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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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By TC - March 4 - 10:36 am

  This truck has been rock solid since I drove it off the lot. I drive a ton of miles and it is very comfortable. It turns a lot of heads, too. It has some great features for a moderately priced truck. I compared them all but after I drove the Titan, there was no way I would drive any other.

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  The Best Full Size - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By W. Smith - March 1 - 3:16 am

  Smooth and quiet, great handling, very comfortable cabin. Drove all the competition and this wins by a landslide.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By liquidexistence - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The Titan is a great truck. It performs very well and the handling is unbelieveable for a full-sized truck. The Titan is a bargain when compared to the competitors with similar features, and the Titan will outshine them all while acheiving similar fuel economy. The interior is very well thought out and the utility package makes the bed even more functional.

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  2004 basic titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By igmeister - March 1 - 2:00 am

  we went to the dealer on a thursday night after spending about two years waiting to buy a new truck. at this point it feels like divine intervention because our prayers were answered in the new nissan titan.the titan delivers an excellent base model truck, that is a real truck. the sheer power of the titan is only matched by the design ergomatics and comfort of the interior. this is pure heaven to drive and to ride in.

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  Big truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Smith - February 28 - 10:53 pm

  I found this rather large truck enjoyable to drive and handle.The power of its v8 is somthing to use with caution. This truck will rocket off the line with very little effort.

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  Love and Hate - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Al P. - February 16 - 10:53 am

  Purchased the truck in April 2006 and since then have had a love/hate relationship with it. The power, towing and off-road capability are what I admire the most about this 06 Titan. Theres plenty of room in the cab with seats supportive enough not to tire me out on 300+ mile drives. The quality of materials used inside have a cheap look and feel. Great fosgate sound system. Heres what I dislike about the truck. Factory tires wore out after one season, all brake components worn out after 10000 miles, cant replace relay switches singly: have to replace entire integrated power distribution module, alternator burned out at 28000 miles, some stitching coming undone on bucket seat.

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  My brothers - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rachel - February 14 - 8:43 am

  My brother is the one that owns the Nissan Titan. I was in texas one time when I wrecked my car (I live in Oklahoma) and I had no way how to get my husband and daughter back home. Then My brother said him and his wife could take us.All 5 of us in that truck, I thought it would be uncomfortable but it wasnt. It was QUITE comfortable!! I would recommend that truck to anyone!Since our car was totaled my husband bought a Nissan Titan and I LOVE it!!! And

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  2-year test - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Eddy S. - February 1 - 4:43 pm

  After owning my Titan truck for two years, I give it a definitive A-. Its almost a perfect truck when it comes to power and creature-comforts, it could be improved in the turning-radius department - my wifes 2004 Durango (similar in size) can turn around in a substantially tighter space, also all the hoopla about the "awesome power" is somewhat exaggerated - our other 5.7 Hemi seems to move the 6,000 lb SUV more effortlessly and with less noise/strain from the engine. it is plenty adequate but nothing to jump up and down about...In a nut-shell, I would highly recommend this truck without hesitation.

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  This truck ROCKS! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe M - January 19 - 2:46 am

  I have had my 2004 Nissan Titan since July. Now it is Jan 23, 2005, a huge snow storm hit four days ago, and another pounds down now! Am I worried? NO WAY! I drove this truck through snowbanks headlight high, drifts 3+ feet deep, no problem! I slid once on an angle, stopped, hit the diff lock, then I was off no problem! This is a great ruck, rugged, roomy, a must in Northern Maine! I just had a buddy buy a new F-150, paid $8,000 more then me, and after four days it didnt start because of the cold! Overall, this truck is great, I get excited each time I drive it, not excited about the gas mileage, but that was expected! I feel very safe on or off road with my daughter in tow as well, I have a 4X4, Off Road, Big Tow, SE!!!

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  Great for towing trailers - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By postal32927 - January 18 - 3:43 pm

  My son has a 08 with 45,000 miles no problems he pulls a 8 ft trailer. I bought the 09 with the $10,000 off program and love the truck. I got the tow package with it I use the truck to pull a 14 foot trailer with two ATVs over dirt roads with no problems. Gas mileage is not the best when towing getting about 12mpg but be really Im towing about 3,000 pounds at 70 mph. I looked at other trucks and nothing was even close for the money. I was not going to spend another $7,000 to $8,000 for the same truck from Ford or Chevy. I rented a 09 Ford F150 XLT for a day to check it out. What a joke, The XLT package was not even close to the Titan SE and the ride was hard and uneven.