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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  Fun to Own - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By George G. - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Do to the short time of owning this vehicle I can not give a long term review, but I can say that it has delivered everything the company advertises. I have yet to use it Off- Road but I expect it to handle just fine for a stock vehicle. The mileage could be better, but I still think it is a winner.

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  Nissan wont warranty Known Axle Issue. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By brad100 - April 1 - 8:22 am

  I took it in for brake service at about 56,000 miles and learned it had a leak in the rear axle seal on the passenger side. Nissan replaced the seal under warranty. I questioned if the axle was bad and was informed it was fine. 12,000 miles later it leaked again. This time I was informed of a Technical Bulletin stating the axle, bearing and seal should have been replaced as a unit. I complained all the way to Nissan Corporate and was informed they would not warranty it outside of the 60,000 mile warranty. Even though this was a pre existing problem and was not fixed right the first time. I will never buy another Nissan product because of this. They did not care!

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  Some Problems But Love My Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By 3riverssouth - March 20 - 10:30 am

  Bought my Titan back in July and have enjoyed it. 2 problems with the Titan so far. 1 - Leak from the A/C drain into the passengers side. Researching this has been a problem since 04 so should not have happened but did. 2 - Water leak from rear window. Took the dealer (Sheehy Nissan, MD) 3xs plus a call to Nissan USA to fix it. All in all no other problems and enjoy driving it. I have added a billet grille, chrome tube steps, tonneau cover and DVD system. Plan on keeping this truck for awhile.

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  Lots of Truck & lots of stops for gas - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff C - March 11 - 1:33 am

  In a single word..Phenomenal. after months of researching, and test driving. My choice was the f-150 or the titan. I made the right choice. The only draw back so far has been the frequent trips to the gas station. Yes, I know it is a big V-8, however it has yet to live up to the 18 miles hwy the sticker states.

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  Whats up with the gearing ? - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By TOM - March 5 - 2:03 am

  This truck is very comfortable, quiet cab, nice controls etc... but what really makes this truck disappointing is the GEARING. Nissan posts the truck has 379 ft/lbs of torque and the lowest gears you can get are 3.36:1 with the big tow package. The best fuel miles Ive gotten are 16mpg on the highway. You cannot make this truck accelerate just because it has a 5-speed transmission. Go Drive a NEW Silverado with a 5.3L (smaller) engine w/ 3.73:1 gears, result - the Chevy will out pull, out accelerate this Nissan everyday of the week and twice on Sundays plus the Silverado gets 19- 20mpg on the highway because of its OVERDRIVE transmission. GEARING is EVERYTHING in a truck this heavy. GM wins.

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  Tire sensors/check engine soon - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By jerkey - January 25 - 8:00 pm

  Just purchased / truck rides extremely well. Was surprised. Only problem with this truck is the tire sensors, if you change the tires you have to reset to have the light go out on dash. Mine is still lit. Another way to make you bring to dealership. Also engine service light comes on & stays on dont know why. Asked dealership people, they were mesmerized. I will write another review after I find out what is going on with these sensor lights?

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  Loud Exhaust is unwanted - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jc7892 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about the truck except the fuel millage and the loud exhaust which is quite annoying

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  Very Happy Titan Owner - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Robert K - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I dont need to say more than this is what a pickup is all about...

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  shaking steering wheel when breaking - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Sergio Baylon - January 19 - 7:10 pm

  fun to drive, when braking steering wheel shakes a lot (I mean a lot!!!), and the worst thing is they dont have enough spare parts to fix the problem (long waiting list, Ive been waiting since dec 9!!). Dealer says spare parts will fix problem temporarily, while nissan is finding out the real solution. I heard Nissan Armada got same problem.

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  probably wouldnt purchase again. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By boise - January 18 - 8:50 am

  I purchased a 04 se titan 4x4 w/ big tow and off rd pkg new 1/05. fun truck and looks nice, but i dont think i would ever buy one if i had another go at it. Fun to drive as long as you turn off the traction control everytime you get in it. Ive told many people it would be a great truck, if I bought it for my wife to drive the kids around in, but im not married so....I feel its a very safe "street" vehicle. if you plan on going anywhere you might need 4wd, lock it in before its needed. otherwise you might not get it to engage on demand. the mpg is not too good compared to alot of other trucks. I had to have the brake jutter kit installed. that did seem to take care of that issue.