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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  06 titan le crew cab - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kevin - January 15 - 10:06 am

  I have owned this truck for a year now and still can not find anything I do not like about the truck with the exception of the cost of filling up. I live in the Denver area and the winter of 06-07 has been one of the most snowy winters in many years. I really like backing into my driveway which has some angle to it with the titan in 4X4 I just simply have no problem getting this beast into the garage safe and sound.

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  Great Truck. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brian Gay - January 11 - 11:30 pm

  I bought this used in November 14 for a decent deal. It only had 84K on it. It now has 88k and I feel confident all of the "First Gen" issues have been worked out (headers, rear axle vent fix, recalls, ect) Given the age I will need to change out some front bushing and shocks but other than that, it has been GREAT to have in the snowiest winter Ive ever seen here in N.E. Wash it on dry days will keep it most of the rust at bay. Gas mileage is as expected for a 4x4, 12 city, 14-16 HWY.

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  18 mpg highway, not in my truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By mike - January 10 - 7:56 am

  I wish nissan would have been up front about mpg, this truck is killing me in fuel. However this truck has more power then i will ever need. its been to the shop for few defects already, something I did not expect from a nissan product. I am also on my third set of tires after only 32,000 miles. I am thinking about trading it in for a toyota.

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  Great Fill Size Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By John B. - January 9 - 3:16 am

  Truck is a blast to drive. Very fast, very smooth. I has planned to buy a Ford F-150, but the Titan was just better in so many ways, except price but thats just your basic "get what you pay for". Gets compliments all the time from people in parking lots as I am getting in or out.

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  New Titan Owner - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kingkooldaddy - January 7 - 11:46 am

  I love the power and handling of my 2006 Titan. I have never had a stock truck with so much horsepower. It has many excellent features and room for all three of my kids to stretch out in the back seat. Pay close attention, though, I have only 1600 miles on it and the rear end is being replaced this week. I have read many posts of owners with similar problems.

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  Real world report - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titanster - January 4 - 6:23 pm

  Having owned this truck for about a year I can say it is overall great. My real world gas mileage is 16.9mpg. and that is no typo. I drive the speed limit and dont stick my foot in it - love that exhaust note. A pickup truck is built primarily as a cargo hauler and I couldnt be happier with this function. Interior comfort is also first class - better seats than my wifes Lexus.

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  LOVIN EVERY MINUTE OF IT - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ROMO - January 3 - 10:00 am

  BEEN SHOPPING FOR A BETTER PART OF 2 TO 3 YEARS ON AND OFF. TEST DROVE ALL THE FULL SIZE TRUCKS ON THE MARKET. GREW UP ON FORD AND ALMOST BOUGHT THE NEW F150 BUT BACKED OUT. AFTER TEST DRIVING THE TITAN 3 TIMES I WAS CONVINCED THAT NISSAN PULLED IT OFF. I GOT THE LE KING CAB AND AM LOVING IT. PLAN ON HAVING TRUCK FOR 10 YEARS AND IM SURE IT WILL EASILY LAST WELL BEYOND THAT. 2 WORDS FOR EVERYONE "THINK TITAN." NOW GO FORTH AND BUY ONE.

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mad rooster - January 3 - 10:00 am

  one outstanding truck. this truck will turn heads.very fun to drive.

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  Titan leave HEMI in the dust!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 1BadTitan - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a truck. Excellent handling, everything so far is just perfect. This is my first truck and it drives just like my other two Maxima. Well, a little more weight but overall, it feels exceptionally well. And lots of head turning when I drive down the road. Best bang for the buck as far as power, comfort. So much power under the hood. I tow a boat and hardy feel it behind the truck. Even pass a HEMI with the boat behind me!!!. The view is just incredible. It is very high up so you have a full commanding view of the road. And the interior is just HUGE. My 2 kids felt like they are in our living room. Now, You need to go and get one :)

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  what a truck!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By johnray - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best truck Ive ever driven. I have owned GMCs and drive a Ford at work. This truck is more comfortable than either the Ford or GMC. The Titan has lots of power which can be felt by the slightest touch of the accelerator. I have the captains seats up front and love the huge center console storage. Gas mileage isnt great, but is about what I was expecting. This is the 1st Nissan product that I have bought, but will definitely not be the last.