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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  Nissan Titan, should be Nissan Titanic.. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By serch - May 30 - 9:10 am

  After reading a ton of great reviews on the truck I finally test drove one and purchased it. It had all the bells and whistles that one could ask for in a full size truck. However that was short lived. After a month the truck was in the shop more then I had it. 7 trips in less then 3 weeks. Total of 12 trips in 3 months before I got rid of it. Be aware of the major brake judder problems. Gas mileage never got to what the sticker suggested. I usually only got 9mpg city and was lucky to get 11 on the highway. Pulling my 5000 pound trailer I got 8mpg.

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  problems at first minor things happening - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rick d - May 27 - 7:20 pm

  PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM LOT NO TEST DRIVE.1ST PROBLEM TIRES(BF GOODRICH TA) TIRES SHIMMY REPLACED ALL FOUR WITH NEW. 2ND,RADIO STATIC REPLACED BY DEALER. 3RD SKID PLATE SCREWS FOR OIL FILTER STRIPPED WAITING FOR NEW ONES STILL.TITAN IS A STRONG BEEFY TRUCK THAT THE COMPETITION CANT TOUCH FOR POWER OR COMFORT.I JUST WISH NISSAN WOULD MAKE STANDARD OPTION OF POWER MIRRORS FOR THIS TRUCK XE MODEL.

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  Big, comfortable truck - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Billy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Took on a 500 mile trip right after we bought it. Love the room, even with kids car seat in the back. Excellent ride, excellent power. Bought the truck instead of a larger car - no regrets. Got a great deal with the rebate. Made the truck cheaper than a king cab Tundra. Also made here in Tennessee which is a plus although did not look at any American trucks. No down side up to now. Have taken three grandkids in car seats on two trips - plenty of room.

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  Surpasses expectations! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Leo Gomez - May 19 - 2:30 pm

  Recently had to choose one of the 5 great full sizes offered. The Nissan was not only very well priced, but its the only 1/2 ton pickup with a full size 4dr cab and a 7ft+ bed. Great combo for someone like me who loves to put motorcycles in the back and go camping. Very quiet which is great, the dual zone climate control works flawlessly and the chairs are comfortable!

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By leeward - May 18 - 2:00 am

  This truck is what a truck should be, undeniable performance, comfortable ride and a sound system so clear you forget about the outside world. The engine is powerful and the transmission silky smooth. Having all this power and responsiveness in a large truck has turned me into a lead foot. I test drove the 1500 4x4 Quad Cab Dodge Hemi, and the new F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 and in my honest oppinion the Titan the clear winner.

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  100% Worth it. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kevin - May 14 - 3:46 pm

  When I wanted this truck my wifes first words were "Its ugly." but after driving it she never looked back. We were like the 2nd owners of a TITAN in the state and I have put it through its paces. Awesome power and torque in a "You were right babe, it grows on you" style that was unique to the truck market. I have no complaints at all. It will haul almost anything and pulls almost like a diesel. When you need passing power there are plenty of horses in the corral just asking to be let out. Nowadays manufacturers lean towards a carlike ride.Want a car buy one. As soon as this ones paid for my wifes getting it and Im Getting the 4wd crew cab.You can bet it aint just for looks either.

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  Moved on to bigger better nissan! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Josue - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a truck and I swore I never would. All my life I always drove cars and that was that. I never even liked SUVs. However that wears thin and so did my 300zx turbo. Now im a proud owner of a NISSAN TITAN. Only thing im scared of is that the truck is almost running out of gas, see when I purchased it the dealer filled it up and also washed it. I now have had the truck for 2 whole days an already have 280miles on it. I cant stop driving it plus I want to break it in. Well 27 gallons here we come. =)

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  BACK AGAIN, and again - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - May 14 - 4:46 am

  Now at 12,000 miles and couldnt be happier. Truck is truly awesome. This truck turns heads and no one and I mean no one tries to out run me...fantastic is all I can say.. when my lease runs out this will be mine for ever.... people can not believe how good it rides, sound system and power.

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  Perfect - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Tim M. - May 14 - 12:56 am

  I have only owned my truck for 2 weeks and I love it. Did a lot of research on the web about the 08 Titan and felt it was right me. Test drove all brands and the Titan won hands down. The kids love the rear overhead radio and I love the performance. Have not pulled our 26 camper yet but I think it will do better the 250 I traded in. Had a Leer cap installed last week and I get a lot of compliments on the looks of the truck. I will buy another Titan in the future.

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  A great truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By George - May 10 - 3:56 am

  Great looks. Strong engine. Very good comfort. Fine 5 speed transmission. Many little extras not found on other trucks. Not great gas mileage, about par for 4X4 trucks. Impressed with the standard limited slip rear and front wheels. Super audio system. Get the XM radio, it is the best system. It must be ordered and factory installed to be incorporated with the fine radio system. Better price compared to GMC or Chevy. Did not price Ford or Dodge.