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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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By TitanThunder - October 16 - 2:46 am

  Former Tundra owner here and happy to be so. The Titan is simply an awesome vehicle performance wise & fun wise. Its also twice the vehicle that my troublesome Tundra ever was. I have 3200 miles on my new Titan with 2500 of those coming over the holiday on a family trip last week. I purchased the LE & it has surpassed expectations. We had a trouble free, comfortable trip in the Titan & our three Toddlers fit easily & comfortably in the back seat with not one complaint about comfort the entire time. The Titan has endless power, a luxury car-like ride & little wind noise. Thats saying a lot, since we drove into some winds that exceeded 30mph on our trip. The Titan is just a fantastic truck!

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  Right On! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ARKT - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Started shopping of a truck last Sept. Drove Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Dodge before getting in a Nissan. Once I did, I was hooked. Excellent power, features, and comfort (especially the heated seats). Nissan did their homework and it shows, right down to the driver side cargo box, so I dont have straps behind the seats... eventhough they would fit.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Adrien Skarra - October 10 - 9:46 pm

  We bought a 2008 Nissan Titan fully loaded except the nav/entertainment system. We got the nice Pebble Beach colour. Over-all we are happy with the truck, plenty of power, handles nicely, luxury interior, awesome sound system (Rockford Fosgate), rides better than a Chev although it mainly has to do with the great seats (the truck has a much more heavy duty suspension and chassis set-up), and has very unique and handy features. We although had two VERY minor issues with the truck at 20,000km. The stereo twice now stopped producing sound but was on, and was fixed by turning the truck off and restarting it. The second issue is the Tire Pressure Sensor Light is on although the tires are fine!?

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  08 Still Great - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Owner - October 7 - 6:20 pm

  I love this truck. This is my first truck test drove others and there was no comparison. The power, smooth ride, distinctive attractive look, if there is a better truck out there it hasnt hit the U. S. yet. I was driving beside an F-150 in the rain he hydroplaned hitting the concrete wall, my Titan maneuvered around him safely unscathed. I have no reason to trade except when a newer model with must have amenities becomes available. Nissan please do not make the mistake and let the competition build this truck, I would be heart broken and it would probably cause me to jump ship.

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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Vincent Clarke - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck, more power than any other truck ive ever driven.

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  Look out American Truck Manufacturers! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Fan - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 GMC 1500 trucks which Ive used for towing my horse trailer and have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a true full size truck from a foreign automaker. The Nissan Titan has far surpassed my expectations. If you test drive the Titan, youll want one too. I purchased my Titan from Nissan of Keene in NH which was a great experience. I would definitely recommend this dealership. Im amazed that no other automaker has thought of the conveniences that are part of the Titan. This is an incredible truck with many great features that blows away its competition.

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  Truck? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gclarke - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Dumped a Range Rover after its leaving me stranded for the third time. The Nissan has been a real pleasure to drive. It is almost a shame to call it a truck. Smooth ride, excellent powerband, killer sound system. It pulls my boat and a full load in the bed without any problem.

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  Love the truck, hate the radio system - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Big man - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck. Have the 4 door version which provides me and my family plenty of room.

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  What a sport truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Kevante - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Have done my homework on buying a truck. For the money you can t go wrong. The motor and 5 speed trans. are worth the money alone. It is so roomy inside, you can really fit anyone inside the front or the back seats. You will get a lot of looks and get into long talks with people at car washes. I live in Az and still had to get the Galaxy black. what a color. Great overall. I have the LE model and love it.

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  Above Average - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Devin - September 29 - 8:46 pm

  I drove a Dodge 4x4 and it doesnt compare! This truck has great power, speed, and can handle itself in a crowd without any problem. Its had its share of problems though - complete brakes, rotors everything was replaced at 20k (unpublished recall). Replaced some switches from breaking, replaced wiring from rear passenger door because I had no trailer lights (recall), replaced tires at 35k, completely bald, and finally the doors wouldnt open when it got below 30 degrees (another unpublished recall). But I have to say cars fall apart, its a part of their makeup.