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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  Titan burly exhaust note - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob - December 29 - 2:46 am

  As to the con: burly exhaust note, this is actually one of the best features. The titan sounds awesome. Unfortunately thats the only good I see. Titan has known issues with the brakes. Apparently they chose a rotor that the metal distorts and causes the rotors to warp and the steering wheel shakes really bad. I had them done first at 13k miles and again at 19k miles. The first fix they cut all 4 rotors, and now there is a horrendous noise in the front suspension, second time they replaced the fronts with the same thing that was on there before and again said they cut the rear rotors. The service manager told me to keep bringing it back. I dont want to keep bringing it back.

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  Best Full Size Truck of 2004 (compare) - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tommy Hatfield - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Well I first whent only to look. Then after driving it I was in Love!! I had to have it. The power this truck has is awsome! I would pic this truck over and of the rest! It handles like a dream and sits up so you feel taller than all the comp. All in all this truck cant be beat. Just look for your self. Do a comparison on the rest and you will see..

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  Great truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Romiesmith - December 18 - 6:16 am

  My family and I love our Titan no problems

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  so far, SOOO good - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By newguy - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck a little more than a month ago and I love it. It is a pleasure to own and drive. I hope that its long term reliability. Was torn between this and F-150, and found that the mechanical refinement of this vehicle outweighs the interior refinement of the Ford. So far, SOOO good.

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  Titan Review - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Jeisun - December 10 - 4:00 pm

  My Titan has 600 miles on it now. Got it with 6. Very quick off the line! Nice growl to the exhaust and handles great! Took it on the highway for the first time and before I knew it I was cruising at 90. Truck drives Fantastic! Even at 70 had plenty of room for acceleration and passing power. Very comfortable and roomy if not more roomy than the Dodge Ram. Sound system is nice. Its no aftermarket system but for stock, its decent.

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  Converted Dodge Guy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Diesel - December 10 - 3:10 pm

  Since getting into a Titan I actually enjoy driving again. I cant remember the last time I have gotten into any vehicle and started smiling as I was driving. Even the congested roads of western Washington dont get me down anymore. The power and smooth response of this truck is like that of a sports car but with the capability of driving off road, pulling a tree stump, and hunting. Everything from the BF Goodrich tires to the XM satellite radio is just a joy to have. The engineering is excellent and nobody can touch the utility track bed. All I want to do is drive. I want to go on a road trip so bad I cant sleep at night. However, this weekend, Mt. St. Helens, "Baby."

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  luv my Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By philup44 - December 8 - 9:26 am

  Only had this Titan 2 weeks but it is a blast to drive. Too early to tell about reliability problems, but runs great so far.. gas is not too bad considering it is a full size pickup. I love the smoke color and get a lot of looks from others. Some even come up to me in traffic and ask how I like it! So far so good. I would recommend this truck to anyone!

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  DAMN...WHAT A TRUCK! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rvelaz - December 7 - 10:00 am

  WOW! This truck is awesome. I never thought a full size truck can handle so good and have such a boom at the launch... I love it!

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  04 titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Edwards - December 7 - 10:00 am

  excellent driving and towing vehicle

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  Just an overall awesome set of wheels - 2017 Nissan Titan
  By Brian Terk - December 2 - 11:48 pm

  For starters keep in mind that Im 44 years old and have owned multiple trucks from multiple manufacturers, Im not a "must buy this or that brand guy." The truck is too new to measure reliability yet, but Nissan gives you piece of mind with its standard bumper to bumper 5 year 100k warranty. What I love most about this truck is that nothing stands out, what do I mean by that? SV with convenience package has everything I need. The seats are ridiculously comfortable, the power is more than expected, the curb appeal is 2nd to none, the standard features do what theyre supposed to with no awkward controls. Everything just blends, operates and does what I expect it to and this truck is second none. Props to Nissan for a job well done!