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:

• 

  nissan titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By pbk - July 15 - 10:00 am

  very easy todrive long distance

• 

  Incredible Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By titanluvr - July 4 - 7:44 pm

  Its now 2015, and I have 150K miles on my Titan LE Crew Cab Offroad 4x4. My truck was finally killed this weekend by a rogue tow hitch that my wife struck while driving on the freeway. The thing went under the car and bounced up into the transmission. Busted a hole and destroyed the whole thing. May it rest in peace. However, until that rogue tow hitch, that truck did everything I ever asked of it with ease. Drove from So. Cal. to Montana more times than I can remember and it was an easy 20 hour drive in that Titan. I towed trailers, drove through snowstorms, up icy roads, loaded the bed up with wood and more. I never babied that truck, it never needed to be babied.

• 

  Aggressive Styling, Tons of Torque - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Get a real truck - July 2 - 5:36 am

  This truck gets a lot of comments and looks when on the road. Really enjoy driving and hearing the exhaust note. Yes the ride is a little choppy but it is a 1/2 ton TRUCK, get over it. Go buy a sissy SUV if you want a quiet smooth drive. Only disappointments are the gas mileage and brakes which I have observed this stated in other reviews. I am on my third set of rotors and do not pull anything over 3500lbs. Of course GAS MIlEAGE is a major concern, only recourse is to keep the accelerator pedal off the floor! Recommend this truck against all others due to price and option packages. Just make sure to light up the tires once, way to much fun!

• 

  shouldve bought one sooner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By RandyE - June 25 - 4:23 am

  i waited for the 2nd year model to come out, so any "bugs" could be found. the mileage is great, for such a large and heavy truck. im getting 18.5 on trips away, but around 13 in town. it doesnt even feel the boat and trailer. the interior has everything youd want. im 66", and with the front seat in a position where im comfortable, i can also get in the back seat, and have a couple inches of room between my knees and the front seat. headroom is great both front and rear. the engine is extremely powerful, and ive had to learn to forget about "jack rabbit" starts. the price was good, and ive found nothing i dont like about this truck.

• 

  poor choice - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By john - June 24 - 12:53 am

  The day after I bought my Titan in August of 2006 it developed a rattle in the dashboard. I have had it back in two times but it still rattles. The second week the overhead console compartments would not close and had to have the console replaced. The original had a temp and compass function, the dealer replaced it with one that did not have these functions. Back to the dealer again for the right one. By the end of the first month the weather stripping on the rear sliding window began to come off as did the WS on the doors. Now the transmission is leaking copious amts of fluid in my driveway, front end rattles and shakes so badly cant drive it. Checking in to trade for a Ford.

• 

  Best by far! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Jonathan - June 22 - 10:13 pm

  This is by far the best truck on the market. I had an 04 Titan and traded up for the 08 and I am strangely imprssed more with this truck than I was the first go around. Great interior/exterior, awesome luxury features and it drives like a car with tons of power. People will only gripe about the mpg, but what do you expect from a truck with this type of engine. All the testing reports prove that the GM brands claim they get the highest, but get the lowest. I have been getting about 15 city. I priced out every vehicle with my options and this truck was not only the best, but with the current rebates on all 5 makers, it was 3,400 cheaper than any, and mine is an 08 compared to their 07s

• 

  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By travgt - June 19 - 8:56 am

  Great truck especially for a suburbanite type. Design reflects thoughtful analysis of how a customer actually uses the truck. I compared with an F150 loaded up and the Titan LE definitely provided more features and at a lower price. I use the utilitrack and the exterior toolbox. Love the exhaust note! Nissan did a great job with the balance of power in the endurance v8 too. It also has a power rear window.

• 

  TITAN #1 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Chuck - June 15 - 3:36 am

  My Nissan 4x4 Titan is by far the best truck I have owned in my 35 years of driving. The truck is a class act and it has been awhile that I owned a truck that gets as many complements as My Titan. The titan drives as nice as it looks with plenty of power on or off the road, also the Titan goes in 4 wheel drive with ease.

• 

  think again before you purchase - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By patrick magdaleno - June 12 - 12:30 am

  I purchased my titan less than 30 days ago it has already broke down on me twice. the entire electrical shut down both times.

• 

  OUR NEW BABY - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By todd and donna - June 8 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS GREAT! THERE IS SO MUCH ROOM INSIDE I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT ALL.