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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  loved it - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By max - August 11 - 10:13 am

  drives like a champ, definitely the truck for me, I will drive nissans forever after buying this truck.

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  First Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Cameron Green - August 10 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Titan used back in January. Before the Titan I had 2000 Silverado. Night and day difference! The Titan gets better gas mileage, has power to give and rides great. Before I decided to buy my Titan, I was looking at a 2007 Sierra. The Titan has more room, and with me being 6-2 that helps. I can put my family of four in it and not worry about how cramped the kids are. I love the seats and the interior, it feels like a truck but yet comfortable. I recently went on a weekend camping trip, pulling a pop-up. Got the same gas mileage pulling the pop up as I do in the city. I also like the tailgate a nice safety feature with young boys running around. Love this truck!

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Randy - August 5 - 12:46 pm

  Almost 20,000 miles now. I leased this truck last May kind of as a birthday present to myself and have loved it ever since! It is my first truck, but I have driven many as I grew up on a farm. I love that it does have a more city look to it since I feel more like a city kid than a farm kid. My country inlaws joke about it coming from a cracker jack box, but quickly quiet down when they hear my engine roar as they eat my dust. My inlaws all have trucks, diesel dodges, v8 dodges, diesel fords, and my dad has a chevy duramax. My titan by far outperforms when it comes to sheer speed and handling. It also tows like a banshee for a v8. Hey dodge driver, do my taillights work? I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

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  Good Engine, Lots of Problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brendan - July 31 - 9:10 am

  The truck has a nice engine, and nice interior. Its very roomy and comfortable. Ive had the vehicle in for service 20 times now with continuous problems. Several recalls on the vehicle and poor customer service. The stereo wouldnt pickup AM stations overtime and then would lose signal outright. It took over 7 times to get the stereo right and still they havent put the proper face plate back onto the vehicle. Bottom line, nice engine and very comfortable, but very poorly built.

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  Crusin Titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Curt - July 29 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned this truck since new and it has been one of the best trucks I have ever had. I have never had a problem with it. I had a 04 titan and it was a good but I wanted a longer bed. I did have some problems with the 04 such as the brakes witch dealer fixed. As for my 2008 its been a great truck. I pulled a trailer all over for the first year I had it and I had no trouble at all. I got 10 to 12 mpg towing the trailer witch is better than my chev with a 454 that got 6 to 9 mpg.

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  The BEST new full size truck PERIOD - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By yamaha_r62k1 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had several pickups in my driving career and this Titan is the best, most funniest vehicle I have ever owned. Nissan has done an incredible job in designing and engineering every detail of this vehicle. I highly recommend this truck to anyone from the daily mom who picks up their kids from soccer practice to the hard working construction professional. With the Titans incredible power, enormous interior, standard features and accessories, and of course exceptional value, you cannot lose with this truck. Now go out to your local dealer and see for yourself!!

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  2004 Nissan Titan LE Crew Cab - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Gianni Ducati - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck. Tons of interior room with an innovative bed design. Excellent acceleration and handling. I much prefer it to the F-150s I drove.

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  Not a Real Full Size Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By tt - July 26 - 4:23 am

  The driver seat (capt. chair) does not allow full size people to set comfortable like Ford and Chevy. Slip feature causes the vehicle to lose power, which leads to getting stuck in mud or snow much easier than the competition. After about 5000 miles rattles and squeaks appear. The heated seats are more like warmer seats. Front-end sits too low (does not set level) Major vibration at 80 mph on cement roads. Difficult to change oil. After only 200 miles I have a major warranty list. After washing it the first time I would say there are too many emblems, it needs less external detail. It does have great power and sound system.

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  Titan vs The Others - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Keithndeb - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Ford F150 extra cab, a GMC extra cab, and a Cherolet Z71 extra cab and the Titan is a step above the rest. So many features, great style and loads of power put the Titan in a class by itself.

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  Look before you leap! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 48izhot - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Can you spell G A S ??? Own a country in the Middle East before you buy. EPA rating of 14/20 is a myth, who tested this vehicle? Unique design, great Fosgate stereo if you play CDs, forget the radio sound. Quirky color scheme - butterscotch and gray? Japanese build quality not as good as I expected, minor problems become a nuisance. Only headphones disguise the exhaust roar...