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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  Better than I expected - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Mark G - August 12 - 12:20 am

  I had a time choosing between the F- 150 and the Titan, but when my wife drove the Titan, she wanted it more than i did. Im getting better then expected gas mileage (15 city, 20 highway), and have had no problems at all. The tow mirrors like the F-250 is reaaly nice to see with, as well as the parking sensors to back into tight places. Also, I found an SE with the Utilitrac Package and have used it all the time. If anyone is looking for a truck, this one has to be considered. Just one drive and you will see what the domestics DONT offer.

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  My Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Shane V - August 11 - 2:26 pm

  I recently bought an 06 LE Titan for my 17th birthday. It is one sweet truck. It came stock with the Rockford Fosgate system. I by far have the nicest truck of the school, and defenitly in the top 20 of this city. It has racing tires with 20s, and the heavy duty chrome package. I put some 40s flows on it, and my friends have nicked named the truck Screaming Demon. Gas just seems to be put on fast forward in it however. Its really hard crossing town or just cruising without someone wanting to race or feeling the need to rev their less superior engine.

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  2004 Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By SoulFish - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Great truck for the buck

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  Hemi Eater - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MLBUMP - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck you can buy for your money hands down! I test drove all other competetors and they didnt come close to Titans standards at all. The power is unbeliveable! I have dragged against both Ford and Dodge. No contest! Nissan has done an outstanding job on exterior design. Just looking at this thing sends shivers down the spines of Ford and Dodge owners. Interior design is well thought out and functional. Its very simple but the dash isnt supposed to win you over. It was love at first drive. The sound of the exhaust note and the responsiveness of the engine make this a must for anyone who knows trucks.

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  Best 1/2 ton on the market - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jason Kertianis - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Im a car guy who used to veiw trucks as tools. Not anymore, this is a great all around vehicle. The drivetrain is amazing. Nissan really paid attention to the details. The longer I own it, the more I love it.

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  Beats all American made Trucks - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tim - August 5 - 9:46 am

  I have only had my Titan for 3 weeks so my rerview may change over time, but I dont think so. This is by far the best ruck I have ever owned. I have had Ford, Chevy and Dodge over the last 8yrs. and this truck is better than all of them. The list would go on forever if I was to point out all of the things that are better on this truck than the aforementioned ones. Everything on this truck has been well thought out from the rear sensors to the seats. I know of 3 other people who have purchased a Titan and are as pleased as I am, I also know of 2 others who are also going to buy one based partly upon my recommendations. the only thing that I would like is to have better gas mileage.

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  Nice - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jack - July 30 - 12:33 pm

  Nice truck fun to drive with plenty of power. A lot of standard features that do not come with ford or chevy. It is a well built truck with plenty of room in the interior.

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  The wost truck suspension ever experienced! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By littletitan - July 29 - 10:50 pm

  Bought the truck brand new in 2005. Start having big problem three years later. Bearings on both rear-wheels are broken which lead to oil leak and cost too expensive to repair ($450 for each side). A year after replaced both rear wheels bearings, the rear wheel spring attachment to the body was broken due to rust and poor welding. Twelve months later, the bearing at the T bar nearby the trans. was broken and caused the oil leak, cost too $450 to repair. Then later, 2 backup sensors were out and were replaced. This truck was a biggest disappointment to me. I finally gave up on this truck and sold it in 2012. Nissan knew a bout this problem on all Nissan trucks but careless to recall.

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  Super Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By FL BLZRD TITAN - July 27 - 2:36 pm

  This is by far the best pickup Ive ever owned. The ride quality, design, ergonomics are the best. You can not find a better pick-up on the market. The quality is excellent. I think it has a well thought out interior and exterior. Take a test drive and youll buy it. 17 MPG on average.

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  Hemi-Killer! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Lonster - July 26 - 1:33 am

  OK, Ive owned a lot of cars. I mean a lot of cars. Ive been driving for 21 years and Ive owned 22 cars. My last vehicle was a 2000 F-150 XLT-4WD, with the 5.4, and it was ok, but this truck is the BOMB! Of the 22 cars, 6 of them have been Nissans, and I swear by Nissans...Reliability, styling, and did I forget PERFORMANCE?!?! I waited until the 3rd model year to get the best full-size truck available, and now that I have the vehicle of my dreams, I think it will be a long time until vehicle number 23...