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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  Still New - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TITAN 1 - January 2 - 4:36 am

  Purchased the Titan LE with Big Tow , Side air bags, Running Boards, Floor Mats, Splash Guards, Have 1100 miles and checked gas mileage 17 MPG City/Hiway driving, seems to be a strong truck, smooth ride, drives good, HOT RODDER BEWARE, the brake pads/rotors will be the first to go along with lousy MPG I own a 04 Toyota Sienna have got 29.3 MPG avg.during the 11,000 city/highway driving and expect to get 20+MPG on expressway trips @65 MPH.

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  80,000 And Still Love This Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Scott - December 30 - 5:33 pm

  Purchased the truck in 04 new and have had NO problem except the initial brake issue that Nissan took care of until a recently having problem with A/C control knob. A very minor first problem after 4 years and 80,000 miles. I cant imagine why Nissan is talking with Dodge to design the next generation Titan!! Except for MPG I would love to keep the truck for many years to come!

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  Great All Around Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Eric - December 29 - 7:46 pm

  Narrowed down search to Titan vs Tundra. The Nissan dealer had an 05 Tundra on the lot (trade in for Titan), so I was able to compare side-by-side. Clear winner was Titan. With a seemingly endless supply of power/torque and cavernous interior, plus a silky smooth transmission and nice ride - this truck meets all my needs plus more. The LE with big tow package = truck that feels at home whether going out on date night or sloshing in the dirt and mud. Believe it or not, I went from my BMW roadster to this truck without losing the "fun factor" either. Ive been camping with my family of 5 and the next week hauling 1/2 ton of dirt and this Titan doesnt skip a beat.

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  Pretty Good Truck with, a Few Flaws - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 25 - 11:33 am

  Overall this is a very good truck, there are so many great things to say about the truck with only a few bad things to say. There are too many good things to talk about so ill just list of the bad. First and foremost, gas mileage could be better. People make excuses cuz its a big powerful truck, yadi yadi ya! Well the other manufactures have been able to produce powerful great running trucks with decent mpg. Why not nissan? Interior scratches easy for those with kids. Looks worn quickly. Seat material to include floor mats, and interior plastic could all be made more durable. A few fit and finish issues could be better and paint job is ok, but others are better.

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  my review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By chris - December 21 - 12:53 am

  ive had my titan for two years and have over 40,000 miles on it with only minor problems with the brakes. ive towed my boat and hauled furniture and all sorts of scrape and garbage. its the best truck ive owned.

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  Great upgrade - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Marv - December 15 - 5:53 am

  I recently traded up from an explorer and absolutely love this truck. More than enough power, though im intrigued by the potential intake/exhaust upgrades. Sound is deep, but not annoying. Leather captains chairs make driving something to look forward to. Cannot complain about GAS Milage...its a full size 305HP truck...what do you expect. If you want fuel efficiency, go buy a Civic. Rockford Fosgate stereo rocks!! Even has a plug for my Dell DJ. Back seat is extra roomy. Bed rail system has already been handy. I really cannot say enough about this truck. After a month of ownership, I still love it like the first time I drove it off the lot.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By sailorted - December 14 - 3:40 pm

  Has been a great truck. 42,000 miles in 20 months. Very Comfortable. I tow a camp trailer all summer. Will replace this with another Titan.

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  2005 Nissan Titan 4dr Crew LE 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By titannorcross - December 14 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased the vehicle in April 05. I compared to Toyota, Ford, Chevy/GMC, Dodge and the overall value was favorable for the Nissan Titan. I was instantly pleased with the new look available options. I purchased the 4dr crew cab LE 4x4 with almost every available option (no sunroof). Price was negotiated to a good deal. It is now Dec 05, no problems with the truck. I have had it to the dealership for two oil changes, rotate and balance and some other 7,500 mile service/inspections. I did take the truck in for the brake upgrade, original rotors warped at about 5,000 miles, since the update the truck will stop on a dime, everytime. For fun, I have driven off road, 4x4 works well.

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mlc - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st pickup I have ever bought but I cant imagine what any other is like this truck is big fast and most important fun. Just buy it and see the looks you get when your driving but dont get the xe they let me use one until my se came in and its just as fast but the interior is plain. This thing handles curves great. just a great truck

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  The Titan of Trucks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sidi - December 14 - 2:00 am

  You must drive this truck for a little bit just to see how great it is.