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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  Do not buy a Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By MADDNISSANOWNER - November 1 - 4:26 pm

  Brake problems, brake problems, brake problems. And that is how many times you have to take it back to the dealer to have them replaced. Many other quality issues. I have owned this truck for 105 days and it has been at a dealer for repair 20 of those days. Stick with domestic trucks. Nissan doesnt have it right and they do not care.

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  Depends. - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By sucks - October 14 - 4:20 pm

  Got this car brand new from a dealer in 2006 here is a list of all problems i had exhaust leak at 32 km axle seal leak at 55 km breaks wore out every 12 to 15 km emergency breaks still doesnt works (dealer said its normal) very weak to haul heavy loads! what i do like about it that it is comfortable inside for a longer trips. Interior design is very simple and easy. average on mixed driving maybe 13.5 mpg.

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  Maybe it wont happen to you? - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By raj - August 25 - 11:56 am

  My truck had been into the dealership 6 times and out of service almost 60 days before Nissan purchased it back-- it was all for little things (stereo, tire pressure monitoring system, auto up/down window controlls). Overall I think the vehicle is well designed but build quality falls off when you get into the more fancy setups (mine had navigation, dvd, sunroof, everything). You can beat the price in the base models but Nissan just doesnt know how to build a truck yet. Id take another look in a few years but for now Toyota or Ford dominate.

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  The wost truck suspension ever experienced! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By littletitan - July 29 - 10:50 pm

  Bought the truck brand new in 2005. Start having big problem three years later. Bearings on both rear-wheels are broken which lead to oil leak and cost too expensive to repair ($450 for each side). A year after replaced both rear wheels bearings, the rear wheel spring attachment to the body was broken due to rust and poor welding. Twelve months later, the bearing at the T bar nearby the trans. was broken and caused the oil leak, cost too $450 to repair. Then later, 2 backup sensors were out and were replaced. This truck was a biggest disappointment to me. I finally gave up on this truck and sold it in 2012. Nissan knew a bout this problem on all Nissan trucks but careless to recall.

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  Great if you get a great price on it. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Thatguy1 - July 21 - 12:34 pm

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  Worst money I ever spent - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By pwomack10 - July 20 - 6:20 pm

  I have a 2007 Titan LE. Good looking truck and that is about all the good I have to say about it. 13 MPG, uncomfortable, and a vibration I cannot get rid of. I even traded the Goodyear SR-A tires with less then 1000 miles to Michelins in hope that would fix the problem. Another $990.00 spent on a vehicle that I wish I had never purchased. I have driven trucks all of my life, this is the eigth pick-up I have owned, the only new one and by far the most disappointing.

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  What a PAIN - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tizan - January 11 - 9:00 pm

  Bought it new, after 3k miles brakes went out, dealer replaced 3 times. Diff seal leaked, rattles all over, key gets stuck in ignition, front window regulator went out, drive shaft rusted, oil pressure sensor went out, makes me wonder what happend to Nissan. I am so disappointed that I want to call get rid of this truck. I have a 90 300zx thats been more fun, and reliable then this truck, I will never buy another Nissan.

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  Death Wobble - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By voldog - January 11 - 2:36 pm

  It has a shake, wobble that is at times down right scary. Its always there but sometimes its light and sometimes it will shake the steering wheel out of your hands. I will never own another. Also, the front end shakes and shimmies when I hit a hole, like it was worn out and I have 16,000 miles on it. Im scared to take it on a trip. Ive owned Dodge, Ford, Chevy trucks and I would take any of them over this Titan.

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  30,000 MILE REVIEW - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ClassAction - December 18 - 4:10 pm

  I paid $35,000 and i have 29,690 miles. I have owned it for 10 months. I dont have enough space to list all the problems so here is the most annoying. The transmition doesnt shift properly. Knocking noise from engine area at idle.While braking, the steering wheel shakes and brake pedal pulsates Replaced front brakes @ 19,000 miles and again at 26,000. 4 lo light remains on after vehicle is switched to 2 wheel drive.Low tire pressure sensor always on.The drivers window fails to come up intermittently when fully opened.Body squeaks and rattles.Rockford Fosgate radio volume goes up/down and radio doesn’t receive FM well.Tailgate does not latch on right side.A/C making loud hissing noise.....

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  The Big let down - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By big mike - August 10 - 6:16 am

  I have owned my Titan for 16 months and ive had to have the rear axle replaced twice. I was told it was a bad design by Nissan. Ive also had brake issues with the rotors warping and premature wear. The gas mileage is terrible. The salesman told me it will average 15 to 18 and I have calculated 9 to 12. Although I will say this truck has enough power to race in nascar, it just doesnt quiet measure up as a work truck. When I went to traded it in the value dropped $12,000. Needless to say im still driving it. My next truck will be a Chevy!