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:

• 

  Titan doesnt live up to its name - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Adam - December 2 - 8:20 pm

  We purchased the truck new in 05. Currently we have 52,000 miles on it. The truck has plenty of power with the trade off being mileage. We see an average of just over twelve. We have gotten 18 on premium and 8 on E85. The truck has been plagued with both minor and major problems. Minor being tire pressure sensors leaking or needing recalibration and back up sensors. Major being brakes, replaced front differential which took Nissan 2weeks, Fuel tank pressure sensor, and a fuel mixture sensor. Overall it is an O.K. truck but for real work I would prefer a Ford or Chevy. It is a sweet ride coming off the lot and in town but that is as far as you can take it.

• 

  Best all around package - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By NickRich - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car or truck does not exist. However, the new Titan is a close as you can come to this elusive state in a truck. Loaded with Navi, DVD and anything elese money could buy, my truck was expensive, but I love it. Coming from a Tundra and after testing the new F150 and Dodge 1500 Hemi, there is no denying the faxt that this truck is so much more refined in the ride, quiet in the cabin, loaded with features and roomy (!). Go check it out for yourself if you dont believe me.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gbeckerboy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this truck. Looked at all of them before buying this one. Even looked at Yukons, Pilots, and Escapes. Plenty of room for everyone in the cab. Very responsive. Im sure it will burn the gas but I didnt buy it for the gas mileage.

• 

  Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By skjdofjwiojriow - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a fine truck. I was hesitant to buy the first year production of a truck but it has worked out ok with one exception. The performance of this truck is great. It is fast. The drive is like a car. The exeption (this truck has 11k miles on it) the drivers electric window recently broke, wont role up. Other than that problem, Im extremely happy with the vehicle. The pricing on the Titan is very competetive. Though I was attracked to the Dodge truck, it was quite a bit more expensive. Im quite happy with my purchase.

• 

  solid truck that wont disappoint - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By NC Truckin - November 17 - 11:23 pm

  The 05 Titan is a fantastic truck that any full-size buyer should investigate. I was on the verge of buying an F-150 during the great summer deals (also a nice truck) but I decided to test drive the Titan before I bought. Boy am I glad I did! The Titan has a MUCH more impressive driveline than F-150, even with the bigger Ford V8. Torque and HP numbers dont mean much...its how the vehicle feels that matters, and Titan feels great. Ive had it 6 months, and there has only been one small problem; the dealership took care of it immediately. Yes it has poor gas mileage, but that shouldnt be a surprise to anybody (just look at the size of the thing!). You wont be disappointed w/ Titan.

• 

  I will buy another Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Harris - November 11 - 4:16 am

  Having owned my Titan for a year and a half I have recentley been doing some research for a new vechicle. After looking at a number of candidates and test driving some, I have come to the same conclustion as before, the Titan is best. I looked closely at the Honda Rigdeline (for its carlike ride), Jeep Rubicon(for its off-road capabilities) and the standard domestic trucks. Although each of the above vechicles had strong points they also had weak areas which disqualified them for me. The Titan I rated at least an 8 in the lowest catogory in this review and in most cases 9 or 10. I now have 80,000 miles on it and it is still the finest truck I have ever driven.

• 

  Titan - Drive the BEST - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Fanatic - November 8 - 9:40 am

  This is the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. I cant complain about the fuel economy, because thats not why I purchased the Titan. In reality, its not that bad considering the powerful engine. Im getting the same fuel economy that I had with my 2001 Nissan Xterra, which was a V6, and the Titan is far superior.

• 

  Manufacture Support lacking - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Jab - November 1 - 9:40 am

  I have mixed feeling about my Titan ownership experience. I have had 3 batteries replaced in a truck with only 63k on it. I was working with Alice from Nissan and she advised no help would be provided even though the last battery was purchased about 2 years ago. Nissan will prorate however at the cost of $80. They take the position this is normal and haven’t identified anything wrong with it. The take away is the lack of support from the manufacture, so keep this in mind when making your purchase.

• 

  the best truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ross ayala - October 16 - 10:23 pm

  i think the titan is the best truck ive ever owned its cool looking its a tuff truck and its powerful but it needs to come with a grill in the bottom of the front bumper. but its still a good truck.

• 

  2008 Better than Ever - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By CMC - October 16 - 1:26 pm

  I traded up from a 2004 and have to say Nissan did a better job listening to the input from consumers on what was working and not working. FFV as standard on most of their trucks gives a great alternate fuel. Ive averaged 12 mpg city and 14 mpg highway on ethanol (E85). At 50 cents less a gallon, the cost savings start adding up with very little mileage loss. Better larger brakes, 20 inch rims and tires to boot. I have the new long bed combined with Crew Cab. Can haul more gear and the gang with spacious cabin room. Ride is better with longer frame as well. Ive owned trucks from Chevy and Ford. The Titan quality stands out by far.