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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  Totally Unexpected - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By John Lechuga - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  As a previous Ford owner, I expected something to be of that caliber; sleek in design and intimidating. Instead I purchased a seldom heard of vehicle with tight easy handling, beautiful to look at, comfortable on long distance drives (1,000 miles or more twice), and built with Nissan reliability.

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  Nissan wont warranty Known Axle Issue. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By brad100 - April 1 - 8:22 am

  I took it in for brake service at about 56,000 miles and learned it had a leak in the rear axle seal on the passenger side. Nissan replaced the seal under warranty. I questioned if the axle was bad and was informed it was fine. 12,000 miles later it leaked again. This time I was informed of a Technical Bulletin stating the axle, bearing and seal should have been replaced as a unit. I complained all the way to Nissan Corporate and was informed they would not warranty it outside of the 60,000 mile warranty. Even though this was a pre existing problem and was not fixed right the first time. I will never buy another Nissan product because of this. They did not care!

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  Sold on this baby! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By NurseBuck - March 30 - 3:53 am

  I have always driven a new Chevy 1500 series 4x4 Z71 for the last 14 years. My mother is a GM retiree, so trading truck every year was a breeze...until the last 2 years. I decided to look at the Titan, since I had nothing to loose except money on another Chevy. I was very impressed with the look and feel of the Titan. It sounds very commanding and will throw you back in your seat when you give it the gas. Its one of the most comfortable cabins I have every ridden or driven in. The shorter front end makes cornering and tight curves very nice. If you drive this truck, you will want one for sure. Yes, the MPG is less but its a real truck..not a car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Roger - March 28 - 7:00 pm

  The Nissan Titan LE Crew Cab 4x4 rides high and smooth. The interior is well organized for a comfortable ride with plenty of luxury and room. The exterior is sharp. This is a solid full size truck with all extras standard including bed sprayed liner. There is plenty of horsepower. The only negative, there is just one, is that gas prices are $2.80/USgallon. The LE Crew 4x4 gets 10-14 mpg.

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  "Dont Believe The Hype" - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By will - March 26 - 3:00 am

  Just wanted anyone that wants to know that this is by far the worst vehicle that you could buy. This truck has been one problem after another. The first major problem (the shifter locking up so that it wont shift past neutral and or out of park into drive) showed up 16 hours after I picked it up from the dealership; and by the way 7 months later it is still not fixed. Their has been a problem at least once a month. And dont even think of Nissan being any help either to you or the dealership. Half the time I called them and left messages about my file with customer service, they would even call me back. Two days ago I contacted the Better Business Bureau. PLEASE SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE!

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  Best 1/2 ton available today - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JP - March 24 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had mine for about a year now and bought it after driving everything in its class. The power sold me...one test drive was all it took. Its been an excellent tow vehicle and has been trouble free.

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  A great truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Michael Akers - March 21 - 1:33 am

  I have owned my 2004 Titan for a year now and I still have the "new truck thrill". These trucks just plain get it on. I tow my 21 boat with ease, as well as go out for family rides on weekends. I have never regreted purching this truck. My truck is very popular with friends and co-workers and people still comment on my truck (good) even when other new trucks (domestic) appear in parking lot. The only "bug" is that the front brake rotors warped twice. I have full confidence that my dealer will permently fix the defect when the "vented" rotors arrive.I am pleased with the dealer I purchased at too. I did not get the pushed, or swindled in any way. Would buy same exact truck again!

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  Some Problems But Love My Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By 3riverssouth - March 20 - 10:30 am

  Bought my Titan back in July and have enjoyed it. 2 problems with the Titan so far. 1 - Leak from the A/C drain into the passengers side. Researching this has been a problem since 04 so should not have happened but did. 2 - Water leak from rear window. Took the dealer (Sheehy Nissan, MD) 3xs plus a call to Nissan USA to fix it. All in all no other problems and enjoy driving it. I have added a billet grille, chrome tube steps, tonneau cover and DVD system. Plan on keeping this truck for awhile.

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  Awesome Truck! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Vanessa - March 18 - 1:43 am

  This is the first full size truck I have owned. I set out to buy a Tacoma, but after driving the Titan, I could not turn back. I went from driving a 10 year old Honda Civic that I loved to the Titan. I have not been disappointed. Both of my brothers want one. I drove all of the full size trucks before making my decision on the Titan. The Tundra does seem to have more power, but not enough to make a difference. This truck just stood out from the rest. I drove it 7 times before the purchase. Just had to be sure with the gas mileage.

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  Lots of Truck & lots of stops for gas - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff C - March 11 - 1:33 am

  In a single word..Phenomenal. after months of researching, and test driving. My choice was the f-150 or the titan. I made the right choice. The only draw back so far has been the frequent trips to the gas station. Yes, I know it is a big V-8, however it has yet to live up to the 18 miles hwy the sticker states.