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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  2004 nissan titan le - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titanz - May 21 - 9:26 pm

  the nissan titan is by far the best truck built today however, because of this there are a few kinks that have to be worked out but overall it is powerful, great looking and a thrill to drive.

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  Not Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By rangerdeppe - May 21 - 4:22 pm

  I bought a 2008 Pro4X new from Nissan, and it has not been one of my better vehicles. Its had numerous recalls, the gas milage is terrible, the locking differential has never worked, the drivers seats squeeks loudly, the rear doors rattle, and now the rear bumper is rusting. This is the last straw for me. Since the truck is 3 years old, and has over 36K miles, Nissan will not fix the bumper. I cant believe it! This truck was nearly $40K, has never been in any kind of accident, and Nissan wont cover rust?! They told me that the rust warranty only applied to body panels, and bumpers were not covered. The rest of my truck still looks new, and the rear bumper has a big rust spot!

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  2004 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By matt hanscom - May 20 - 6:20 am

  This truck is powerful and fun to drive. Not good on gas but when you need the power, it is just a pedal push away. I like how spacious the cab is.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By qthornton - May 14 - 11:10 pm

  This truck handles close to a sports car, its unreal. The power of 5.6 V8 is awesome. It can pull about anything you put behind it love it.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By GR8SHOT - May 9 - 2:00 am

  THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR. TRADED MY TUNDRA FOR THIS TITAN AND I AM NOT DISSAPPOINTED. BEST TRUCK I HAVE DRIVEN SO FAR.

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  Fantastic!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By scrotti - May 9 - 2:00 am

  A smooth ride with tons of power. Truck looks and feels great. Spacious and luxurious. You WILL be envied. Nissan did a great job with this truck

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  TITAN puts others to Shame (for 1 ton) - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By phalanx - May 9 - 2:00 am

  PERFORMANCE:This truck is so well put together it shames the domestic trucks Engine- Quick/responsive & better torque. transmition is a smooth 5speed More interior room than others. SAFETY:Frame-4 sided box construction stronger than the open 3 sided kind the others use. The ONLY truck to offer side impact airbags, & head curtain airbags for front/rear Bed Rails are great & work well, Outside storage is handy Displays/controls are large & easy to use. We should have been doing all these things years ago.

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  Gas Hog is an understatement. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gashog - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been very impressed overall with the New Titan. The brakes are outstanding and smooth. Power is always available but after going through a few tanks of gas, Im finding that if you keep your foot in this truck, it will pass everything but a gas station. Terrible gas mileage so far, even when driving ultra conservative. (ie highway at nothing over 65mph) 8mpg-10mpg (way off from the stated 15-18). Tow mirrors are very difficult to get use to.

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  Goodbye F150 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By chek6 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Sold my 97 F150. Loved it, great truck. Was on my way to get a 2004 and stopped in the Nissan dealer. Test drove the Titan and then the Ford. Drove home with a Titan. Oodles of torquey power. Handles like a sedan. Towing capacity, bed capacity, resale value, Its all there. Plus, it feels right. It doesnt feel as big as it is. Bottom line, functional and fun. Re: reliability, it is new so stay tuned

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  Titan problems - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By wayne casey - May 6 - 7:00 pm

  Truck runs great. No problems on the highway. Had problem getting a electrical brake added to the truck. Company would not help at all with the electrical brake. Had to go to a after service to get the brake added. Own a 24 ft travel trailer, towes the trailer with ease. Had to have the brakes replace 3 times or until they got the proper roto for this vehicle. Great vehicle for offroad. Ive got about 34,000 miles on this vehicle and have own the truck since July of 04.