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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  Cant wait for the new model - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TITIAN LOVER - July 18 - 1:16 am

  Great truck, lots of power, best space for a crew cab. No other crew cab truck came close to the interior space the titian has. I had a few problems with the truck, but all new vehicles have a few bugs when they first come out. The dealership has replaced all my rotors and brake pads, my center rear seat belt, differential cover because the 2004 models have the steal covers not the aluminum, (the aluminum one is on the 2005 and present models, slotted, so better for heat, and comes with synthetic differential oil) and my rear tweeters. Overall great truck

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  Great truck, too many problems @6,000 mi - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By stoneman - July 12 - 5:43 pm

  Excellent looking, powerful, fun to drive truck. I get complimants almost daily about the looks. I currently have 6,000 miles, i have had all rotors and pads replaced as i had a nasty braking shimmey. Nissan had a service bulletin an this. Now my transmisson case is dripping fluid, my drivers window is loose and rattles when not shut tight. My one big disappointment when i purchesed it is it has no climate control, this is a $36,000 vehicle!! 2006 models no have it. I waited a model year before buying, i have contacted Nissan and am curious if i hear from them, other than that its back to the dealer for my newest repairs. I honestly love the truck!!!

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  MY EXPERIENCE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ROGER - July 10 - 7:06 pm

  Great engine sound. Very fast. Excellent exterior and exterior design. Lower than expected actual MPG. My only problems are the fact that the truck doesnt handle well on highway at fast speeds of 75-80MPH. I dont feel safe driving that speed in this truck but did so with ease in my previous truck hade by another company. Other complaints are radio controls, no rear defroster and no locking doors when truck is out of park. So far, everything else is GREAT!

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  A Cut Above The Klunkers - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By unclejay - July 2 - 5:40 am

  The Titan powertrain is so smooth and powerful, and has a marvelous sound, seems more like a Lexus or Infinity...until the rear suspension hits a bump. I know they need tough springs back there, but the rear ride is no better than a Ford. Cab is roomy, A/C is a little weak above 90 degrees you have to use max AC which is very noisy.

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  problems at first minor things happening - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rick d - May 27 - 7:20 pm

  PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM LOT NO TEST DRIVE.1ST PROBLEM TIRES(BF GOODRICH TA) TIRES SHIMMY REPLACED ALL FOUR WITH NEW. 2ND,RADIO STATIC REPLACED BY DEALER. 3RD SKID PLATE SCREWS FOR OIL FILTER STRIPPED WAITING FOR NEW ONES STILL.TITAN IS A STRONG BEEFY TRUCK THAT THE COMPETITION CANT TOUCH FOR POWER OR COMFORT.I JUST WISH NISSAN WOULD MAKE STANDARD OPTION OF POWER MIRRORS FOR THIS TRUCK XE MODEL.

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  2006 Nissan Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By ordosch - April 29 - 8:00 am

  So far, I have had no problems with this truck. Everyone at work tells me they love riding in the Titan. This truck is very comparable and competitive with other full size trucks on the market.

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  Still An Awesome Truck After 3 Years - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Allan - April 19 - 4:30 am

  Have used the truck for a variety of purposes including towing a travel trailer, offroading, commuting at times, traveling long highway distances, hauling building materials, etc. I havent had any problems other than two factory recalls. One for the wiring harness at the back doors and the other for an A/C related component. The truck responds flawlessly to all of my needs and above all it feels like a truck, not a living room on wheels. Exactly what I wanted in this type of vehicle. Handling is very good and stable but need to be cautious around sharp curves because of higher 4x4 centre of gravity. Poor gas mileage. Dont drive it every day & can live with higher gas consumption.

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  overall experience thus far - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By thomp3racing - April 6 - 2:00 am

  bought my titan kc 4x4 this past december. although this is a new product for nissan,they have done their homework. this is one awsome vehicle. the power is incredable. when you step on the gas pedal,its acceleratration is unlike any truck ive ever driven,or any regular passenger car for that matter. although it has less than 800 miles on it,i think this truck has something to say to the big 3.im sure there will be some issues being its first year for this truck,but nissan has been building trucks a long,long time.

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  DONT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MIKE MORGAN - April 6 - 2:00 am

  THE RIDE IS EXCELLENT, THE HANDLING IS GREAT THE INTERIOR DESIGN IS SOME WHAT UNDESIREABLE. I PURCHASED IT FOR THE FUEL ECONOMY, AND I GET THAT. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THIS TIN CAN. OTHERWISE ITS A (B) ON A SCALE FROM A+ TO D RATING

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  Bad Ass Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cool Truck - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck in the beginning of January after test driving all the other trucks on the market a friend of mine told me about nissans new full size truck at first I was hesitant to even think nissan with a truck but after the test drive I was sure this was going to be the one. My Baby is Galaxy Black loaded sunroof DVD system big tow package and off road package so far so good awsome truck you owe it to yourself not to buy another truck until you go and test drive this new bad boy on the block you will not be disappointed.