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:

• 

  what hasnt broke is a shorter list - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By john c - September 2 - 1:00 am

  heres a list of repairs (that i can remember) rear differential, rear axle shafts, power steering pump, both exhaust manifolds, u joint, front drive shaft, hub assemblies, condenser fan, wiring harness, window leak, air pressure sensors, back up sensors 4xs, rear axle shaft seals, drive shaft seals, rear axle breather, tailgate hinge, power steering lines, power steering tub/hose assembly, throttle speed sensor, anti lock brake sensor

• 

  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mabatista - August 30 - 4:10 pm

  I use this truck to Tow almost daily (about 4-5000lb trailer). Great tow vehicle. Mileage is about 10 towing. About 12 around town. I once got about 14-15 on the interstate and was thrilled! This thing eats brakes. Fronts every 25k, rears every 40k. Trim pieces are cheap, but the engine/trans has benn reliable. I would buy it again. (I would get 4wd though)

• 

  WHAT! - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By fuselim - August 27 - 1:40 am

  Plain and simple, treat yourself to a test drive. Ive owned this truck for a year and could not be more pleased. Dont listen to the reviews, I think the Big 3s are paying big money to the writers. I hunt, fish and enjoy traveling, this truck is fully capable. I drove a Ford for 17 Years, a Chevy for 10 and these where good trucks but Im now in the best truck Ive ever owned. Me and the wife are going to canada from texas, caint wait to cross the rockies in this truck.

• 

  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mary B - August 26 - 8:26 pm

  We have had this truck almost 3 years. We have had chevy, ford and the original nissan smaller pick-ups. We bought it due to our experience with Nissan reliability and to replace a mini van. We bought the crew cab due to have 4 man-sized teenage boys. All 6 of us fix VERY comfortably. The back seating are is large with a lot of leg room. We have over 75k miles and not a single problem thus far! Of course, gas mileage is always an issue with vehicles like this

• 

  Fantastic Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Jim Jones - August 19 - 7:23 pm

  I recently purchased a boat that needed towing; before this, I have never purchased or wanted to purchase a truck. Now I am a proud and happy Titan owner. The powertrain and transmission are fantastic! The styling is the best out there!

• 

  Mixed Feelings - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Truck Dude - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The 5.6 puts you a quick stomp away from instant gratification. A good mash when you are not loaded will put you in the back seat. The throaty exhaust note is hard to beat. 390 lbs of torque makes the Titan the best tow rig I have ever driven. The suspension is spot-on. The interior is quiet and the seats are awesome. However, the truck has its down side. The sloping front end and flared rear fenders make judging distance in a parking lot quite difficult- rear blind spots swallow a Caddy with 10ft to spare. The turning radius isnt exactly competitive. Fuel economy is worst in class- mostly highway, I avgd 14. I got 17 mpg hwy with a tonneau cover and 10 mpg with an enclosed trailer.

• 

  In the Wind - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By john haslett - August 18 - 6:26 pm

  This truck rides extremely well and very fast. Point A to Point B is no time at all even in long trips. The interior is comfortable once you adjust the seats properly. I havent used all the features. The truck is really worth the money. You are not going to get 30 miles a gallon out of a v8 truck.The gas prices just need to be lowered again. The truck roars with ambition for the open road. The gas pedal does not need to be pressed much for a response. It has a sports car heart with the utility of a truck. I get nice comments from everyone about my truck. The buying experience was very simple at the dealership. I look forward to nissans diesel trucks because of these Titans.

• 

  Titan beats the big three - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By King Titan - August 17 - 6:06 am

  Great truck! Just purchased it, I looked at and test drove Chevy Ford and Dodge but The Titan rides and handles better. The interior is excellent, I choose the popular bench seat for the room and comfort. Lots of storage for sunglasses and CDs or anything else.

• 

  Converted Ford Owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By dkerlin - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I was reluctant to even try an import full-size truck,but the unique options available in bed accessories along with the factory spray in bedliner caught my attention.I was sold after a quarter mile down the road.I couldnt believe the torque,ride comfort,interior space,or the deal I was made on the vehicle.I had a salesman named Doug,who was more knowledgable than any of the other salesman I had encountered at the Ford,Chevrolet,Dodge,or Toyota dealerships.I would definitely endorse the TITAN,Hamilton Nissan and Doug.

• 

  Nisan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By morten - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is really a 3/4 ton truck when you read the lables. Ample room in king cab for 3 adults & 3 chrildren in the back seat. Driving the speed limit in town can get 17 miles to the gallon. Has los of power for those larger loades plus good pickup for the tight spots. All in all very impressive Mort