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:

• 

  Buy a Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By harold Baker - November 11 - 8:46 am

  Exceptional ride quality and workmanship. Ive had almost no problems, mainly recalls for seat belts.

• 

  Why so much double sided tape? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Miguel Fabre - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I like the truck I Just think they should have used more screws than tape and snap together parts. My dash makes noises like it is about to fall out of the truck, and the mud flaps are held on with doudle sided tape. I mean come on $30,000 for a truck that after 1000 miles parts started falling off. Whats next? I wonder what holds the engine in chewing gum? I have a date with the service department monday hope they can fix it, or i will have to go ford.

• 

  The Bar Has Been Raised! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By leronrich - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This could "hands-down" be one of the best full-size trucks ever conceived! I test drove all the major contenders and the only one that even came close to touching the Titan was the Ram. The handling is second to none and the power is beyond impressive. Also, having the ablility to buy a vehicle and not have to worry about upgrading the engine or the tires made me feel even more comfortable about my purchase. Nissan has defined the new standard of what truck building should be!

• 

  Remember The TITAN - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TITAN MAN - November 7 - 10:00 am

  From its soulful exhaust note right down to its FACTORY sprayed in bedliner, this is not only one of the BEST trucks that I have ever driven, but one of the BEST VEHICLES around. Great acceleration, visibility, comfort, and utility. Traded in my FX45 for this and am much happier; 0 - 60 in 6.9 secs!?! - what a beast. The Titan crushes road imperfections and never gets "tossed around"; has great road manners and never loses its composure; feels ultra safe. Constant "thumbs-up" from other drivers of all vehicles. If you are looking for the ultimate vehicle, "Remember the Titan"!

• 

  Just go drive one.... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jim Flores - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Initially favored the Z71,...but then drove the Titan and pretty much forgot about the Chevy. Only had it for under three weeks but so far so good. Having none of the problems some have desribed...( except mileage, but thats my fault ). Get the leather captains chairs...they are VERY comfortable. And I really love the throaty rumble at cruising speeds! Got the canteen color...gets alot of compliments.

• 

  My first titan truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By A TITAN DRIVER - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have bought a Nissan Titan SE King Cab with the Bench Popular Package and the Utility Bed Package . I paid 25,500 so after tax title and license it was 26,996. There is a lot of space inside this truck I can fit 3 kids in back with there child seats and have room to spare. There also is a lot of storage space inside example: overhead console, door panel, and the center console. I like the auxiliary plug that is intergraded into the stereo for my MP3 player The quality from the stereo is ok not the best. Also driving at night the light from the stereo is reflected to the back window and then to the rear view mirror which is annoying. But over all this truck is great.

• 

  Manliman - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Girliman - November 3 - 10:00 am

  MY FIRST FULL SIZE TRUCK! VERY POWERFULL AND RESPONSIVE. YOU CAN NOTICE 380/TORC. EXCELENT VISIBILITY OVER TRAFFIC. NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT RV TO USE, TRAILER OR 5TH WHEEL? BOX 5.5MIGHT BE TOO SHORT FOR 5TH WHEEL?

• 

  2004 Nissan Titan is a VALUE! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - November 1 - 8:30 pm

  After 2 months of ownership of my 2004 Titan, Im very pleased with the vehicle. Plenty of room, power, looks, and handling capabilities! Quality is solid so far. Lots of little things that I like about this truck too. Like the 6 disc changer, built in alarm system, sprayed in bed liner, most power in its class. Ford is the only vehicle thats refined enough to even get close to this vehicle...and I dont even like Fords. Ive been a Chevy fan my whole life, but Chevy has a lot of catching up to do to match the Ford and Nissan. Dodge looks nice, but lacks the quality of any of the others. Towing capacity on the Nissan is great!

• 

  Do not buy a Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By MADDNISSANOWNER - November 1 - 4:26 pm

  Brake problems, brake problems, brake problems. And that is how many times you have to take it back to the dealer to have them replaced. Many other quality issues. I have owned this truck for 105 days and it has been at a dealer for repair 20 of those days. Stick with domestic trucks. Nissan doesnt have it right and they do not care.

• 

  happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By aaahomellc - November 1 - 5:33 am

  does every thing it claimed to do,very fun to drive,pulls 5th wheel very good. fuel milage is 7 mpg better than friends hemi and stays right with it or better in hills