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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  First weeks with truck. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Nick Bakker - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the truck except the controls for the drivers seat. Everytime I enter the truck my leg hits the seat controls and adjusts it slightly.A think the controls could be a little lower to prevent that.

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  Awesome Truck, squeaks uner 10mph - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Zack - December 13 - 5:46 am

  I live in Anchorage Alaska, so I wanted a nice 4wd vehicle that I could pull my toys with and take people along as well. The Titan has been everything I could have ever wanted it to but, until recently, I dont know if its the harsh temperature or just a flaw from Nissan, but Ive taken it back to the dealership 2x and still the axle squeaks every time I brake or just drive under 10mph. Other than that its awesome!!

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Dwayne - December 13 - 12:30 am

  This truck is by far the best I have owned, I researched and test drove Chevy, Ford and Toyota prior to this purchase and for base items I got more for the money 5.6 V8, 18In rims, 33" tires etc. In all other trucks these were options that cost way more. Everyday I drive the truck I love it more. I just placed a true Dual Exhaust Flowmaster on it and it sounds and runs great.

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  very happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - December 12 - 4:50 am

  Was looking at the Toyota Tundra when I thought I would look at the Titan. Was extremely imperssed with the overall feel and size compared to the Tundra. Not that Toyota did not make a good truck, the Titian blew it away. Bigger, Nicer styling and impressive response was the key. Looks impressive and rides great. Was a Ford man, but not anymore.. good job Nissan

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  One Happy Titan Owner - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Donnie - December 8 - 11:00 pm

  Not being a " jump into a purchase " type of person, I bought the Titan. I smile every time i drive it. Sure the mileage could be better, but the experience of driving it makes up for it. Not your average truck, ask anyone that has driven one .Satisfied !

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  Great Buy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By CSoRelle - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove all the different full size trucks and this truck stood out as the most powerfull biggest in its class. It was also one of the cheaper ones in its class. I am very satisfied and will recommend this truck. This is my first Nissan and it probably will not be my last.

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  Best Ive ever had - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Res - December 1 - 6:36 am

  I have owned many trucks and have finally found a keeper. When I first got behind the wheel to drive it my first thought was this truck has an engine. Full of power and can pull anything. The interior is put together very nice but it is kind of bland. I am looking at an aftermarket dash dress up kit to spice up the interior. I love the exterior lines of the truck. It stands tall with all the other trucks out there and has a nice throaty sound emitting from the exhaust. The factory tie downs in the bed are pure genius and the most handy thing on the truck when you need it. The only downfall is the fuel mileage, but its a truck and youre not going to get good gas mileage with any truck.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever Owned!!! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Frosty Power - November 25 - 4:56 pm

  Just like the title says. This truck is fast, can tow, haul, and take me anywhere I want to go. Looks are great and I definitely will put a smile on your face every time you drive it. I cannot say that for many vehicles Ive owned in the past. Ive had F150s in the past(never again) and this thing beats it in all categories hand down. Drive one and you will know what I am talking about!!!

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  Long haul experience - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Long haul - November 23 - 5:06 pm

  Its been 2 1/2 years since I brought the Titan home with only 5 miles on the odometer. Since then more than 65,000 miles were put on the truck and the engine power just getting sweeter. The original Bridgestone Dueler tires seem to have about 20,000 more miles on their treads. I got about 18 to 19- plus MPG (2/3 of the driving was highway) with a few times of 21 MPG. Everything on the Titan remains stock with no modification, except a recently added toneau cover. The driver seat is losing its support on long trip now.

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  great fun - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By R Parker - November 22 - 10:53 am

  fun to drive, fast and comfortable, great handling. five speed automatic is super. utility is great.