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 Trcuk - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wildbill - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Best truck I have ever driven. Fun, powerful, responsive and comforable. It is a great pleaseure vehicle and a great work truck all in one. It is fun to drive and a pleaseure to ride in. Very well thought out in design and features. Wonderful truck!!

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  TITAN RULES - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Larry Larue - September 30 - 10:00 am

  After much research, I traded my 2000 Ford F-150 4x4, extended cab for the Titan. This truck rocks! From bumper to bumper and inside out, Nissan has hit a home run with this vehicle.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Lina Anderson - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling was the best truck experience I have ever had. The R&P steering set up makes the drive smooth. I have driven new chevys Dodges and Fords the titan beats them all. The only reason someone shouldnt buy this truck is if they have to have a deisel motor. I swear all it takes is a test drive and you are blown away! The exceleration is amazing! Each shift has such ease that you cant even feel the change. Anyone in the market for a truck HAS to give the Titan a shot. You have to experience this truck to really appreciate it. So go drive one! I promise this is a truck that will make the the husband and the wife happy!

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  Titan is impressive - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By donben - September 27 - 4:53 am

  Have had the Titan for just over 1 year and am very impressed, no maintenance issues, truck just does what it should. Very comfortable seats good visibility, good dash layout, great engine and transmission combination, although "throaty" exhaust can be a bit tiring sometimes. I tow a boat trailer and a 16 utility trailer and hardly know they are behind except for slower acceleration. Fuel consumption is not great but with the power and the 5400# weight about comparable with others in the class. Some nice little features like the tie downs in the truck bed, the storage pocket behind the left rear wheel, and the rear seat arrangement. I traded off a 04 F-150 and much prefer the Titan

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  Outstanding Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By formerloyalfordowner - September 20 - 10:40 am

  This truck is an excellent value. It is well thought out. Utilitrac system, outside tool compartment, sprayed on bedliner, message center, heated tow mirrors, are all nice things to have in a truck. Seats are comfortable. The ride is smooth. It handles better than many cars. Tows very well. The transmission shifts very smoothly. I have been getting 15 mpg around town and 17-18 on the highway, and 12-12.5 towing. Better payload than competitors. It tows 9100 true pounds. Looked high and low. This is the best value out there at the present time (IMO).

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  Great Truck, loads of power, bad brakes. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By DVanEpps - September 19 - 7:36 pm

  This is one great truck. Tons of power, hauls great too. Gas mileage is to be expected from such a powerful engine. Interior is comfortable, and the LE has everything you could want in a truck. The bed is by far the best I have owned, the factory bedliner and the rail lock system is unique. The only complaint is the brakes. The front brakes went bad at about 10,000 miles, and then again 5,000 miles later. Nissan dealer says they know they are not heavy enough to stop such a powerful truck and they are working on replacements though.

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  japanese muscle - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By D Edwards - September 18 - 10:00 am

  awesome truck lots of room and power.

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  King Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By CalGal - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought a Titan last spring and immediately drove it halfway across the country to Vegas. It rides like a sports car, looks like a million bucks, sounds mean as hell, and on top of all of that gives fair gas mileage. Id suggest getting a tonneau cover to bring up the mpg a bit. Im looking forward to our next long trip in it. Theres not many other vehicles Id say that about.

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  Truck Rating - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mikeeads - September 11 - 2:20 pm

  I drive my truck to work and home all week which is about a 55 mile round trip. I have to go up a mountain and through a very curvy two lane country road. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and I have power to spare when I want to pull out and pass going up the mountain. It goes great in the mud and snow and shifting into 4 wheel is a breeze. I enjoy just getting in my truck and driving not only is it comfortable but its fun and I always feel safe in it.

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  Titan and its Brakes - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By brian - September 10 - 6:46 am

  I have had the truck 1 year. I enjoyed the truck for the first 3000 miles, then the brake problem kicked in, new rotors and pads. 5000 Miles later, new rotors and pads, 3000 miles later new rotors and pads. Do we see a pattern. Did some research, the 04 and 05 models have the smallest brakes on them, when compared to its competiton. New vented rotors and new desighed pads, is that really going to fix the problem.