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:

• 

  Great design and performance - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By OId Bill - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I evaluated the Toyota Tundra and the Titan in similar configurations. The Titan won the comparison test hands down. I like the fact that although it is a full sized truck, it handles "small," good turning radius and responsive steering. Performance is superb. Short length hood is a real plus. Very roomy in rear seat area. I ordered from factory w/out any options and am pleased with standard features. Price was about $2000 under MSRP.

• 

  best import full size truck ever. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sneaky - June 11 - 10:00 am

  well it has turned a lot of heads.some people mistake it for a dodge.people love the design.even had my truck damage by some ford,dodge lovers.they love to race me.

• 

  Titan "a truck to contend with" - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By MARTIN E ALBARRAN - June 8 - 7:20 am

  When applying the brakes firmly at speeds of 60-75 and over mph i felt the vehicle and steering wheel shaking badly. I reported it to the dealer and they did a complete brake system repair without questions asked. Now they work perfect. I have the 2004 crew cab with the tow package, fosgate speaker system that sounds great and 18" rims. You may want to check nissans recall which there are a couple that apply to only a certain vehicle batch numbers.

• 

  Sharp looking and fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Rob - June 3 - 10:00 pm

  This is my first import and so far I am very impressed with the style and ride of the titan. The small features like the tail gate, back compartment and large driver controled real window with the fantastic sound system are great touches. The speed of response with the engine is very good and it sounds great.

• 

  Close, but not quite - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Matthew - June 3 - 5:53 pm

  Only a year later and Im seeing lots of rust in the bed seams and in some of the bed bolts. Also, significant corrosion of some trim pieces. Lots of squeaks that the dealership has been very helpful to fix...but it is a major pain to keep on returning to the dealership for these kinds of repairs. Seats are not that comforatable.

• 

  Big Lemmon - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry - May 28 - 4:30 pm

  After less than 6 months of ownership my Titan has developed severe problems and has now been in the shop for over 2 weeks with no firm estimate of when I will get my truck back. The technicians at Nissan have recommended the dealer replace the entire rearend. One of the service reps at Hall Nissan said that they discovered a computer problem as well. I have been in contact with the dealer almost daily now and have spoken with Nissan "Customer Service Dept" a couple of times. The end of next week is the earliest I can expect my truck to be fixed was the last answer I received and they didnt sound sure about that. I am completely dissatisfied with both the Nissan product and service.

• 

  Back again with another Titan - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By peachydad - May 28 - 6:54 am

  Owned a 2004 Titan (first year), and never regretted my decision. It was dependable, and Nissan fixed the warped brake rotors right away, and the truck ran like a champ for 6 years until getting rammed by another driver. I feel this truck is underappreciated and think its a solid contender and has become a bargain. You ought to consider this truck if you need a large general purpose pickup. My 2011 silver one feels familiar, has tons of mass and power, and still roars with its exhaust, but is solid, comfortable, and big enough for anybody.

• 

  Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By T Scott - May 18 - 4:26 am

  Fun to drive and the best sounding stock truck I have ever heard. Poor fuel mileage. Moderate fit and finish.

• 

  Great truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Gary - May 15 - 4:40 pm

  Bought this from original owner in Jan. of 08 with 22k. Its got 37k on it and its been a great ride so far. No squeaks, solid as a rock, FAST, handsome and just plain fun. I get 16 mpg in town and 18-19 on the road. Its my daily driver, handles small truck tasks (hauling stuff, etc.) and the king cab works great to take my wife and daughter on trips. I have step rails and a bed cap - highly recommended. Put your luggage in the back and youre off!

• 

  nice big truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - May 7 - 8:50 am

  I traded a Chevrolet Silverado for my Titan and the difference is night and day. I have a big V-8 and I get equal mileage as my chevy with the v-6. The unique styling takes a lot to get used to. I like how the seats are higher which gives a better view of the road and put that with the massive glass, it is like riding around in a glass car. The fuel mileage is absolutely terrible, but I put the recommended amount of MOTORKOTE in the crankcase and it increased the mileage form 13 to 14.5. The thing rides fantastic as well. very smooth. The stock stereo with 6 speakers sounds great. Seats are big, which is good for me because I am a big dude. I have had for 6 months and still cant park it very