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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  Just like Edmunds said! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Del - November 18 - 8:06 am

  I bought a Titan last weekend and Im very happy. Ive only encounter one minor design flaw which has to do with the shape of the window that allows rain or dew to drip into the cabin even if the window is barely cracked open. This problem with time will damage the door switches and/or the door itself. Easy to fix however by installing wind/rain deflectors. Bought the truck based solely on Edmunds reviews...didnt even take it for a test drive.Great job doing evaluations that help us, the consumers.

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  Nissan hits the mark the first time out! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By pistonpete - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is living up to the hype. After clocking over 300 miles in the first week the impression of quality craftsmanship is what I take from the Titan experience. Power is strong anywhere in the RPM range and the transmission is so smooth, the only way you can tell it is shifting is by the louder growl from the engine. Gas mileage through the first 300 miles was 13.32 mpg but I expect that to improve once the vehicle is broken in. Best advice I can give is that if you are in the market for a new truck, try them all out and choose what you like best which in many cases, if given the chance, will be the Titan.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By chiano - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This truck is awesome better that the F150 and it has lots of power. Nissan did a awesome job. I got a SE with the tow package, DVD, and the soundsystem from Rockford Fosgate. The mirrors look great on the truck and sound from the system is great and they are a must have.

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  Just a Big 10 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MPDawg - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Handling and Performance, lots of comfort and the safety features are great, from the down hill decent that allows the engine to do the breaking, the vehicly dynamic control is great in all weather, and with it off the truck has better performance. Smooth transmission, ride and excellent sound system. Convient rear seats that do it all, passenger seat that folds flat, and the style everyone likes. I think Nissan took the best of all trucks on the market, gave excellent quality, and gave it a great price. avg mpg town and hwy 17.6 mpg. 4wd is very smooth to shift in and out. A perfect 10, and priced right!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jason - November 7 - 10:53 pm

  I love this truck, lots of power, great interior room, awesome stereo. I knew this was the truck for me. Only problem is at 4800 miles the front brake rotors are going bad. The service dept says they will fix it and order me new ones, but other reviews say the replacements go out quickly too. We will see.

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  If only it had better mileage - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By daviedmx - November 6 - 7:53 pm

  I have been thoroughly pleased with my purchase of this truck save for the dismal gas mileage. Ive taken 3 trips since my purchase back in May and the best that Ive been able to get on the highway is 14-15mpg. With gas prices steadily creeping towards the $3 mark, I may have to start considering an alternative.

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  Lives up to everything you hear - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnthomasc3 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I paid $33,500 for this vehicle that included the off road and big tow package. I also have the floormats and the splashguards. Included in this price was the extended warranty (about $1,000). I also got the $1,000 rebate. The Titan is a big truck. It is so tall that I am going to have to come up with some clever way to wash it. I fell in love with this truck because of the billet grill that was on it as an extra. (they wanted an additional $500 for this, but I didnt even figure this in when I came up with my price).

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Ken Boutin - November 4 - 1:10 pm

  This truck is awsome! I drove everything else with a king cab and 4WD and the Titan was my choice. Great looks inside and out, superb brake modulation, quite at speed (not wind, just exhaust),slamming audio system, plenty of interior room and the best transmission I have ever encountered. The only negative is a 5K miles the front rotors are starting to become untrue. Will be taking it into dealer soon for resolution.

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  poor quality - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By rubrman - November 4 - 5:51 am

  After many trips to the dealer for a/c defrost repairs still not fixed. Sun roof works on and off would not recommend buy this truck way to many problems.To many to list

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  Titan monster - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By burdman - November 4 - 2:16 am

  All said, its the best full size truck buy out there. Plenty of power, good handling when towing. Do your homework though there are a couple of others that give it a run when shopping. I recommend the spray in bedliner instead of the plastic liner.