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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  Hemi Killer - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Don - May 7 - 9:50 pm

  I traded in an 03 Dodge Ram Hemi for this truck. Many dont believe that it will run circles around the Hemi, but it truly does. Power is much more usable, with more torque to boot. The exhaust note, in stock form is "sweet." I bought the XE model and have customized it to be the truck that I personally desire. All in all, its a fantastic truck that sells for thousands less than those offered by GM, Ford and Dodge.

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  50 series flowmaster - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Shawn Swain - May 2 - 12:20 pm

  When I first got this vehicle I was getting 13 Miles a gallon in city and 15 on the highway. After driving the vehicle a month I put a 50 series flowmaster single exhaust on it. When checking mileage to my surprise it went from 13 to 15.5 city and 22 on highway. If you can withstand a little noise it is really worth putting one on. I have already paid for it in savings on gas at $2.50 a gallon. $230.00 flowmaster.

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  Titans Rock - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Lovethistruck - May 2 - 10:33 am

  Before I owned the Titan, I owned the Frontier, which I absolutley loved. Becoming the owner of a Titan was the best move Ive made. I put it up against my brothers 4x4 chevy pick up, and there was no comparison. I went everywhere in my Titan that he went with his truck engaged in the 4x mode, and mine is not a 4x!!! He was, to say the least shocked, and is thinking of becoming an owner of a Titan as well.

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  titan pickup likes and dislikes! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jym - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have not had the truck long enough to give it a honest evaluation,so a little down the road i will let you know. jym --

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  Best Purchase Ever - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By mjdevries - April 30 - 12:50 pm

  My wife and I had been looking at the titans ever since their debut in 04. We finally found a great price on an 06 SE KC 4x2. All around fantastic performer. Comfortable ride quality. though the stock drivetrain is excellent, I decided to add an intake, exhaust, headers, throttle body spacer, and programmer and WOW!!! My truck eats HEMIs for breakfast! everyone knows when I am coming down the street. This truck looks as great as it runs. I tow occasionally and it does it with no problems at all. It is like there is nothing behind me. We were so impressed with Nissan for this truck that we decided to purchase an 08 pathfinder as well. Now I dont have to fight my wife to drive my truck

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  First impressions - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Ron - April 30 - 12:26 pm

  Just took delivery in early January 07. I took 400 mile trip day after delivery and was well pleased with the performance and ride of this vehicle. I got 16 MPH and hope this improves. This truck is far superior to my 2003 GMC. I would advise anyone looking to buy a new pick up to check out the Titan before you buy.

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  2006 Nissan Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By ordosch - April 29 - 8:00 am

  So far, I have had no problems with this truck. Everyone at work tells me they love riding in the Titan. This truck is very comparable and competitive with other full size trucks on the market.

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  Still An Awesome Truck After 3 Years - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Allan - April 19 - 4:30 am

  Have used the truck for a variety of purposes including towing a travel trailer, offroading, commuting at times, traveling long highway distances, hauling building materials, etc. I havent had any problems other than two factory recalls. One for the wiring harness at the back doors and the other for an A/C related component. The truck responds flawlessly to all of my needs and above all it feels like a truck, not a living room on wheels. Exactly what I wanted in this type of vehicle. Handling is very good and stable but need to be cautious around sharp curves because of higher 4x4 centre of gravity. Poor gas mileage. Dont drive it every day & can live with higher gas consumption.

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  3 years of Titan Joyfullness - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Chrome Dome1313 - April 16 - 11:43 pm

  I have had my titan for 3 full years now and I love it. I have owned many cars and this is my second truck. I have been almost AMAZED at how reliable my Titan has been. I have almost 60k miles and really havent had a single thing wrong with it. Every american made car or truck I have owned has been a mechanics dream since I always had them in the shop. I just had to write and tell everyone how great my 2007 Titan has been over the years. I would highly recommend this truck to any buyers who are looking for a used truck.

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  Tight Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Dawg - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is well built, fun to drive and handles like a sports car. The engine is powerful and smooth. I love the 5 speed automatic tranny w/overdrive. Nissan hit a home run with this truck and I can only see it getting better as they continue develop this product. This is truly the beginning of the Asian invasion and I love it!