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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  so far so good!!! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By tyfast - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I have about 39000 on my trunk now and it has been a good truck. The only problem i have had is the heater control switch will not move to thefull open position and the only way to six it is to take the hole dash off. So i just keep it at 80% and it is enough to keep me warm and the only other thing is the driver side door handle trim is coming off. I drive in the snow everyweekend on my way snowboarding, I still have a brand new set of of Tire chains i bought when i got the truck and they still have never been out of the boxes. Love the truck.

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  Good performer, bad gas mileage - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Tony G - August 6 - 10:20 am

  The truck is fast and looks great. I get a lot of compliments on the styling and I really like the way the rear doors open all the way. When looking to buy a truck, it was either going to be a Toyota Tundra or a Nissan Titan - I didnt waste my time with the American truck-makers (poor reliability, interior quality, fit and finish). My main complaint is the gas mileage - it uses a lot. Dont get the Off-Road package if you do a lot of freeway driving - I hate the stiff Rancho Shocks. Also, the drivers seating area could be a little wider. I would recommend this truck over any full size option on the market.

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  Titan woes - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Bill - August 5 - 11:33 pm

  Vibration at 24 to 35 mph during acceleration or deceleration. Dealer balanced tires, no change in vibration. All dealer says is that the vehicle is drivable. Vibration does not seem to be related to engine rpm. In shop two times 1500 and 3000 miles. Dealer did not check driveshaft balance or carrier bearing on driveshaft. Only says could be tires. Tires show no abnormal wear. Tread depth across all treads 11/32. Sure would like to see dealer get enthused and find this aggravating problem.

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  A "real" Truck! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By hot truck - August 5 - 7:10 pm

  Where to start, its got power, lots of real POWER...Its roomy, real ROOMY...The Titan is a real Truck with real power, room, CD stereo, cruise, A/C and this is just the XE model. This is a REAL TRUCK... Note: I found that most of the full sized trucks had about the same mileage rating. If youre looking for a full- sized truck then it better not for fuel economy.

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  The "TITAN" - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bdanger231 - August 2 - 1:20 pm

  "Titan" is a good title for my truck. I bought it very used with 87,999 miles on it and I have just completed a move from Texas to California pulling a 8,000 lbs trailer with no issues. I will drive this truck till the wheels fall off. At the rate this truck is driving i will probably die of old age first. The interior is a little dull but very reliable and very easy to use. My favorite feature is the audio controls on the steering wheel. I cant believe the trade in value is so low for such an outstanding truck. Tons of torque and get up and go power. Go get yourself one and enjoy! I change the oil every 6,000 miles with synthetic. No issues at all. Never in the shop.

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  Quality should be a concern - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Will Moran - July 25 - 3:36 am

  Titian LE Off Road. I have owned it since the day it was new. I have had nothing but problems after 35000 miles. The bakes and rotors were completly destroyed at 11,000 miles at 40,000 miles the differential was blown out and was showing transmission problems. I took my extended warranty to dealership and found nothing wrong with it. Know till this day the transmission is almost completely blown out of it and I have tried to set a case up with Nissan and I have had no response or assistance. My warranty is good for 100,000 mile platinum pro. I do not work in construction or pull heavy trailers. Common day use back in forth to work occasionally four wheel drive in the winter

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  2006 Nissan Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Happy Owner - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Coming straight from an 01 F150 supercrew with the 5.4L Titan, there is no comparison! Hands down this truck is the pinnacle of power, acceleration and comfort. I quickly found that people who only get 12~16 mpg are heavy on the throttle! Its got power, but jumping into that power from a stand still is costly. Its fun to drive because of the power.. but if you use that power (all the time), youll pay for it at the pump. With normal driving, I can average 17~19.5 mpg. Hey..its a truck. If I wanted 30 mpg, I would have purchased a car. This truck is a solid performer and I love it.

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  Save some time and read - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Montana bound - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I tested the F-150 & Tundra. I was going with the Tundra until I read about the Titan. Most room and best ride of all. Ample power, and handles very well. Before you buy the Ford, be sure to drive it up a hill.

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  6 month review. - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Spider8408 - July 18 - 3:56 pm

  Most people review a vehicle right after they buy it. I decided to wait until 6 month time period. I have 9,000 miles on her. Absolutely love it. Gas is what I expected, high 15 average. This truck has plenty of power to spare, head-turning good looks, and the ride is great. It has to be the most comfortable vehicle for long trips. I regularly pull a 5,500lb boat that you cant even tell is there. Ive only had to see the dealer once and that was for a tire rotation and a passenger seat squeak. Other than that this truck has been solid, reliable and everything that I expected when I bought it. Thanks to edmunds I got a great deal on it. Sticker 33,6 bought 27,7 after TMV + rebates

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  I like it! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Ron Parker - July 17 - 11:46 pm

  Great fun to drive, leaving Hemis in the dust! Corners like a sports coupe. Five speed transmission is perfect. Load or trailer doesnt even change anything. Lots of room inside.