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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  rate it - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By relajo - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck i ever haved own. It is so confortable that my wife dont let me drive. She used the truck for everything. Thank you for desing this truck.

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  nissan titan is a sweet truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By GOPEDRIDER - March 19 - 2:00 am

  my dad just bought the truck a little while ago and its awsome the first day we got it my dad had it up to a pretty high speed and we realy coudent tell its fast as any thing

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rickras - March 19 - 2:00 am

  great power fun to drive like a car with power and size of a truck switched from an escalade dont miss it at all

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  Japans Hemi - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BHZK1 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Mucho power out of an import truck, ver very fum to drive especially off road.

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  The Best Truck on the Road - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Timmy Titan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck has power to pull a 36 ft trailer, and still do 70 miles per hour over a Major highway (hill)

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  Love the Power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe Grech - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I like the performance from the 5.6L engine. The ride is good for a truck that can tow over 9000 pounds. The kids love the rear seat with there own radio controls and DVD. The track system in the bed makes you wonder why no one came out with this before.

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  Good, but could do better - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Could do better - March 17 - 4:40 am

  Bought new in 04 and I have had several problems with it. First my windshield washer tank was cracked. Then it went to the infamous brake shudder, took it in 3 times before Nissan came out with a fix. Paint has chipped off the painted front bumper plastics. Dash rattles, seats rattle. Rear end leafs squeak. Most of this is minor and it didnt really bother me that much. I have had Chevy and dodge and ive had problems with them too.

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  2005 Titan Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Charles Peterson - March 15 - 2:26 pm

  Fair. I thought with a V8 this would be the answer, but the tow ratings are misleading. It can tow smaller loads, but upward of 5000 lbs can be difficult for this truck, particularly on hills and mountains.

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  Worthy of the name - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Zyprexa - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very good truck so far. Ive only put 1000mi on it, the gas prices are too high. Overall Im not very pleased with the gas mileage so far. The power of this truck is unbelievable, it is fun to put your foot into it, (this could explain the gas mileage). Ergonomics and attention to detail is excellent in this truck. Overall a wise purchase on my part.

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  Great Truck, Great Price - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Ben C - March 8 - 4:26 pm

  I looked at EVERY truck on the market. Titan by far is the best ruck for the money. The domestics have slightly better gas mileage but this Titan whips them in every other way. Good style, good motor, japanese reliability in an american built truck (yes its built here in the USA). I paid 27,000 and got more than that in value. If you want import quality without the Toyota price, go with Titan.