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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  Great for the price - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - April 30 - 9:43 pm

  Beside the bolts on the tie rodes not tightened resulting in a trip back to the dealership and the light always going on for the low tire pressure, I really like this truck. The gas mileage is about 11.5 mpg which I dont think could get any worse. But it is a truck and it is very user-friendly and the ride is great.

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  Goku - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Nissan Man - April 30 - 2:33 pm

  Truck runs great has lots of power and also handles very well foe a truck

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  Absolute terrific, underrated truck! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Leo - April 28 - 10:16 am

  What attracted us to this car was that it is the only 1/2 ton pickup with a full size cab and long bed. This configuration is awesome! The cabin is very comfy, seats are soft, rear leg room is limo-like. Power of the big V8 is incredible, the car is quiet, decent sound system and has lots of fun toys like the bluetooth. It behaves very well for a truck, soft over the bumps, but feels very tough at the same time. Definitely underrated as far as the full truck segment goes and its a shame Nissan hasnt done a better job marketing the truck.

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  the best truck in my life - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By little nicky - April 27 - 3:13 pm

  This is one of the greatest trucks I have ever driven. The only setback was the brakes needed replacing because the morons who designed the truck put in frontier brakes designed for the smaller pick-up/SUV. However, now I have new special-designed brake rotors and feet for the TITAN and never had a problem since! I highly recommend this truck for both comfort and work. But be warned....the TITAN has such torque that it can rip your head off! The stock horsepower is almighty and has great potential! This is a must!

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  Most comfortable - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By chris - April 26 - 12:30 pm

  My husband and I owned a Frontier prior to the Titan and I am highly impressed with the comfort and performance of our Titan. It powers up hills.

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  Comfortalble and rugged - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Stephen Stallings - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Very rugged and spacios. Has comfortalble seating and the shocks are very durable for the easy feeling ride.

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  What a Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By geece - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. The engine and transmission are great. Most of the power is at the low end where you need it most (I use mine as a truck not as a hot rod). The cab is roomy, and the exterior is great. The utilitrac bed makes securing any load a breeze. I have overloaded this truck including 1200lb pallet in bed with 300lb toolbox plus other tools and the suspension did not bottom out, and the truck handled the load with no problems. If you are shopping for a full size truck you need to test drive this beast.

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  Nissan Titan Crew Cab - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By john - April 15 - 9:36 am

  Solid truck that is smooth, handles well, drives well. Power is outstanding. A real stud to tow with. 5 speed transmission a real plus for towing and all around driving. Pulls my enclosed race car trailer in od and cruise. Chevy and Ford wont do it. Comfortable seat(captains chair). Got a great price. Only negative is fuel mileage in the mid teens.

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  Drove the hell out of it with no problem - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By U. Schacht - April 12 - 1:56 am

  I work in the oil patch driving in the worst conditions. This truck has been on back roads, winter ice roads and where there are no roads and NEVER let me down. I now have 140,000km worry free. The only problem I noticed is that when it gets to minus 40 degrees for some reason it accepts fuel only at a very slow rate. Still no squeaks or rattles like the north American products, great re-sale. The lease is up next Oct. and I will be getting another one.

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  Fun to Own - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By George G. - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Do to the short time of owning this vehicle I can not give a long term review, but I can say that it has delivered everything the company advertises. I have yet to use it Off- Road but I expect it to handle just fine for a stock vehicle. The mileage could be better, but I still think it is a winner.