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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  good truck but has its problems - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Good Truck - December 6 - 7:46 am

  I have 33,000 mi. on the truck.The radiator was replaced, the transfer case was replaced and now i have to have the exhaust replaced.There is a service bulletin for the squeeky passenger seat which will be covered under warranty.I also had the 4wd symbol on the dash dissappear and had no 4wd.I had to pull over and shut the truck off and the problem cleared.Overall with all the aggravation this rig has given me i still like it. I think they all have there problems.From my opinion i think the truck is a good value.Just hope that you get a good 1.

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  Nice Truck But A Thirsty Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Derf - November 27 - 3:56 am

  Overall this is a very nice truck for a half ton, but at 11-12 mpg its one of the thirstiest trucks I have ever owned. My previous trucks were configured the same with big V8s & tow & off road packages and had better mpg performance. Helping a friend out with a trailer over 5,000 lbs can be a hassle also since the Titan needs a weight distributing hitch over 5K to achieve its 9,400 lbs rating. My tranny also hunts for gear between 4th & OD between 35 to 40 mph.

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  Very satisfied - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By F. Getter - November 12 - 3:20 pm

  Fun to drive, plenty of power, ease of handling, good visibility, and fair gas mileage.

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  who cares what I say - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By joe - September 26 - 6:03 am

  I love my truck. it has lots of power,easy 4x4 control, the only thing nissan should do is install heavy duty brakes, my rotors were warped after the first month. The toyota tundra is a nice truck too but you feel like your in a Camry when your driving it. the Nissan feels like a truck. My regret was I didnt spend the extra money on the LE

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  My big gas hog! But I love it! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Devin - September 25 - 4:13 am

  I bought my Titan as a close out from 05. I drove it for 18k when the brakes went bad (total replacement, rotors, calipers, pads, etc.), a silent recall. I pull a 23 cargo trailer daily - seems to do its job well. I ran for a year without trailer lights because no one could figure out what was wrong, finally it was a crimp in the rear door wiring harness (a recall that WASNT posted). Tires were replaced at 28. Gas mileage is poor, unloaded at best 12-14. I love this pickup over all, I find it to have a great stance, powerful engine and really does a great job pulling the trailer and 30 pontoon. Just wished it had better brakes and a few other thing

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  Hals King Cab XE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Huckaby - September 17 - 8:16 am

  The cab is spaceous and comfortable. Great power. A former Dodge owner, this is much more vehicle for the money. The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its a V8. Had to get use to rolling the windows down and making sure I locked the doors when exiting. Also had to get used to adjusting the side view mirrors from the outside, no power. Yet, a great vehicle for the money. Fog lamps are not an option. A feature almost a necessity here in Georgia.

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  Great Truck! - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By glueking - September 11 - 4:32 am

  This truck just turned 100,000 miles. It remains tight & holds the road as well as the day I drove it off the lot. Its never been in the shop for any repairs - only routine maintenance. Quiet, smooth, and outstanding reliability & performance of any truck Ive owned (2009 GMC Sierra, 2002 Chevy Silverado). If youre in the market for a pre-owned truck, consider the 2010 Titan.

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  Pretty good truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By nlambert182 - September 2 - 10:02 am

  Bought my truck with 130k miles on it. Truck is extremely powerful and fun to drive. It even sounds great with the stock exhaust. I like the interior layout. The only complaints are that the interior feels kind of cheap, the front struts are blown, and the rear axle seals leak. The axle seals and the struts are known issues with the Titan and Nissan refuses to acknowledge them as issues even with the thousands of complaints. Luckily my friend is a mechanic and is going to fix the issues cheaply. The struts are $70 each and the seals are only $10. Aside from those two issues its excellent as a truck. We love it.

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  I love this truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Randy - August 5 - 12:46 pm

  Almost 20,000 miles now. I leased this truck last May kind of as a birthday present to myself and have loved it ever since! It is my first truck, but I have driven many as I grew up on a farm. I love that it does have a more city look to it since I feel more like a city kid than a farm kid. My country inlaws joke about it coming from a cracker jack box, but quickly quiet down when they hear my engine roar as they eat my dust. My inlaws all have trucks, diesel dodges, v8 dodges, diesel fords, and my dad has a chevy duramax. My titan by far outperforms when it comes to sheer speed and handling. It also tows like a banshee for a v8. Hey dodge driver, do my taillights work? I LOVE THIS TRUCK!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Pari - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Previous owner of a 2000 Chevy Silverado LT. Two weeks ago, we purchased a Titan LE with Big Tow and Off-Road Package w/ Leather about two weeks ago from a local dealership for $34,000 even. IMHO, this truck rides much better.