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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  Fast Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bullco1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love it, bring it on Hemis!

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  z truck review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By szareck - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My first truck and it is awesome. The ride is smooth like a large sedan. It had plenty of power to pull my boat (8700lbs). The exceptional thought that went into the detail and design makes me a proud owner. For a traveling professional I never thought there would be a pick up truck that I would consider as full time transportation.

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  First Truck other than a Ford - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By hohorodshop - November 30 - 3:43 am

  Just have had the truck for about a week. Love it so far. Still nervous about owning something other than a Ford. Fuel mileage not that great but engine runs great.

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  Review of the Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Paul W. - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I was all set on a Lexus car and saw the Titan on the road. I had to go check it out and quickly changed my mind to buy a truck. I have never owned a truck before, but this rides far different than any truck I have ever driven in. Overall a great vehicle.

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  Why go American? - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By C.Spencer - November 24 - 10:53 pm

  The 2010 Nissan pro 4x is a dream to drive. The locking differential works really well. Plenty of power under the hood, I test drove a 2010 Dodge about 1 hour before I got my Titan, the Dodge doesnt compare with speed or power. The captains chairs make the driving experience much more fun on the open road. The Nissan turns shorter then the Dodge as well. No matter how you drive the truck 17 mpg is all your gonna get on the highway. The Titan is always ready to through you back into your seat. The tow mode works really well when towing campers and trailers. The trailer break set up works really well. Just a great truck no matter how you look at it

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  Excellent compitition for thr big three - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mac - November 24 - 3:40 pm

  The big three have something to worry about. My 2005 Nissan Titan LE cost less than the same equiped Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, or Dodge Ram Pickup and I feel its a better built truck.

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  2nd time around - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By daddyo - November 14 - 8:40 pm

  This is my second Titan, the first was a 2005 LE. I went to a 2007 Chevy Silverado, big mistake, what a piece of junk. I just swapped for a 2010 Titan LE loaded, way nicer in every aspect. As someone else said no buyer remorse. Add to that buiy at invoice and a $4,000.00 rebate, the rest are just also rans. FYI, my 2005 only went in for repairs once in 3 years and that was for a squeaky drivers seat which was fixed, dont even get me started on the Silverado, paint peeling, emblems falling off, dash rattles, the list goes on.

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  Small Mistakes, Are Big - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Rey Vega - November 12 - 12:03 pm

  The windshield is a major small mistake. The wipers can not keep up with the snow and ice, plus they rip on icy windshield. The defroster is too small for the size of the windshield, and cannot keep the ice off. Also only the drivers side has a door key lock. This becomes a problem when there is a sheet of ice over the door, and only one door with a key lock. There is also a problem with all the door windows taking in water and/or ice and freezing, not to mention rusting from the inside out. Why are there metal air valve steams on the tires? They break! Other than that, mileage is not what is claimed.

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  My Titan has been very good - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By James - November 11 - 8:43 am

  My Titan has been very good in the time I have owned it. The gas mileage has been better than expected, especially considering the power the truck has. I have had as good as 23 miles to the gallon on the highway, and usually get at least 20 MPG. The truck rides nice and has a huge amount of space inside. We have used it to take long trips instead of our SUV because it is more comfortable and actually has more interior space.

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  Awesome truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tim - October 28 - 6:20 am

  Loved the truck since the day I bought it. Gas mileage as expected. Calipers were replaced in first 3 months I had it by dealership with no hassles. The 4x4 off road package makes this truck ride like a truck - especially on long distance trips on highway.