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:

• 

  Beautiful and beastly - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By ANDREW BALTHAZOR - August 15 - 9:06 am

  Out of the many vehicles I have owned, this is the best. Great power, comfortable, towing is a breeze. Best of all, the guys I know with american trucks are all realizing their mistakes. Nothing against american trucks, but for the money there is no comparison.

• 

  Would you expect anything less - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By sprintn - August 6 - 7:46 pm

  Inital mileage appealed me! 3,500 Miles now. 4x4 SE Off Road package....11MPG mixed driving!?! Gotten better with break-in. Aver. 13 in town and 17 on hwy! My 02 Frontier v-6 4x4 5sp averaged 17.5 hwy or city. The lower finnal gear on the off road package contributes to lower MPG but adds tons for towing! Smaller wheels and taller tires increase ride comfort. I bought the soft tonneau cover......skip it! Poor quality. streatches, sags and leaks! Look for another bed cover! Lots of features standard/ not available on others. For the money, the best mid level 1/2 ton on the market! All considered, money well spent!

• 

  Nice - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe Dersch - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my truck from day one and dont see any change.

• 

  Impressive! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By terstruck - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Only had a few days but am already convinced that this is the best truck for the money in this class. I paid 31000 and got the Big Tow pkg as well as the floor mats, splashguards and the bed extender. Just an all around sweet ride for the money. Seems like Nissan covered most of the bases when they designed this truck. Would like to see a place to put change and I can see that the oil filter is not going to be easy to reach because it is under the skid plate. Not my problem though since my dealer included three years of oil changes. If you are looking for a truck in this class, you cant go wrong with the Titan!

• 

  MY OPINION - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By FRANK TAKACS - July 22 - 10:00 am

  IN MY OPINION, THIS NISSAN SE CREW CAB 4WD TRUCK OUTPREFORMS THE 99 CHEV. SILVERADO Z71 FWD THAT I USED TO OWN. THE GAS MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER (APPROX. 15-17 MPG) BUT THE SACRAFICE IS MADE UP FOR IN THE POWER DIFFERENCE.I HAVE OWNED 4WD TRUCKS FOR YEARS FORDS INCLUDED. THIS ONE IS THE BEST SO FAR.

• 

  2004 Nissan Titan comments - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Gilmore - July 22 - 6:13 am

  Tough vehicle, I get lots of admirers. I think it has Ford, Chevy, and Toyota beat on the "macho" scale. This truck sucks down some gas! Had a problem with brakes which Nissan acknowledges with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB04-066. They did service to the truck but did not replace the rotors as the TSB recommends. Seems to be a temp fix which lasts about 4000 miles. Problem is vibration in steering wheel when pedal is depressed. I expect this problem to return every 4000 miles until they replace the rotors. The truck does stop fine and handles great. Lots of power and roomy cab.

• 

  dnpos - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By frank - July 18 - 3:16 pm

  Thought I took a step up when I traded my f-250 for the Titan. Wrong! Brake rotors warped less than 5k Mi. Rear door latches work occasionally, even after replacement of both. Vents creak @startup &shutdown still. It drives like a canoe, will not go straight. nervous, twitchy. camber kit installed. 4 trips to dealer, realigned 4 times. told me dont come back. District ser. rep told me the roads have a crown in them, thats the problem. Ive been driving longer than hes been breathing, tell me something I dont know. I like the style, power, economy, even the sound. This is truly a d**n nice piece of junk. Thank you so much Nissan. I will recommend anything except Nissan to all listeners.

• 

  Great Choice - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Makavelli - July 12 - 8:46 pm

  I use my Titan as a daily driver and I am very impressed with its handling, Im 6-2 and need a spacious interior and cannot complain.

• 

  Amazing work truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titanworks - July 7 - 5:20 pm

  This is my 3rd Titan. When Ive finished with this one, Ill be on to my 4th Titan. This is an amazing pickup. Just go test drive one. It may not be for you, but I use my rig hard, and this truck keeps on truckin. Great ride/suspension, SUPER throttle response, and it tows my 30 8000lb trailer like its towing a riding lawnmower. :) It is also a great family truck. Enjoy!

• 

  Superb - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By GMC - owner - July 4 - 1:06 pm

  Had a 2007 chevy LTZ-got a GMC-SLT-2009 Ford FX4-This Titan blows away what were making in Detroit.The power is there always-the sound ststem is better than you can get at home-It is by far the best truck that I have ever owned.The Titan LE is the best choice by far.I have been a GM man for 35 years and decided to try the new 2009 F150 and the new seats killed my back.The Titan has the extra power- smoothe ride and nice seats that the Sierra offers.I have a truck now that I plan on putting many more miles on it.