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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  Very Happy Titan Owner - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Harold - April 25 - 12:00 am

  I purchased my Titan with the tow package to tow a travel trailer and serve as my main vehicle. The gas mileage around town could be better but it is still fun to drive. I am half way through my second cross country tour towing a 17 travel trailer. Mileage towing 14-15.5 MPG. In the Rocky Mountains I pass RVs and trucks all the time. Not one problem to date.

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  Unbelievable Driving Experience - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Farris - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I was having my 03 Maxima serviced today, so I decided to test drive a Titan while I waited (after reading several reviews on this site) to test drive a Titan while I waited. Immediately I was hooked. It handles and performs like a sports sedan - no joke. Long story short, as of this afternoon, I have in my driveway a Titan, not a Maxima. The only thing I dont like about the truck are the seats. They are too soft for my taste.As far as exterior design, perfromance and fun to drive, this truck defies description. You have to experience it. If youre considering a truck or SUV this truck is a must test.

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  New Vehicle, expect minor problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sgtglenn - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in June 2004.You truly have as much back seat room as front seat. I added (off- site) a spray in liner and tonneau cover for much less than dealer could have done. Made a 2450 mile trip to Colorado after owning vehicle for 3 weeks. Awesome performance and great gas mileage. With air conditioning, I averaged 17 mpg and without, 20 mpg. Yes, 20 mpg in the mountains w/o air conditioning. Had one problem on vacation. Nissan is having major problems with the regulators in the power windows. They WILL break, just ask yourself when. The window will not roll up and I drove around on vacation with a 2x4 in my door panel, but the window did stay

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  Buy One! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Zeinstra - March 23 - 3:46 am

  Overall a great buy. Roomy, spray in bedliner, good visibility, plenty of power, adjustable pedals, easy to clean cloth seats, disc brakes all around, and plenty of storage! Tires are good for road and rain but not for off road mud/snow, flip up middle seat/console fabric prone to pulling away from retaining clips, heavily baffled muffler is extremely hot and should be replaced with a less restrictive one. The only real complaint I have is with Nissan dealerships. The scams and pressure and tricks almost made me rethink my purchase. But getting the Titan was still a decision I do not regret.

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  Great Truck, Needs more standard equipme - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Great Truck - January 5 - 3:03 pm

  I really like this truck and glad that I bought this model. Its the only model that has body colour front grill and bumper. Mechanically everything is sound. This model didnt offer enough options such as fog lamps and a wheel upgrade. Also needs a little more added to the XE preferred package such as power windows, power door locks and keyless entry. Saftey Reasons.

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  Thirsty Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jon - January 1 - 11:23 am

  Really love the Performance, and sound of the truck. Really quick. LE has an awsome Rocksford Stereo system, and has a sub-woofer under the drivers seat, you can feel the thump. Good A/C, lighted tailgate, sprayed in bed-liner, tie down system. Now for the bad news. This truck gets terrible gas milage. No matter how you drive it, easy, hard, fast or slow, it only gets 14-15.8 MPG.

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  Love the Power - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By maurice - December 19 - 3:46 am

  I bought my first Titan in 2004 the first year king cab version. I loved it. It got me a couple of tickets and I Learned. They are good trucks hard on the gas but has the power. The only problem I have really had is the 04 and the 08 I have now are hard on rear tires. I dont spin the tires they just seem to wear on the back only. They a just good trucks.

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  After 2.5 years of driving the Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - December 18 - 6:56 am

  I spent quite a bit of time researching full sized trucks before choosing the Titan. I am not a contractor or towing sort. My two choices ended up being the Titan or Ridgeline. After kicking the tires and test driving, I went with the Titan. Wifey liked the Titan after driving both, which surprised me since the Ridge has the independent suspension and better ride. Roomy, definite power, great sound from the Fosgate and exhaust (if you like that sort of thing), nice amenities with the LE model. Overall, I am pleased with the Titan after 2.5 years and 15k miles.

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  Solid Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DRARLT - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Titan is a solid truck. We have the Big Tow and average about 13.5 with the first 2 tanks. Interior plastic is cheap feeling. Seats and comfort is excellent. CC is very roomy. Exterior is excellent, the truck is a looker. I have yet to tow anything heavy. With the power underhood, heavy loads should not be much of a problem!

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  My Speed Machine - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By cdmoore04 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  The titan by far is superior in size, power and room when you campare it to similar trucks and sport cars. I love everthing about the vehicle but I had to get use to using roll up windows and making sure the doors are locked (XEs do not come with power windows and door locks and I did not want to get carried away with options). The best part about this vehicle is its power and some people think the vehicle is so expensive from the looks. I was able to upgrade from my 99 Sentra to this beast for $48 dollars more a month ($328 over invoice and 2% financing helps alot). But with gas so dang high I can not travel freely without thinking about that low MPG.