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 performer, bad gas mileage - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tony G - August 6 - 10:20 am

  The truck is fast and looks great. I get a lot of compliments on the styling and I really like the way the rear doors open all the way. When looking to buy a truck, it was either going to be a Toyota Tundra or a Nissan Titan - I didnt waste my time with the American truck-makers (poor reliability, interior quality, fit and finish). My main complaint is the gas mileage - it uses a lot. Dont get the Off-Road package if you do a lot of freeway driving - I hate the stiff Rancho Shocks. Also, the drivers seating area could be a little wider. I would recommend this truck over any full size option on the market.

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  Titan woes - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Bill - August 5 - 11:33 pm

  Vibration at 24 to 35 mph during acceleration or deceleration. Dealer balanced tires, no change in vibration. All dealer says is that the vehicle is drivable. Vibration does not seem to be related to engine rpm. In shop two times 1500 and 3000 miles. Dealer did not check driveshaft balance or carrier bearing on driveshaft. Only says could be tires. Tires show no abnormal wear. Tread depth across all treads 11/32. Sure would like to see dealer get enthused and find this aggravating problem.

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  I like it! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Ron Parker - July 17 - 11:46 pm

  Great fun to drive, leaving Hemis in the dust! Corners like a sports coupe. Five speed transmission is perfect. Load or trailer doesnt even change anything. Lots of room inside.

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  Aggressive Styling, Tons of Torque - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Get a real truck - July 2 - 5:36 am

  This truck gets a lot of comments and looks when on the road. Really enjoy driving and hearing the exhaust note. Yes the ride is a little choppy but it is a 1/2 ton TRUCK, get over it. Go buy a sissy SUV if you want a quiet smooth drive. Only disappointments are the gas mileage and brakes which I have observed this stated in other reviews. I am on my third set of rotors and do not pull anything over 3500lbs. Of course GAS MIlEAGE is a major concern, only recourse is to keep the accelerator pedal off the floor! Recommend this truck against all others due to price and option packages. Just make sure to light up the tires once, way to much fun!

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  Faulty Evaporator - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JeffG - May 21 - 9:40 pm

  Outside of the engine and the premium sound system, I would not buy this truck again! Apparently, theres a waiting list from Nissan, including myself, for a known problem with the AC evaporator unit, which is behind the dashboard, that when it dies, they currently do not have a replacement and youll have to wait for several months/year for one. Never buy a Nissan again!

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  TITAN CREWCAB SE - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kevin - May 20 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my Titan Dec 03 , its been good truck. Had master cylinder failure , door moulding peeling off,other than that no other issues. Gas mileage bites about 13mpg to 14 avg. Rockford-Fosgate 6 cd player is a must thing cranks. I got dark blue paint it seems to scratch easily

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  dont like at all - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By F150 - April 20 - 7:50 am

  I got a Titan January, 2007.i got one because my Chevy 1500 was getting old.The day after i got it cylinders werent working. then a week after that i was at walmart the motor would not start.This is the third time that i got new bulbs for the headlights.this is a bad truck.My wife and me thought it was a good truck but its not.I am planing on getting a Ford F150

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  an excellent truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By driver1232 - April 9 - 4:20 pm

  bought new. Been making me happy for years now. Comfortable, spacious, quiet on the inside. loads of power, great utility. I will buy another one without reservations. Best truck Ive ever had.

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  Great truck!!! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By jamila - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Overall, I like this truck. I receive many compliments on the trucks exterior and roomy interior. I enjoy commuting to work in it. The seats are really comfortable and a good powerful engine. Only complaints are MPG is not so good even though its a V8, and the shifting column is too long and in the way of me trying to tune the radio/cd knobs and buttons. Also the mirror could be a little larger and without the orange reflection at night time vision.

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  Transmission Problems @ 15,000 miles - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kim Isbell - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  I loved the exterior styling which is why I bought it. However, while going 40 mph one day, my bug deflector broke off and scratched and dented my hood. I only had it 6 weeks so I assumed it was a manufacturers defect. But the manufacturer said since mine was an isolated case I would have to pay for the repairs myself! (Shoddy installation I assume!) Then, at 15,000 miles my transmission started locking up. It was in the shop 3 weeks because they had to send away for diagnostic equiptment from the manufacturer just to figure out the problem. It turned out to be a computerized glitch. Ive never experienced so many problems with a new vehicle with such few miles before.