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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  solid truck that wont disappoint - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By NC Truckin - November 17 - 11:23 pm

  The 05 Titan is a fantastic truck that any full-size buyer should investigate. I was on the verge of buying an F-150 during the great summer deals (also a nice truck) but I decided to test drive the Titan before I bought. Boy am I glad I did! The Titan has a MUCH more impressive driveline than F-150, even with the bigger Ford V8. Torque and HP numbers dont mean much...its how the vehicle feels that matters, and Titan feels great. Ive had it 6 months, and there has only been one small problem; the dealership took care of it immediately. Yes it has poor gas mileage, but that shouldnt be a surprise to anybody (just look at the size of the thing!). You wont be disappointed w/ Titan.

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  Love the truck, hate the radio system - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Big man - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. Have the 4 door version which provides me and my family plenty of room.

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  What a sport truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Kevante - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Have done my homework on buying a truck. For the money you can t go wrong. The motor and 5 speed trans. are worth the money alone. It is so roomy inside, you can really fit anyone inside the front or the back seats. You will get a lot of looks and get into long talks with people at car washes. I live in Az and still had to get the Galaxy black. what a color. Great overall. I have the LE model and love it.

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  Above Average - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Devin - September 29 - 8:46 pm

  I drove a Dodge 4x4 and it doesnt compare! This truck has great power, speed, and can handle itself in a crowd without any problem. Its had its share of problems though - complete brakes, rotors everything was replaced at 20k (unpublished recall). Replaced some switches from breaking, replaced wiring from rear passenger door because I had no trailer lights (recall), replaced tires at 35k, completely bald, and finally the doors wouldnt open when it got below 30 degrees (another unpublished recall). But I have to say cars fall apart, its a part of their makeup.

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  Tough but Fragile - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By James - September 9 - 10:00 am

  As much as I love my Titan, my comfort has been a bit shattered. The service advisers at the dealership are great but they have been unable to figure out the reason for my constant radiator failures. I am currently on number 3. The radiator is definitely of poor design, but as long as it remains under the extended warranty Ill continue to bring it in. This truck has great potential.

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  Nissan Titan 2004 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By KenB12345 - August 27 - 4:53 am

  Plenty of smooth power. Poor stereo reception (dealer replaced entire stereo to fix), otherwise excellent vehicle.

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  Good Truck/Bad Company - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By John - August 16 - 5:00 am

  Did my homework. I love my Titan with a couple of exceptions. Soon after purchase, it felt like there was a role of quarters in the left side of my seat cushion. To their credit, dealer replaced seat. However, seat is still uncomfortable (should have got the leather I suppose). Also, the truck has no outside temp gauge - I cant believe it. Dealer is no help and emails and calls to Nissan net no response at all. As a result, I will never buy another Nissan product. Other than that, I really do like everything else about this truck. But alas, I hear Nissan is giving up after their first try. I wonder where the Tundra would be if Toyota gave up after just one shot at it?

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  V8 Power! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - August 10 - 5:56 am

  When considering this vehicle, the V8 32 valve engine is what convinced me - not to mention the utility of it. Ive put 62,000 miles on it. Love the torque power but have dealt with too much inconsistent quality issues that im considering trading it in. Some of the failures of it were poor brakes (9,000 miles started to shimmy. Dealer repaired it. Not to mention I learned how to repair my brakes afterwards), electrical wiring to a/c blower failed. Door locks froze badly, dealer recall. Differential oil would leak on inner wheel, something not all dealers willing to repair esp. if warranty is up. Gas mpg not accurate to sticker. Ave 12-14. And thats with babying it.

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  2006 LE CC 4X2 - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Terry - July 23 - 7:13 pm

  I absolutely love this truck! It took me a long time to decide on whether to buy a Titan due to the quality issues in the past. All issues have supposedly been fixed and I have had no problems. Ride and interior noise are similar to new F150s. Its rather odd to hear a throaty exhaust note coming from an import truck but it does not become annoying. Auto dual climate control is a nice option albeit a little confusing at first. The power folding mirrors are great for tight parking spots. Overall I am extremely please with the vehicle.

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  Titanic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By capturedword - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Great truck real head turner. Powerful Capable Comfortable