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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  Best Truck on the Road - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Longhorn Lady - September 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is our third Nissan and loved all three. Our old Pathfinder (fondly called the Mountain Goat) went anywhere in our pasture. It was 15 years old when it pulled our truck out easily (another brand), towing a 20 foot tailor, loaded with cows, when I stuck it! We traded it in on a 2004 Titan Crew Cab, but later wished we had not let it go, it was great for the hills in our part of Texas. I Fell in love with my Titan the minute I stepped into it. Drove like a dream, loads of room, made a great truck/family vehicle. I have severe back problems but can drive my Titan all day. We will never even consider another truck. Consequently, we just bought a 2010 XE Crew Cab.

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  I love it - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By FCVikingJT - September 20 - 10:56 am

  This truck is so fun to drive. It makes you feel so safe to be in a bigger truck as well. That truck seems to talk to you as if saying, "Push me & let me show you what Ive got!" I love it!!

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  Hals King Cab XE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Huckaby - September 17 - 8:16 am

  The cab is spaceous and comfortable. Great power. A former Dodge owner, this is much more vehicle for the money. The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its a V8. Had to get use to rolling the windows down and making sure I locked the doors when exiting. Also had to get used to adjusting the side view mirrors from the outside, no power. Yet, a great vehicle for the money. Fog lamps are not an option. A feature almost a necessity here in Georgia.

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  Great Truck! - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By glueking - September 11 - 4:32 am

  This truck just turned 100,000 miles. It remains tight & holds the road as well as the day I drove it off the lot. Its never been in the shop for any repairs - only routine maintenance. Quiet, smooth, and outstanding reliability & performance of any truck Ive owned (2009 GMC Sierra, 2002 Chevy Silverado). If youre in the market for a pre-owned truck, consider the 2010 Titan.

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  Great truck very happy............. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By joe_13r - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Once you sit in this truck and drive it you will see how nice it is. I am a former three time chevy silverado owner and the titan is in a class above. Nissan has done their homework. It is the best half ton on the market even better then the new F150 which i drove and it felt under powered.

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  One Outstanding Truck!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eric - September 6 - 8:03 am

  One Outstanding Truck! Very FUN to Drive. Great for towing my boat.

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  show - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BO. WILLIAMS - September 4 - 10:00 am

  best truck made. for price and budget. exceeds highest standards than most. best built longer lasting truck on the market.

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  Pretty good truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By nlambert182 - September 2 - 10:02 am

  Bought my truck with 130k miles on it. Truck is extremely powerful and fun to drive. It even sounds great with the stock exhaust. I like the interior layout. The only complaints are that the interior feels kind of cheap, the front struts are blown, and the rear axle seals leak. The axle seals and the struts are known issues with the Titan and Nissan refuses to acknowledge them as issues even with the thousands of complaints. Luckily my friend is a mechanic and is going to fix the issues cheaply. The struts are $70 each and the seals are only $10. Aside from those two issues its excellent as a truck. We love it.

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By creaseys - August 31 - 10:46 am

  Love this truck, I think it is light years better than the competition. I have driven or owned all of them and it is truly the best.

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wmoore - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride and speed and pick up of this truck. The radio reflection is very prominent in the rear window at night.