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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  Smooth Ride w/Power Cheap Features - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By SunDevil - January 30 - 2:23 am

  Overall truck does ride smoothly. Power and concept is good. Features and trim are cheaply built. Two weeks new embroidered "TITAN" on floor mats unglued. Since then, edging interior and exterior along rear window, front windshield, and other areas pops up and has to be resecured. Front captains chair shifts like it is not locked into place. Mileage is terrible but it is a truck and new that going in. Power is fun. Truck does ride well and interior room is nice versus tundra.

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  Best Truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Rafal Zep - January 28 - 7:26 pm

  Best Truck off and on road. Poor Hemi drivers have too smell my dust

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  Love my TITAN! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mary - January 23 - 7:56 am

  I have owned trucks all my life... Chevy, Ford and even a Dodge... By far this is the best truck for the money! Handling is superior. Takes a little while to learn to park this big boy in tight spots! Drive it, you will see for yourself that Nissan has created the perfect truck!

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  Verdict still out - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By verdict still out - January 21 - 6:20 pm

  4000 miles. Truck runs great. Noises coming from rear bed or axle when turning left. Gas mileage is less than competition. Smooth and quiet ride. Verdict is still out!

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  2009 Titan SE - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By tb - January 12 - 7:06 pm

  I purchases this truck to replace my 2005 titan that I leased. I personally liked the 05 much better. Some of the flashy features have been removed like the chrome mirror covers. The SE truck should come with fog lights. It also seems the suspension is a little different as the ride in the 09 seems to be bumpier.

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  Tundra What? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By toyturbodiesel - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is it, except for the new Ford nothing comes close. I wanted a Tundra in the worst way however Toyota has a lot of improving to do. It was a close call between the F-150 and titan however the Titan won me over with its all around competance. If you took the motor/tranny from the Titan and put it in a F-150 you would have possibly the best selling truck for 5 years with no major changes. I did like the F-150 interior though.

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  What a great feeling truck to drive - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Seattle Titan - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The truck itself is fun to drive, my only concern the lack of quality and the lack of customer service from nissan USA. Many issues with part not fitted right or not at all.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Brett M - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an F250 Super Duty crew cab with four wheel drive. I havent regretted it yet. This is a great truck. Solid, tight, a performer and great looking. The front bucket seats are exceptionally comfortable and the ride very quiet. Performance is a plus. Good gas mileage is lacking, although I believe Im getting better than others have reported. I do a lot of highway driving and have seen 20.3 mpg and as good as 18.4 mpg, combined. Im averaging about 17. Not bad when you compare it to the 12 mpg I was getting in my Ford. Although Ive only had my Titan for a month, overall, Im very happy with the purchase. I think Ill keep her.

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  best truck ever - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ythfdjhf - December 31 - 10:00 am

  this truck is the best truck ever without a doubt. I love it. It overpowers all the others and looks better too. the toyota is too small and underpowered and the others have that "quality american build" feature attached to them.

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  1st Full Size Truck, AWESOME!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TitanCrew42 - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my very 1st full size truck and it is AWESOME!!!! I never expected to enjoy driving a vehicle as much as I do my Titan. Its got plenty of power and its very comfortable. Cant wait to tow something huge!