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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  My Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Everett Blakely - September 16 - 7:06 pm

  I got the cheap Titan, but it is by far fancier than other makes, for a basic. The looks are great and the room is just as great. The only thing that I wish was better was the gas mpg, but I have to remember, it is a titan. Thank goodness cruise control is standard equipment, because this truck really hauls.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By doczachary - September 9 - 10:52 pm

  I puchased my 2004 Nissan Titan with less than 50 miles on it and I currenly have over 120K. There has been 2 recalls (brake shudder and wiring harness) and both were done quickly and efficiently. I have read where people wanted better gas mileage but you dont buy a heavy truck with a powerful 5.6L V8 engine and then complain about the mileage. I have towed 10K, loaded the bed to the point where it couldnt take anymore and everything worked as expected. I have replaced the rear axle seals and bearing with better than factory. Used only synthetic oils since 2nd change. It just keeps running. Never a hiccup or an issue. Been a great truck and I plan to keep it until it dies!

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  saw it, wanted it, got it, LOVE IT! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Muddie1 - September 5 - 5:56 pm

  Absolutely LOVE my new truck. Out of 100, I would say I am 99.9% happy. I wish Nissan could do a V-8 with better fuel economy! I love the spacious interior, big engine, overall exterior design, and the bed tracking system. I was deciding between a Chevy 1500 and I couldnt be happier w/ my decision.

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  titan is good - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tim andrew - September 5 - 5:26 pm

  Had bad, ( soft rotors at new ) they fixed that. Transmission slipped at 37K, was some type of switch. The trans. from the beginning of owning it, sometimes when taking off, feels like you took off on a spot of ice, wheels slip for a moment. They dont know what it is. Also, at a light, it feels like someone bangs into you lightly, they say common.

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  Head Turner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Beach Bum - September 4 - 10:13 am

  Overall my 2005 Nissan Titan is what I expected. It has great looks, a great engine sound, and the performance to go with it. This truck will scream just looking at the gas pedal, and the steering is awesome. No other truck can match the tightness, steering, and standard features wich come with the "LE". sprayed bed-liner, bed lock-box, tie-down rails, bed extender, etc. I dont see Ford, Dodge, or GM attempting these standard features. I use this truck as a beach buggy in the Summer, and it performs as expected "NO PROBLEMS". In fact, I have not encountered a problem of any kind so far. Bottom line: if you test drive this vehicle, you will buy it.

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  Early Review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rickh - September 1 - 10:00 am

  King SE 4x4 no bells and whistles. Only 1000 miles - so far everything Id hoped. $ was comparable to even the heavily-incentived Dodge Ram. HUGE upgrade from from my mid-90s GM. Comfortable, powerful - truly 305 horses lurking under the hood! Home is an "American truck" town, so I get a lot of "you bought a Japanese truck!?" Then they look closer, and I get "so what did this cost?", and even one, "do you still have the brochures?" Brand new, but after ten years of transmission problems, a great feeling to climb in and not worry about ANYTHING. FEELS well-built and solid. Getting 13-14mpg so far around town - only slightly worse than my old 5.0L got.

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  04 Nissan Titan LE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tony_W_Palm - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Scoped and drove all the competing big 5 manufacturers - Niccan, Toyota, Ford, CHevy and Dodge. Fit and finish of the Titan a run-away hit.

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  excellent - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By bill - August 29 - 1:53 pm

  great truck to drive. much better than tundra we looked at. not one complaint!

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  Outstanding Truck. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - August 20 - 1:33 am

  After a lot of research I picked the Titan and after 30 days cound not be happier. However I do realize that time will tell. But if first impressions are lasting then this is a great truck. I have had trucks for 30 years and this may be the first that is actually fun to drive. I was concerned with the size going from a Dakota to the full size Titan but its no big deal. The gas mileage is about what I expected 14-15. Considered a F150 and Tundra but fell in love with the Titan after I drove it. Value was part of the reason. Got a great deal at $3K below invioce. F150 and Tundra were more $ for less features.

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  The Big let down - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By big mike - August 10 - 6:16 am

  I have owned my Titan for 16 months and ive had to have the rear axle replaced twice. I was told it was a bad design by Nissan. Ive also had brake issues with the rotors warping and premature wear. The gas mileage is terrible. The salesman told me it will average 15 to 18 and I have calculated 9 to 12. Although I will say this truck has enough power to race in nascar, it just doesnt quiet measure up as a work truck. When I went to traded it in the value dropped $12,000. Needless to say im still driving it. My next truck will be a Chevy!