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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  Loving it, but... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By manhattantitanowner - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Coveted Tundras forever, thought about Chevy/Dodge, then test drove the Titan. GAME OVER! Bed features and interior design for the $$ involved made this one a no-brainer. The engines power is addictive; gas mileage no worse than anything else this size. Drivers seat extremely comfortable. Graphite/Titanium leather the way to go (Whats the butterscotch color? Blech.) Love the stereo, esp. the sub. No sunroof, but I dont miss it. BUT... add-ons back-ordered, minor quirks like faulty airbag sensor, clock malfunction, broken spring on storage lock cover...all have left me with a loaner at this point. But Im not complaining (too loudly)....

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  Nissan Titan! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By amd - December 8 - 8:20 pm

  My first truck ever. Great room, more power than other full size truck. I like the style, very simple. Huge windshield, I can see the road better. I love the exhaust sounds. Mileage are better than Hummer. and one thing if you buy this truck, dont forget to add pillow and blanket in the back seat, very roomy.

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  Watchout Blue Oval and Bow Tie - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By rdstoy - November 26 - 1:37 pm

  My last few trucks have been Ford F-150s but with the spark plug issues plaguing 5.4L Triton I decided to look elsewhere. Tried Chevrolet and was not impressed, Dodge was not considered, Toyota too pricy. One of my friends talked me into trying the Titan and I was very impressed with performance, fit and finish and comfort of the Titan. Found a 2010 LE with less than 10,000 miles and thus far it is everything I expected and more. My first trip, about 300 miles round trip, got about 19 MPG with the A/C running the entire time. Not bad for a four wheel drive truck.

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  Love my new TITAN - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 05titanse - November 24 - 3:20 am

  Just got this truck the end of last week with 36,000 miles on it , love great truck had 01 frontier with 202,000 miles on traded for titan love so far other then the MPG not use to that yet after drive v6 for the longest time, the RSS (rear sonar system) seems to have a flaw/ bad sencer in or in or somthing the dealer is gonna fix it only issue i see on it , hope to get the miles out this one like my frontier

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  Lights out - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mark skipper - November 22 - 7:26 am

  Have been pretty pleased with this truck. Dealer fixed brake problems early on. One thing though is that many times at night when I turn on the right hand turn signal the lights go off. This has scared the crap out of me as driving at high speeds at night and the lights go out when I turn on the right hand signal and a few times when I go from dims to bright. Anyone else experience this? Always in a panic to turn them back on.

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  Best truck on the market - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Steve - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have put this vehicle through hell and back, and have never had an issue. From reading on the internet you may think this truck is unreliable, however, I drive my truck harder then 95% or people, and I have never been stranded, nor has the truck had to visit the dealer. Its the most athletic and fun truck to drive on the market. Once youve owned one, you will understand, "its a Titan thing"

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  Just some info!!!! :) - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By CSR - November 15 - 7:03 pm

  Purchased brand new 2008 Titan pro-4x, galaxy black with the leather bench and Rockford system. Awesome looking with tow and sliding bed divider. Truck has been a pleasure to drive so far. Lots of power and getting lots of looks. Radio rocks and bluetooth works well. Getting between 11-13 mpg so far; only 400 miles on truck so too early to tell how close epa mpg will be. Two issues though - truck delivered with airbag malfunction which needed a dashboard drop and new airbag module installed and the incab microfilter missing. MX shop told me 3 days to 2 weeks to get fixed - lol!!! Not great news for a brand new truck BUT fixed in 3 days.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By CHAD - November 14 - 10:00 am

  No problems yet fun to drive but a little poor on the gas mileage.Overall, i would buy again

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  Had to have this truck!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titanfan - November 8 - 2:00 am

  After you drive this truck youll have to have it too!! You wont even believe the power these things have until you actually drive one for yourself. They are literally flying off the lots everywhere. Nissan more than delivered everything they said they would. Exceptional power, ride, interior design and sound system!! The TITAN blows the doors off all others!!

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  Drive this before you buy another - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Storm1 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased crew cab LE, 4X4. Beautiful vechicle inside and out. Not the Nissan of old! Responsive stering, throaty exhaust and a tight suspension make this truck very fun to drive. My wife was nervous to drive it because she thought it would drive like a big, clumsy truck but once she got behind the wheel she did not want to give it up! If you are thinking about buying a Chevy, Dodge or Ford (Tundra does not compare) then you should test drive this truck! You wont be sorry! Only thing I can say negative is that they are not readily available yet and this causes the dealers not to deal much. These trucks are selling at MSRP or not much off at all.