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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  ex-Ford Owner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Stacks - December 28 - 12:23 am

  I have been a Ford truck driver for 30 years. When it came time to replace my F-150 xlt I did my homework and read-up and researched every truck that was in my buying zone. Nothing could beat the TITAN 4X4 for the money, I am one totally satisfied buyer.

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  Love my Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jack - December 27 - 10:03 pm

  I traded in my 03 Frontier Crew Cab for my new Titan Crew Cab. What a difference. I have been a Ford fan for years but Nissans products are hard to beat, especially on quality and price. We have taken 2 road trips and found it to be most comfortable. Passing is not problem. The folding rear seats make for perfect storage while carrying things that dont need to be exposed to the weather I have received numerous compliments on my Titans appearance. Especially the Deep Water blue paint. Im routinely getting 16 mpg in town and 19 on the highway without a headwind. Outstanding Truck!!

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  Titan Rocks! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gatorce - December 27 - 9:53 am

  I’ve owned 4x4’s for 25 years, both as daily transportation and for getting to the “backwoods.” The Titan gets the job done! I’ve owned GM, Ford 4x4, Dodge, Jeep, and Nissan vehicles, and none of those compared with the Titan for quality of build and performance.

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  Repeat Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Z33Fan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  As one of the first owners of the 350z coupe in 2002, I had a unique opportunity to evaluate the "new" Nissan, and wasnt disappointed. When my job required a pickup truck, going back to the dealer to look at a Titan was a sure bet. As a direct result of the excellent performance, reliability, and dealer service on my 350z, I had no problem taking home a Titan, especially after a test drive. Interiors have improved dramatically from 5-10 years ago, and the mechanicals are still world-class. At the price point, this truck was by far the best in class. Very solid and sturdy feeling. I went back to Nissan, and will go back again to buy my next vehicle, no question.

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  Best Truck On The Road - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mark McKune - December 22 - 3:33 am

  I have owned my Titan since November, the Titan is a 10. The interior is very functional and spacious, it is almost impossible to use all the interior space. With 5 adults there was additional leg room for both the front and rear seat passengers. Even with the offroad package the truck rides smooth. The Driver Memory system with the power adjustable pedals makes it easy for my wife to drive. The dash is easy to read and driver friendly. Powerful truck and everyone I have let drive it says they must have one. Nissan has really done it this time.

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  Best Truck ON The Market - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By shoppy - December 18 - 12:10 am

  I have sold nissans for five years. It took me awhile to come to grips on getting a payment, but I did it. This truck is worth every penny and more. Nissan has quality and horse power over the competition period... If you want gas mileage buy a sentra or civic. If you want a truck buy Nissan. I leased mine thru my company D&M Leasing and have a great payment and the perfect truck. Would recommend D&M and NIssan to anyone.

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  04 LE KC 4x4 Big Tow - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mcscjt - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Awesome truck...Killer engine...in your face styling...great Utilitrack system...comfortable seats with power memory and power pedals...a blast to drive and you will stand out from the crowd!

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  My Titan has Frontier Brakes - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom - December 11 - 2:56 pm

  My brakes are terrible. The dealer and Nissan have been trying to fix it since 3900 miles. Now, 4 months later and 5000 more miles, it is still not repaired. Nissan Consumer Affairs doesnt care about anyone. It took them 2.5 weeks just to call back and aclnowledge my problem and then they said that they cannot get any parts? They said that I will just have to wait! Not me, I am gonna dump this for something that can be repaired! I have also had tire troubles, squeaks and a new ceiling console. NISSAN better rethink this one! Best of luck to any other owners of the TITAN!

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  182,000 miles and still rolling :-) - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Chris Long - December 1 - 3:41 pm

  People always seem to ask "How long will my truck last?". And I see people put things on here like Im at 40K and 60K with no issues.. and thats cute but.. :-) I am really impressed with how my 2007 has held up. It could die tomorrow and I would be happy with its performance and durability. Nothing but regular maintenance for me i.e. Oil Changes, Brakes, changing the fluids.. seriously thats all.. I am thinking about getting a new pioneer radio for the dash to update the electronics since its 2016 and all, but wont be replacing my Rockford Fosgate speakers.. that truck has amazing sound, especially with the sub-woofer under my drivers seat.. Seriously, great truck. Just wanted to let some of you guys know as I remember wondering that myself when I brought her home. Good luck to you all in your vehicle endeavors. [contact information removed]

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  Goodbye Ford - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Derek - November 26 - 5:50 am

  Having owned an F-150 for the past 11 years I decided to try the Nissan and after one test drive decided it was time to switch. The roominess, power, roar of the engine,(if you want totally quiet, buy a luxury car), its great to put the foot down and hear that roar but then quiet when normal driving, no wind noise. Getting 15 MPG driving around Houston. Get the optional Bed Package that has the compartment on the left rear side of the bed and back-up sensors.