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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  New Titan Owner - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kingkooldaddy - January 7 - 11:46 am

  I love the power and handling of my 2006 Titan. I have never had a stock truck with so much horsepower. It has many excellent features and room for all three of my kids to stretch out in the back seat. Pay close attention, though, I have only 1600 miles on it and the rear end is being replaced this week. I have read many posts of owners with similar problems.

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  Real world report - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titanster - January 4 - 6:23 pm

  Having owned this truck for about a year I can say it is overall great. My real world gas mileage is 16.9mpg. and that is no typo. I drive the speed limit and dont stick my foot in it - love that exhaust note. A pickup truck is built primarily as a cargo hauler and I couldnt be happier with this function. Interior comfort is also first class - better seats than my wifes Lexus.

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  Repeat Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Z33Fan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  As one of the first owners of the 350z coupe in 2002, I had a unique opportunity to evaluate the "new" Nissan, and wasnt disappointed. When my job required a pickup truck, going back to the dealer to look at a Titan was a sure bet. As a direct result of the excellent performance, reliability, and dealer service on my 350z, I had no problem taking home a Titan, especially after a test drive. Interiors have improved dramatically from 5-10 years ago, and the mechanicals are still world-class. At the price point, this truck was by far the best in class. Very solid and sturdy feeling. I went back to Nissan, and will go back again to buy my next vehicle, no question.

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  Horrible Gas Mileage - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By CMC - November 14 - 1:53 pm

  The looks and towing on this truck combined with the comparisons to Ford and Toyota is what prompted us to buy this truck. Big Mistake! The gas mileage is 9mpg city and 11mpg hwy. In the first month the airbag light works when it wants to, the radio was completely shot, things under the hood like the fuse box are very difficult to get to and it really feels the weight when towing affecting the ride. Would not recommend for the money.

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  Mighty Mighty Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tim - October 27 - 10:26 pm

  This is the first vehicle that I have owned that has me loving to drive again. It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever ridden in, the captains chairs feel like lazy boys, and the vehicle rides like a car. It nearly floats over bumps, not like trucks of old that would shake you to death every bump you hit. All in all this is an awesome vehicle much better than the 04 and 05 F-150s.

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  OldFordGuy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By OldFordGuy - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I Have only had my Crew Cab 4x4 Titan for a few days and love it. Have been a Ford guy my whole life. This changes everything. Very powerful. Sharp style. Fit and finish is above all others. An interior that looks like someone was actually thinking when they designed it. Thus far I am overjoyed. And I payed 2500 under list. That seems to be the best deal ive seen yet on one of them. I also have the DVD and Rockford Fosgate package. I enjoy them but find them to be quite over priced. Other than that, great truck.

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  So far so good - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By vtmapleus - August 28 - 10:00 am

  very well put together vehicle, some minor bumps along the way. Loose heat shield..replaced. rattle in dash..fixed. Very quick truck but also very smooth ride. Comparing it too my 2002 Ram isnt even fair as the Titan smokes it

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  Titan Radios Suck! Wake up Nissan!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By crappyradio - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This truck would be a excellent if Nissan didnt try and push off their crappy radios. Dont be fooled by Nissan, a lot of Titan owners are having problems with the FM reception on the factory radio. One minute the FM sounds great in stereo, the bext it sounds like a clock radio in AM.

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  Love the power - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By JB - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Purchased in Feb 2009, got a great deal (left over from 2008) and havent looked back since. This is the best pickup Ive ever owned, hands down.

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  Love/ Hate - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Pete - August 13 - 1:56 am

  I was so excited to buy this truck.It looked great, drove great and Sounded awsome(duel exaust).To this day I still love the Truck and tell others to buy it.My problems started the day I picked up my truck.The drivers window came out of track.They fixed it, I got it back the next day the window came out of track again, they fixed it again.To save you the trouble of reading between the lines here is the rest of the problems.Driver window motors replaced, both.Wind noise all around the windshield, back of passengers seat replaced 5x, would keep comming loose,Tire pressure sensor light comes on after 40 miles,they cant fix it,Ive had it in 7x,R-diff housing replaced , many more problems, many