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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  Love my Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Buz - June 7 - 7:56 am

  I love my Titan. Plenty of power and a very smooth transmission. Great riding truck and I would purchase another. In fact I plan to buy another one soon. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Amazed! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By David B - May 31 - 11:50 pm

  I was looking for a car for my daughter and while I was there, test drove this truck on a whim. I was completely amazed at the ride comfort and features. I traded my Dodge Hemi- Ram Laredo that afternoon. Not a lot of difference in the power but the difference in the ride and handling is like night and day. Finally, a truly functional and capable truck that doesnt ride like a chuck-wagon or handle like a battleship.

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  titan 2005 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By crivera - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  my titan is very spacious and very comfortable,not only for myself but for my wife and kids.it drives very well with lots of power and stability.it could use some more cup holders and complementary seatbelts extenders since is very hard to buckle in my kids on their car seats.the dealer doesnt budge on that and they charge $44 a piece for the extenders.the power rear window is an excellent feature,my dog loves to check on the kids when we travel.the spring assisted tail gate is also a great feature,my 5year old son has no problems opening or closing it.over all and very satisfied,have not gone surf fishing yet??

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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Loup - May 21 - 4:10 pm

  After 30000 miles in a Frontier, having a bigger truck with way more HP is a great thing. This truck is comfortable, yet has a lot of muscle for hauling big loads. I wish Id bought it sooner.

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  Calif Desert Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SoCal Titen - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Own the truck for a couple of weeks. Fun truck to drive. Excellent power especially from stop lights. Interior comfort with cloth seats excellent. Sound system w/ Fosgate has me thumping down the road. Speed sensitive volume control has to get used to. Purchased Crew Cab SE 4x2 with Fosgate system. Noting but smiles and thumbs up from everybody

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  A Sport Truck w/o Compromising Utility - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By JLBAUCOM - May 13 - 5:26 am

  My Titan replaces an 05 F150 w/ 5.4L V8. Compared to the Ford, which was a very good truck, the Nissan has a much stronger performing drivetrain and returns fuel economy slightly better than the Ford 5.4 did. To me, the bucket seats up front are very comfortable, though some may find them too firm. The stereo and HVAC controls are laid out well and are easy to use and look very nice, even with the orange backlighting. In the back seat, I really like the wide opening rear doors when loading people or stuff when parked beside another car. The bag hooks under the back seat are also a nice touch. The stock 33" tires give the truck a very beefy look, unlike the competitions smallish tires.

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  Love this truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - May 10 - 8:56 am

  I absolutely love this truck!! It has been a hit with me since the day I drove it off the lot. Its powerful, its tough, its one heck of a great truck. The only problem I ever had was when the brake calipers had to be replaced, but believe that was a design issue that Nissan has started correcting in all Titans.

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  AMAZING TITAN - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tagman - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I am a new 1/2 ton truck driver, and I am so happy I bought the 2004 Titan. Every time I turn the ignition on, I am greeted with the manly roar of the exhaust. The power of this truck is amazing. I love the feel and the looks too. The other trucks in its class had not even come close. The Titan was the only truck I could feel good owning!

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  Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By KYACE - May 4 - 12:00 am

  Just an awesome truck, great power, great looks and towing. I had this thing in deep mud up to bottom of doors while hauling a bobcat, never even slowed down.

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  A real work horse - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Mike ward - April 20 - 3:56 pm

  This truck takes anything I this in it or at it and takes it like a champ! 10 years and 165000 miles and Ive only replaced the battery, the tires, the brakes, and the belt. It doesnt get great milage, but better than its true compition, the 3/4 ton series.