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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  Best Truck Ive Owned - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By soonerjeff - October 13 - 10:23 am

  I went looking for a replacement for my 2002 Ford F150 Supercrew. I test drove another Ford and also a Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, Honda and GMC but really loved the Titan Pro-4x. Large beautiful interior, Rockord Fosgate stereo, memory seats, Bluetooth, smooth ride and an awesome exhaust note. I really like the way the back seats fold up out of the way giving my dogs or the groceries lots of space. The cargo area is well designed with a 12-volt accessory jack, tailgate lights, factory spray in liner, utilitrack cargo tie-down system and an assisted lockable tailgate. I recently took a 900 mile trip and averaged 17.1 mpg on the highway. Not too bad for a 317 hp V8.

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  like the mean look and power - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By joel29m - October 6 - 9:40 pm

  Im a Chevy man, but that Titan changed my thoughts. I got an 06 Titan, and cant wait to get up the next day to ride in style. I bought it in sept. 08 with 39,000 miles and could not leave it hanging. God blessed me with this truck because I thought I would never get one. I love the body style and engine performance. One main thing I love about it is that it sounds like it has dual exhaust when it doesnt. Its a gas drinker, but gas mileage is 99% better than my old 97 Chevy Tahoe!

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  real review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By oaks - October 2 - 12:26 am

  fairly solid and quiet vehicle. plenty of power and torque. both exterior and interior lighting is excellent. I have not had any brake component problems...yet. Test drove all others available and by far the titan out- performs.

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  It does its job - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rob - September 27 - 4:53 pm

  It does its job. Obviously the gas mileage is insane but its a huge truck. Everyone who sees it says they love it. I love it too but there are are many things I would change. Has a lack of brakes.

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  Test drive it and youll understand - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 1Titan - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Its time that Nissan put a full size truck on the market. Big 3 truck makers better watch out! Titan is here. This truck is powerful and thoughtful. Nissan sure put in a lot of thoughts and work on designing this new truck. Its hard to describe how great this truck is, go and test drive one, then youll understand.

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  Titan Rule - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Rules! - September 26 - 8:23 pm

  Owned my 2006 Titan Crew cab LE 4x4 FFV since April 07 and am very satisfied. Love the smooth ride and power. Sometimes forget Im in a full size truck. Only had a problem with the radio going out out on me but the dealer replaced it. Looked at the F150 but found the rear seating more comfortable in the Titan (Important on long trips). Looked at the Tundra but to have it equipped like the Titan would have run up in the 45k area.

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  Titan power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Moies Mundo - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has plenty of power and comfort. Fun to drive.

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  Watch out big 3 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Max_Power - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a tow vehicle and did not want one of the big 3s trucks. The Titan has great power and acceleration with the best options for the money. Who needs a Hemi when you have the torque monster Nissan 5.6L. I average 15 mpg city driving. It drives great and shifts smooth. Only complaint is the placement of the door and window controls on the drivers door, they seem to get wet easy.

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  titan gone bad - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kennythornhill - September 11 - 10:00 am

  driverside rear seat belt still not working right since may. had truck in for worped rotors fixed but worped again. had brake recall done still getting shaking when braking around 30mph. stereo reception sucks,power windows will not come up when pulling up on switchs the first time. front bumper is not aligned properly. maybe i just got a lemon or could it be it was built on a monday or friday.

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  Buy One - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Grrreg - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Test drove Ford F-150 Crew cab,Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, Toyota Tundra, then Nissan Titan, researched it ,bought it. Gas mileage is pretty good. Built much better than Silverado or the F-150. My experience at the dealership was a disaster, I dont recomend Valencia Nissan, sneaky little guys, but I was prepared...........Thanks to Edmunds.