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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  Awesome Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 17 - 7:50 pm

  Great ride quality, brakes, & suspension. Love the big interior of the CC. I have the leather bench seats and the big fold-down center console is great, especially for a laptop. Nicely priced, got my brand new 08 CC SE SB, OTD for 26k.

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By rhwyo - December 13 - 11:36 am

  This is my first Nissan Truck but it wont be my last. I have owned several domestic full size 4wd trucks and they do not compare to the titan in terms of quality, performance, and value. I have logged 18,500 miles in less than a year and had zero problems of any kind. Zero trips to the dealer except for routine maintenance.

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  ahah - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By i26k - December 12 - 6:33 am

  this truck is excellent and i would recomend it to anyone who is tired of the same design and options that the american manufactures keep putting out

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  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mel62 - December 7 - 4:36 pm

  purchased new and has been spraying gasoline out filler neck when re- fueling. Dealer has replaced evaporative canister 3 times and fuel tank once. Just returned at 43k and dealer and Nissan refused to repair item.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Dirty Sans - December 5 - 4:43 pm

  Great Truck, I own a 2000 Dodge Ram and love my old truck. Nissan did a good job with this truck solid body good looks and a powerful engine. Standard features out class most trucks in its category. Gas mileage is bad but what do you expect with a big engine, if I was worried about gas then I would have bought a little truck.

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  Definitely not a real truck (Ford) - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 1 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Titan at the end of the year for business the tax advantage and shortly found out that its not a working truck. I currently own four Fords and this Nissan cant hold a candle to them. It feels like the frame is stressing with 200 lbs in the box. Nissan and Toyota should stick to cars because they are in over their heads when it comes to trucks.

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  great truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By jc Sandoval - November 29 - 5:10 pm

  greast driving , handles a little stiff , comfort is great , driving is fun. price a little high

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  Everything I want, just excellent! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Adroita - November 28 - 8:10 am

  Very satisfied with this truck after almost 3 years. Great power, smooth acceleration, reliable. Solid vehicle with a great ride and good road feedback. Suspension is excellent. Feels like a German car in truck form. I love it.

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  GOOD TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JUSTIN ARDEN - November 22 - 9:56 am

  I ENJOY IT VERY MUCH. IT IS A FUN, SAFE, RIDE!!

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  Not bad so far - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tripps - November 21 - 10:56 pm

  Ive made a couple other posts on here. Ive had my Titan SE for about 5 months now and still love it. It has some minor issues, but thats to be expected from a new model. Front brake rotors were underdesigned and a kit is coming out soon to replace them. My dealer has been great about taking care of problems. Ive been in twice and rotors were cut and/ or replaced with no questions asked. There is also an issue with the front window switches. Both are on order and being covered by the warranty. Windows are sometimes stubborn to go back up. Other than a few rattles that really cant be heard with the radio on, Ive very pleased and would recommend new buyers at least check it out.