG - June 11 - 5:10 am

  Hard to tell with only 700 miles, but I like it so far. Smooth running, plenty of power and roomy. I had a Nissan before this and at 147,000 miles it ran like new. I hope i have the same experience this time.

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  new to nissan - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By scott78 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  i have had several new silverados and didnt think i would own anything but one till i drove the nissan titan. I have only had it a few weeks but i love to drive it and i am really impressed with the power. The fuel mileage is not as great as i would like but no full size pickup with this much power is fuel efficient

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  Wife wins - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Beauro - May 24 - 7:40 pm

  After 3000 miles noted a shimmy when I applied the brakes...brought it to the dealer where they ground the rotors and put me on a list to have the rotors and brake assemblies replaced...dealer stopped short of calling this a recall...but said Nissan is having this done to all Titans. Hope this isnt the beginning of bigger and badder things...I wanted the Tundra but the wife talked me out of it....

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  Nissan Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By paul farek - May 23 - 4:00 am

  A very good first effort for nissan in the full size truck segment. Great drivetrain with excellent highway power and responsiveness. A homerun if gas mileage was better.

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  Not too shabby.... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By foxymophandle - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Handles beautifully, so comfortable. As someone said above, back to the dealership within a day of buying, and again within a week. The lights staying on on the dash are a problem with the offroad package: a clip bent by the front passenger side tire made the cable go into the rim and get worn through by the tire causing the ABS, VDC and slip light to stay on - which means there was actually no ABS in the front. The dealership was able to fix this, along with a rattle in the front dash.

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  The Beast - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Elias60 - May 15 - 5:40 pm

  This truck has all the attributes I was looking for. It handles great, has great off the line acceleration. It has turn heads good looks, the drive train is very smooth for a truck. The interior is laid out very well, theres lots of room for 5 people. The gas milage is a little low to what I was expecting. The Brakes arent up to par to stop this big truck. This truck needs beefier brakes esspecially if your going to tow something.

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  Best Truck made in America - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rntshy - April 25 - 2:16 pm

  144K and running like a champ. Great at towing, super comfort, kids like the entertainment system, plenty of power.

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  Not perfect, but a very good truck... - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Oompa - April 14 - 10:03 am

  I test drive this truck and was amazed by the power and some nice features it has. Its a very good truck, but I still believe there are some things that can be done to make it even better. All in all, I really like it and would certainly recommend anyone in search of a nice truck to go and test drive one. Im certain youll really like. Styling is much better then that of Dodge and Chevy. Ive owned both a Ford and Chevy before. The Chevy was a good truck, but not as good as my Titan. The Ford on the other hand was nothing but headaches...something was always going out on it. Again, check out the Nissan and you wont be disappointed. Oh, and its fun driving this truck!

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  Love and Hate - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Al P. - February 16 - 10:53 am

  Purchased the truck in April 2006 and since then have had a love/hate relationship with it. The power, towing and off-road capability are what I admire the most about this 06 Titan. Theres plenty of room in the cab with seats supportive enough not to tire me out on 300+ mile drives. The quality of materials used inside have a cheap look and feel. Great fosgate sound system. Heres what I dislike about the truck. Factory tires wore out after one season, all brake components worn out after 10000 miles, cant replace relay switches singly: have to replace entire integrated power distribution module, alternator burned out at 28000 miles, some stitching coming undone on bucket seat.

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  2-year test - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eddy S. - February 1 - 4:43 pm

  After owning my Titan truck for two years, I give it a definitive A-. Its almost a perfect truck when it comes to power and creature-comforts, it could be improved in the turning-radius department - my wifes 2004 Durango (similar in size) can turn around in a substantially tighter space, also all the hoopla about the "awesome power" is somewhat exaggerated - our other 5.7 Hemi seems to move the 6,000 lb SUV more effortlessly and with less noise/strain from the engine. it is plenty adequate but nothing to jump up and down about...In a nut-shell, I would highly recommend this truck without hesitation.