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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  Extremely Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Leroy Knepper - August 9 - 11:33 pm

  Most comfortable truck Ive ever owned but the problems are something I never expected from a Nissan..Four wheel drive snapped at 64,000 miles ( just out of warranty) brakes are terrible..truck shimmies...tailpipe & hitch rusted...unbelievable for all the more miles on this vehicle.Paint chips easily..I am going to be purchasing another truck and it most definitely will not be a Nissan..Very disappointed..I was under the impression that a Nissan would last for a long time..The only good points are the interior comfort and the style...Very unreliable truck..Didnt even make it to 70,000 miles..

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  Dont mess with Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Byron - August 4 - 10:30 pm

  Wow! Awesome truck! Blows away Ford, Chevy and Dodge. Handles like a sports car and has more than enough power. Love getting this truck on the open highway. Cruise at 85 miles an hour and only running 2000 rpm! Smooth and solid ride, quiet interior with nice V8 rumble. Interior well thought out and comfortable. No rattles or vibration at all. Plenty of room inside. Nissan did a great job with this truck. They have exceeded my expectations for a pickup. Very pleased thus far with purchase. Love watching the competition trying to catch me!

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  Tough Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Chris Guidry - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is extremely powerful. The off road package with Rancho shocks makes for a rougher ride but they are worth it. I tow horses with it - no problem. The window switches have been replaced once and may have to be again. Smart to make them one touch though. Spray in bedliner and utilitrack system have saved me money by reducing the damage to my truck when hauling heavy stuff. Radio has road noise sensor that adjusts volume automatically. This is annoying. Try to avoid this if possible. VDC keeps the truck more level on tight turns and I am happy with the truck over all. Personal Rating 1 thru 10 = [9.99]

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Greg - July 29 - 11:53 am

  Bought my 06 Titan in June 06. Have had it back to the dealer 6 times for small problems (windows, door handle problems for example). Problems seem to be fixed and love the truck otherwise. Great power, fun to drive and handles my 23 ft. camper so much better than my last Ford truck did. That five speed transmission is fantastic pulling a heavy load. My Ford couldnt do the highway speed limit and sounded like it would blow when it would downshift going up the smallest incline. The Titans five speed tranny handles the speed and inclines wonderfully and I couldnt be happier. Well, maybe with a few more miles per gallon. E85 fuel economy is brutal in this vehicle.

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  titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By mike - July 26 - 6:56 am

  excellent truck to own and drive. Great performance and handling, Gas milage could be a bit better, though overall driving experience i would rate at 9.5 out of ten, especially the looks my wife gets while driving it to the grocery store!

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  Love this truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By LIONSNIS - July 25 - 4:00 am

  just have to say thank you nissan for makeing a TRUCK, thats right a truck ahead of the rest . i get so many compliments on the truck its great, cant wait to go somewere my wife needs something from the store you bet i say yes ill go for you honey thank you agin for The #1 truck made ... Have a great day

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  I love it - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By cwt - July 21 - 8:13 pm

  Super size, especially the interior. Its a major step up from the 2003 Frontier I used to drive. I cant imagine a better built truck. Fuel economy is about what youd expect from a full size truck. The ride is great, power is fantastic. I love it.

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  Awesome Tennessee Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By charles howell - July 21 - 11:06 am

  This is a great 4x4 truck!! With 12,000 miles on the odo, performance, reliability, and quality feel has been excellent. Steering is tight and confident. This is the first vehicle I have owned where the factory tires (18 inch dubs)ride smooth as silk. Gas mileage has been about 16mpg around town in mixed open road and stop and go traffic. Interstate mileage has been around 17mpg. Engine power is awesome, even to the point of barking the rear tires at red lights when forgetting to control my lead foot. The roominess of the cabin is perfect even for big and tall folks. The interior is a little drab looking when compared to the Ford and Toyota, but this is a minor point.

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  best of the bunch - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By jerry m - July 17 - 11:43 pm

  it is the best all around truck i have owned. it has all the power i need - is quiet even at 80 mph and above. the ride is excellent. it will tow my boat and i have no doubt it will go in snow.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Buddy - July 11 - 10:56 am

  My son owns a 06 Titan...I fell in love with its spacious cab and excellent features and power! I have mostly owned chevys but when I started looking for my next truck I tried out both...no comparison. The Titans features, styling, power, and handling was just much better. Then came the price...almost $5000 different. I mainly pull a 19ft. bass boat and a lot of this is on back country roads....I dont know the boat is back there and the handling is like a sports car. I have found that I can get 17.5 mpg combined driving,,,,20.5 highway if I stay at posted speed limits. When towing the boat it drops to 14.5 - 16 mpg. So far I am well pleased with everything about my Titan. Love the room.