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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  Lemon mobile - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Y. - April 14 - 10:46 am

  I was initially excited about purchasing a 2006 Titan; however, on my way home from the dealership the vehicle started to experience brake problems and a vibrating steering wheel. This vehicle has already been in the shop three times, all four rotors and pads have been replaced--to no avail. Nissan has been uncooperative and the dealership is incompetent. On paper, the specs look great, but Im seriously concerned about the safety and reliability of this truck. Ive also started experiencing engine hesitation and rattling from underneath the bed. This is my second and last Nissan. I performed some research on the internet and these problems appear somewhat common.

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  Great truck in comparison! - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Ian - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a USED crew cab truck when I stumbled on this NEW Titan. I got an awesome price on it because it was a left over 2010, in fact that price was so good I only paid about $2k more for it then I would have for any of the used trucks I had seen. I previously had a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 Reg Cab and the Titan has easily beaten that so far. The Chevy didnt have any real mechanical issues but several annoying things like paint pealing and the decals coming off that just annoyed me on a new truck. Also the interior design of the Chevy was not near as user friendly and compared to even the base model Titan the Chevy was stripped!

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  Awesome truck sorry hemi!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By JOHN TRIMBLE - April 7 - 5:26 am

  This truck is awesome. Blows the doors off of hemis and everything else. I get 18.5 Mpg. Six can fit easily. Can tow anything you can hook to it. Brakes are a weak point

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  2008 Nissan Titan le 4x4 perfect truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By CHUCK - April 5 - 4:06 am

  I purchased my 2008 le nisstan Titan 4x4 and never had any problems. I drove all the other makes, Ford King ranch f-150 was the 2 nd to last before the Titan. The Ford dealer said he would knock $10,000.00 off the sticker price for me. A deal was almost struck, but first had to drive the Titan. The dealer had what I was looking for, and once I drove it, there was nothing to compare with the others. They took off $13,000,00 of the sticker price. Wow! I drove it home. This is the only truck next to perfect. You wont go wrong with a Titan le.

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  Time Tested Review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JC - April 3 - 6:50 am

  Satisfied owner after 3 1/2 yrs / 50k mi. 2 recalls (FT rotors & R doors). Normal driving 15/16 City – 17/18 hwy. Solid engine and drivetrain gives you a feel of confidence in this vehicle. Excellent interior room, handling, acceleration, ride comfort, and large windows that will spoil you from enjoying other vehicles of this class and price range. Paint, trim, and OE 18” alloyed wheels have proven the test of time without defect. Highly recommend potential ½ ton P/U buyers test drive before buying from the competition.

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  Great truck for the price. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Rick A M - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Looks good but performs better. It drives and rides better than my wifes car. It has an excellent turning radius and has a great deal of room in the interior. The only drawback is the gas mileage but I expected that when I bought it.

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  The Titan Of All Pick Ups - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By newtontwo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Best truck Ive ever had. And I have Had many.

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  well worth the wait - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hotwheeljim - April 3 - 2:00 am

  had a dodge bad rear end had a ford 9 sets of breaks in the first year drive a new chevy at work 11000 mile had front end replaced doors falling apart tranz. shifts bad. got the titan 1/31/04 did alot of reserch on truck could not find anything that I dint like. well worth the wait. great power smooth ride plenty of room. It also runs good with a HD road king in the bed. getting ready to test it out towing a 28ft traler wit fore cycles.

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  my titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BUFFALOW - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Titan,when buying my new truck i was at first interested in the f-series but to no avail I bought the Titan instead. the tian is much more bang for the buck

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  good truck. - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By maggo24us - March 23 - 3:53 pm

  Had this truck for almost two years now. I have no complaints. Though a little slow from a stop, it moves like hell once the rpm gets up a little. I added a cold air intake and replaced the muffler with a high flow. I have yet to see the poor fuel mileage that i was warned about from so many people. I get 19.3 on the hwy, 15.5 in town. Thats not treating it nice, either. Great towing, fun, very reliable.