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 Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Pari - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Previous owner of a 2000 Chevy Silverado LT. Two weeks ago, we purchased a Titan LE with Big Tow and Off-Road Package w/ Leather about two weeks ago from a local dealership for $34,000 even. IMHO, this truck rides much better.

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  Feature rich compare to Ford F150 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By C D Jones - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Very enjoyable truck! It has power baby! POWER! I have been reviewing this truck for 5 months before buying it. I was planning to wait until December, but could not wait any longer, I wanted it. Im a long time vehicle holder, Im expecting this truck to last without many break downs. Get a knowledge salesman and take the Ford 150 over and compare the difference. I believe edmunds.com know what their talking about when they selected this truck. (some body there did there homework!) Bottom line, its a BIG TRUCK for a Nissan company. Im proud to own it!

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Hector313 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, this is with out a doubt the best truck that I’ve ever owned. I’ve had Toyota (great reliability but kind of underpowered), Dodge (OK reliability but zero fun factor), and a Ford (good looking truck but near 100k… time to break out the check book for the up coming repairs). So far the reliability is what you would expect, perfect. Time will tell the long term reliability though. The best thing about this truck is the drive train. It’s as close to perfect that I’ve found in a truck. HUGE fun factor here. Plus, I get lots of compliments from people especially when I say “It’s a Nissan”.Bottom line, I’d buy another one of these again in second if I had the chance.

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  I love my truck!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By elser - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Long-legged women will love this truck! I look forward to driving this truck... it is incredible. It handles like a car, has the comfort of a huge sedan and can get thru the toughest off-road circumstances. I recommend it to EVERYONE. My husband is 68" and I am 510" and we are incredibly comfortable in this truck. PLENTY of head and legroom and plenty of room for our little girls car seat in the back! We can easily fit five big adults and one car seat and all be very comfy. I have never loved driving like I do when I am in this truck. -from a very satisfied female Nissan truck owner

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  Great truck! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Iceman - July 5 - 3:23 pm

  Nissan engineers did a great job on this truck! The interior has more room than other 4dr trucks. The power is there for hauling / towing. The e- locker on the 4wd/off-road is nice. The body style is good. The sprayed in bed liner and utili-trac is perfect. Im pleased with it and Ive owned several trucks over the years. This is my first Nissan.

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  New Used Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ben - June 30 - 10:10 pm

  Just purchased 04 Crew Cab 4WD SE with 66K miles. The soft brakes and drive shaft/u-joint issues decried by some 04 drivers were a bonus for me: Easily corrected(!), WHILE driving the resale value down among mechanically un-savvy drivers--BONUS! Ive always been a fan of Ford and GM trucks, and have owned more JEEPs than most drivers. But in selecting a work truck, the superior fit-n-finish, interior quality, and ergonomics of the Titan, and the above-mentioned bargain pricing, forced me away from the Big 3 offerings I intended to purchase. Time will tell if I remain happy. I will report after 30K miles are added to the odo. For now, Ive twice the truck for 1/2 the dollars.

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  It keeps getting worse! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Dissapointing!!! - June 27 - 2:56 pm

  When I first bought my truck I loved it! The outside design was very appealing and it was a comfortable ride for being a full size truck. I put a lot of miles on my trucks for work and I was sure that this Nissan would be reliable. But after only 2 months I started having problems...first the brakes and rotors had to be replaced..then the drivers side door wont close on cold days..tires balded after only 7 months..side view mirrors cracked under cold conditions...harness recalled...now the 4 Wheel Drive jerks the car when taking turns in inclimate weather...every month there is another problem. I have been to the dealer service center 10 times since I bought this car 10 months ago!!!

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  Horrible - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By m951 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Not reliable at all. The worst gas mileage. Barely any horsepower. Isnt very good for towing. I hate eveything about it. I upgraded to an 08 tundra and do not regret it one bit. It has way more horse power and towing capacity and is more comfertable, a lot of fun, and much better on gas. Its offroading capabilities are also much better. The tundra has a bigger bed and a much nicer look.

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  By by ford - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By flare out - June 19 - 11:30 am

  Overall this truck is impressive. Very good off road. We use this truck in the oil & gas field and it is standing up better than any other truck i have used ( ford , dodge, gmc , chev ). The overall handling and power towing is great.

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  Back again - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - June 16 - 6:00 pm

  Well, have now 7000 miles on truck and once again all I can say is amazing truck. This truck is truly an outstanding truck. The truck preforms way past my expectations as it totally outperforms everything out there. If you want a great truck get one. My gas mileage is good for a big truck, and quick.. no one can keep up. Nissan needs to upgrade exterior design as this is the 4th year with same design, but otherwise couldnt be happier. Ride is exceptional, looks outstanding and the LE options are fantastic. If you dont consider one you have made a big mistake.