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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  I found the right TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Steven in Texas - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have owned all kinds of trucks and Nissan hit a winner with me. This truck is like no other and they have won me over. Comfort, sytle, power and room for 5 FULL SIZED AMERICAN ADULTS. I am 63" and 240, I can sit in the back seat and my knees have lots of room.

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  My 04 Titan has been a good truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 04 TITAN - August 27 - 5:13 am

  I really like this truck. At 40,000 miles it drives like new, no problems. I like how the rear doors open out of the way. Tie down system in the bed is very handy.

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  Powerful American truck, foreign badge - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cross-train - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck, great power, gas milage is not too bad. Factory 6 disc cd player is good until you crank it up past 19 (it goes to 31) then it distorts beyond normal expectations.

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  Thanks Nissan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Jimmy Thigpen - August 24 - 12:43 am

  I just picked up my new 2008.5 Titan, I really like the upgrades like the lighted steering wheel controls, the bluetooth, and the sat. radio. The seats sit better than 07s did. I also love the burly exhaust. Its surprised a couple of my buddys who have the hemi dodges when it out ran them!!

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  Loving the best truck Ive owned. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Paul Zopfi - August 23 - 8:16 am

  Really enjoying my purchase. Have about 38,000 miles with no problems except the brakes which were immediatelly replaced by Nissan. No problems with any thing else. I tow a 33 travel trailer with plenty of power to spare.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By here2there - August 21 - 9:20 am

  Purchased my truck used with 36,000 miles from a dealership. This was my second Nissan product. Had a Frontier crew cab that was extremely reliable and was the reason I purchased another Nissan. Have had very good service when oil changes and recalls were performed. Another feather in the Nissan cap. Dealership performance is another reason I bought Nissan. This Titan is solid. I have hauled an economy car from SC to MI without any problems. Have pulled my 18 foot boat on the weekends and its pulls like a dream. Use the Titan for many other projects and I cant see myself doing without it. Love the styling and always gets compliments. Neighbor bought one because he liked mine.

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  Safety - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Scott - August 20 - 10:13 am

  When I purchased my Titan I had researched and test drove all the available 1/2 crew cabs. My wife and I felt the Titan offered the most truck for the money. The only thing I couldnt find much on was safety. Unfortunately I tested this myself in a snowstorm. My wife and two young children were driving in the middle of NOWHERE when we hit a blizzard. Long story short, we went into the ditch and rolled one time. The entire family was unharmed (not even a scracth). I was able to climb out of the ditch and drive 100 miles to the closest town. I was amazed at how well the truck held up. The only damage was minor cosmetic. Im very impressed.

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  Bad Brakes - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Give me a break - August 19 - 10:20 pm

  I have enjoyed my Nissan Titan, however the brakes are a different story. The rotars on my Titan were resurfaced at 4500 miles and again at 10,000 miles. I have called and complained to Nissan with no satisfactory results. This is a serious safety issue that Nissan will not address.

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  First Truck - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Dapoet - August 16 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first truck after years and years of owning luxury vehs (2 Jaguars XJ8s) and numerous other vehicles. I needed a vehicle that was functional, reliable and had power to boot. Although this truck may not win awards on gas mileage, it does fairly well if you drive like you have some sense. I opted for the flex fuel model, and I love the fact that I am paying just at $2.00/gal for gas!! I would def recommend this vehicle to others. And I have driven just about every model of truck out there due to my job. Strong toss between Titan and Tundra... with rebates and styling, Titan won!

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  best buy ever - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LHopper - August 12 - 10:53 am

  Never owned a pick up prior to this truck, I have put 140,000 miles on this truck, with no issues, , except original brake problem that Nissan addressed and fixed. Low low maintenance, still have original battery in Arizona after 4 years I hope they come out with a 6 foot bed in the 4 door, and a diesel. Best truck money can buy... Sorry Detroit maybe u guys will learn some day to use better longer lasting components