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 - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By NateM - October 20 - 9:16 am

  I recently traded in my 1997 F-150 and purchased a 2006 Titan SE Crew Cab. It is the best truck I have ever owned. The power is superb, and it handles better than I expected. The only area I would improve would be the mpg, I am getting about 16 mpg. In my opinion this vehicle really stands above the rest!

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  Not A Fod Truck Man....Anymore - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By G. Owens - October 11 - 5:16 pm

  After owning several Ford Trucks and getting great service out of all of them(100 to 200K) I made the mistake of driving the Titan. I will prewarn you. Dont do this unless you are ready to buy. This truck is awesome. Like others the power and handling is great. Love the Stereo (even if it really is a Panasonic and Fosgate by name only.) The bed liner and utilitrack system are nice add ons as well as the small but functional side storage compartment. This baby is a pure joy to drive. It even lets me meet new people at all the gas stations I get to stop at. Yes the milage is not great, but I knew that going in so no big deal!!! I highly recommend this truck

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  Bang for the bucks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TC91801 - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Good price for a full size. Gas mileage is comparable to a mid-size truck with smaller V6 engine.

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  I love this truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TSTORY - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the truck for a week, now, but I absolutely love it. Tons of power. Very quick and responsive for a big truck. Nice sounding exhaust. Very comfortable inside. Well worth the extra cash to get the Crew Cab, its got a ton of room in the back seat. Tons of storage space in the cab. The gas mileage is about what youd expect from a powerful V8. It would be nice to be able to custom order what you want on the truck instead of having to search or even settle like I did. I wanted the Fosgate package, but it was hard to find in the SE model. Im adding a hitch after market also for about $130. Saves $700. I dont really need the rest of the tow package. But I dont tow a lot

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  nissan titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By j lund - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This truck has more room in the back seat than our chevy avalanche. The ride comfort is not quite as smooth.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Ken - September 23 - 2:46 pm

  Have owned Chevy Z-71s in the past, a 1993 and a 1998. This Nissan is close to the 1993. Lots of power, great steering feel, lots of interior space, great factory stereo (Rockford). This truck is a blast to drive, so much power!

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  Titan for the long haul - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Paul Zopfi - September 21 - 2:56 am

  This is my first second full size truck, my first a GMC Sierra. This vehicle is in its own world. Fantastic to drive, reliable so far, ride and comfort are incredible for a truck. Ive used both four wheel drive and without in snow storms just to see how well the vdc and traction control work with no complaints. Great vehicle that I have shown to many friends and coworkers. Three have bought their own.

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  Thinking about a Titan ? - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By S.J. - September 8 - 11:56 pm

  My Titan is an 04 purchased 3/05 . I have about 1500 miles on this truck and have a few comments a buyer might be interested in. Performance is great . This truck gets it. Very quick and handles well. My first impression of the steering is that it takes more power to turn the steering wheel than my former ford or chevy truck. Brakes dirty up the front wheels with black dust.I have a rattle in the dash. Gas milage is about where I expected it. About 12 in town and about 15 or 16 on the hwy. The exaust noise is barly perceptable on the hwy .The radio quality of sound poor on FM but the sound quality of the cd player is great. Radio light reflect on rear glass through the rear view mirror.

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  Drive it and youll buy it - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RBs Titan - September 7 - 11:16 pm

  Love this truck. I was previous Toyota Tundra owner and Ford F150 before that so trucks are my choice vehicle. Have had no problems that stranded me in this truck and the dealer has made all warranty repairs in timely fashion. Being a first year and first release I can say that Nissan put in their time. Currently I have 28K and a few mods that have proven to out perform other makes and still maintain drivability.

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  OldFordGuy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By OldFordGuy - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I Have only had my Crew Cab 4x4 Titan for a few days and love it. Have been a Ford guy my whole life. This changes everything. Very powerful. Sharp style. Fit and finish is above all others. An interior that looks like someone was actually thinking when they designed it. Thus far I am overjoyed. And I payed 2500 under list. That seems to be the best deal ive seen yet on one of them. I also have the DVD and Rockford Fosgate package. I enjoy them but find them to be quite over priced. Other than that, great truck.