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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  Great "Full Size" Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By TitanSteve - November 21 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased my Titan a month ago and have enjoyed driving it every single day. I drove the F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, and the new Chevy Silverado before driving the Nissan. I felt the Nissan had the most power, most rear seat room, was very comfortable, and had many features the other 1/2 ton trucks didnt even have (power rear window WITH defroster, side lock box, utili-trac bed, self damping tailgate, extendable tow mirrors, and more). The interior is comfortable. The power seems endless. The Rockford stereo sounds great, and I love the killer exhaust note that some complain about (no need for aftermarket exhaust!). Over all the Titan is a very versatile truck for the money and fun to drive.

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  Very satisfied - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By F. Getter - November 12 - 3:20 pm

  Fun to drive, plenty of power, ease of handling, good visibility, and fair gas mileage.

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  Inspect your plastic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Clint - October 11 - 12:30 pm

  Switches not plugged in. Missing and unsecure plastic panels.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RADIANT - October 11 - 10:00 am

  With the exception of a few minor things being fixed at the dealer (i.e. mushy brakes/front end alignment) this truck is amazing.

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  05 Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By steel1503 - October 9 - 2:43 pm

  Great experience. Fun to drive.only problem i had was the aux lighter plug will not accept my radar detector plug anymore. it will plug into the other,but not that one.

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  Awesome truck!!! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By SwanIII - October 8 - 1:50 am

  I fell in love wih this truck the first day I noticed it on the freeway. I have the fully loaded 4wd Crew Cab LE Titan and this truck definitely packs some major power. I have had no issues with the vehicle and I currently have 16,000 miles to date. Handling is great and the looks I get from people tells me I made a great choice. Everyday I get in my truck Im loving it regardless of the price of gas. I use Chevron 89 (midgrade octane and have noticed a considerable difference as opposed to regular gas. Once you buy this truck you will never think about owning any other type truck again...Its AWESOME

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  Titan Truck/SE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cyllis - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my Titan.The smooth quiet ride makes it a pleasure to drive. Plenty of power to get out and pass with ease and haul what you need.Being the first year its out I was a little leery to buy one but glad I did.

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  Comparing my old 2007 Titan 4X4 with 2017 Titan - 2017 Nissan Titan
  By John Rigs - September 30 - 4:40 pm

  I was excited to purchase the new 2017 model with great expectations. After 2 weeks of driving and evaluations, Nissan did an exceptional job of adding many more features. 7 speed transmission was a big hit. With the older Titan 5 speed it shifted on hills with high rev. Power was better pulling the RV. So many new features that was needed was a big plus. The biggest drawback is the handling. The steering wheel was very stiff and due to the added size of the truck, it took much more space to turn and handle. In all I loved the feel of the smaller older Titan but like the more luxurious and more power of the new Titan. If I was in the market for new Titan, I would really take the time to get the feel of the steering and the new larger size to see if it is worth the upgrade. I would have preferred little larger than the older Titan with all the new features. Hope they improve on the size and handling in the future...

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  who cares what I say - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By joe - September 26 - 6:03 am

  I love my truck. it has lots of power,easy 4x4 control, the only thing nissan should do is install heavy duty brakes, my rotors were warped after the first month. The toyota tundra is a nice truck too but you feel like your in a Camry when your driving it. the Nissan feels like a truck. My regret was I didnt spend the extra money on the LE

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  My big gas hog! But I love it! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Devin - September 25 - 4:13 am

  I bought my Titan as a close out from 05. I drove it for 18k when the brakes went bad (total replacement, rotors, calipers, pads, etc.), a silent recall. I pull a 23 cargo trailer daily - seems to do its job well. I ran for a year without trailer lights because no one could figure out what was wrong, finally it was a crimp in the rear door wiring harness (a recall that WASNT posted). Tires were replaced at 28. Gas mileage is poor, unloaded at best 12-14. I love this pickup over all, I find it to have a great stance, powerful engine and really does a great job pulling the trailer and 30 pontoon. Just wished it had better brakes and a few other thing