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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  Not bad for first time out - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By James - October 24 - 12:50 pm

  Very impressed with the Titan. Drove a Tundra prior and there is no comparison. The Titan is bigger, roomier, and definately more powerful. Sure the Tundra is more refined and luxurious but this is a truck, not a Lexus. The Titan identifies what the truck owner needs.

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  Great Truck Overall - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By PV - October 22 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this truck used off of my father because my lease on my Mercedes was about over. I drove this truck when visiting him and I really loved it. I never considered myself a truck person, but now I dont know how I could live without one. I use it for all sorts of things. Home projects, carrying bikes, moving large items. The interior is nicely appointed and this truck is fast and powerful. Ive out run respectable performance sedans entering the highway where two lanes go down to one with 4 people. This truck has the optional Big Tow package and 4WD. Ive moved some heavy items with this truck without issue. Reliability has been good, except for a radiator leak at 30k miles.

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  real review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By oaks - October 2 - 12:26 am

  fairly solid and quiet vehicle. plenty of power and torque. both exterior and interior lighting is excellent. I have not had any brake component problems...yet. Test drove all others available and by far the titan out- performs.

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  It does its job - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rob - September 27 - 4:53 pm

  It does its job. Obviously the gas mileage is insane but its a huge truck. Everyone who sees it says they love it. I love it too but there are are many things I would change. Has a lack of brakes.

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  Titan power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Moies Mundo - September 16 - 10:00 am

  The truck has plenty of power and comfort. Fun to drive.

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  titan gone bad - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kennythornhill - September 11 - 10:00 am

  driverside rear seat belt still not working right since may. had truck in for worped rotors fixed but worped again. had brake recall done still getting shaking when braking around 30mph. stereo reception sucks,power windows will not come up when pulling up on switchs the first time. front bumper is not aligned properly. maybe i just got a lemon or could it be it was built on a monday or friday.

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  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mabatista - August 30 - 4:10 pm

  I use this truck to Tow almost daily (about 4-5000lb trailer). Great tow vehicle. Mileage is about 10 towing. About 12 around town. I once got about 14-15 on the interstate and was thrilled! This thing eats brakes. Fronts every 25k, rears every 40k. Trim pieces are cheap, but the engine/trans has benn reliable. I would buy it again. (I would get 4wd though)

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  Fantastic Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Jim Jones - August 19 - 7:23 pm

  I recently purchased a boat that needed towing; before this, I have never purchased or wanted to purchase a truck. Now I am a proud and happy Titan owner. The powertrain and transmission are fantastic! The styling is the best out there!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Truck Dude - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The 5.6 puts you a quick stomp away from instant gratification. A good mash when you are not loaded will put you in the back seat. The throaty exhaust note is hard to beat. 390 lbs of torque makes the Titan the best tow rig I have ever driven. The suspension is spot-on. The interior is quiet and the seats are awesome. However, the truck has its down side. The sloping front end and flared rear fenders make judging distance in a parking lot quite difficult- rear blind spots swallow a Caddy with 10ft to spare. The turning radius isnt exactly competitive. Fuel economy is worst in class- mostly highway, I avgd 14. I got 17 mpg hwy with a tonneau cover and 10 mpg with an enclosed trailer.

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  Extremely Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Leroy Knepper - August 9 - 11:33 pm

  Most comfortable truck Ive ever owned but the problems are something I never expected from a Nissan..Four wheel drive snapped at 64,000 miles ( just out of warranty) brakes are terrible..truck shimmies...tailpipe & hitch rusted...unbelievable for all the more miles on this vehicle.Paint chips easily..I am going to be purchasing another truck and it most definitely will not be a Nissan..Very disappointed..I was under the impression that a Nissan would last for a long time..The only good points are the interior comfort and the style...Very unreliable truck..Didnt even make it to 70,000 miles..