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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  Dont buy an F-150 yet - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mr. Titan - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the truck last week and am in love. Go for the Crew Cab Le, you wont regret the extra money. This truck has it all: power, looks, comfort, and utility. Gas mileage is what you would expect for the power this truck has. I tear up my friends Silverado with the 5.3.

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  This is an awsome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jtrayser - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is absolutely amazing! It is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and Ive bought new vehicles every year for the past 4 years. Ive been a dedicated Ford guy and this Truck far and away beats the new F-150. I also bought a "04" XTerra with the World championship package for my Wife and we are now a dedicated Nissan Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Nissan Titan 2004 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By KenB12345 - August 27 - 4:53 am

  Plenty of smooth power. Poor stereo reception (dealer replaced entire stereo to fix), otherwise excellent vehicle.

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  DRIVE ONE !!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By win86 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Ford man for 30 years.After problems with my last two I decided to try something new.So far I love this truck.I opted out of the "Big Tow" & "Offroad Pkg" to get better mpg.With 2500 miles on the truck Im getting 16-18 mpg (Better than my 5.4 Fords & lots of smooooth power).Silky transmission. DRIVE ONE !!!

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By DB - August 23 - 10:23 pm

  I just traded in my 2006 Audi A4 Quattro and my 2004 Ford Ranger for this truck. Ive always loved my audi for its fit and finish, and fun to drive factor and the ranger for its ability to tow our boat and jetskis. I needed a full size truck to tow our "toys" more easily. The Titan is great for towing and has every single feature I had on my Audi. Its the best of both worlds. The truck was fully loaded with XM radio, Rockford Fosgate audio, leather, moonroof, nav, bluetooth, rear dvd ent system. In one week Ive racked up 1980 miles avg highway is 17 mpg, city approx 13. If you drive over 70, say 80ish, fuel econ drops sharply to 14-15. PRO4x ride is firmer than LE but smooth on highway.

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  Good Truck/Bad Company - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By John - August 16 - 5:00 am

  Did my homework. I love my Titan with a couple of exceptions. Soon after purchase, it felt like there was a role of quarters in the left side of my seat cushion. To their credit, dealer replaced seat. However, seat is still uncomfortable (should have got the leather I suppose). Also, the truck has no outside temp gauge - I cant believe it. Dealer is no help and emails and calls to Nissan net no response at all. As a result, I will never buy another Nissan product. Other than that, I really do like everything else about this truck. But alas, I hear Nissan is giving up after their first try. I wonder where the Tundra would be if Toyota gave up after just one shot at it?

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  V8 Power! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - August 10 - 5:56 am

  When considering this vehicle, the V8 32 valve engine is what convinced me - not to mention the utility of it. Ive put 62,000 miles on it. Love the torque power but have dealt with too much inconsistent quality issues that im considering trading it in. Some of the failures of it were poor brakes (9,000 miles started to shimmy. Dealer repaired it. Not to mention I learned how to repair my brakes afterwards), electrical wiring to a/c blower failed. Door locks froze badly, dealer recall. Differential oil would leak on inner wheel, something not all dealers willing to repair esp. if warranty is up. Gas mpg not accurate to sticker. Ave 12-14. And thats with babying it.

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  Still New - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tcarpn - August 3 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased the Titan LE one week ago only have 400 miles on it and everything seems fine very powerful and drives very good

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  Awesome truck! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Shawn - August 1 - 12:36 am

  I love my truck! Yes the gas is an issue but the power that this monster has makes you forget that! I did have an issue with the radio but got it taken care of pretty cheap. This thing is huge. The parking sensors definitely come in Handy. My wife loves driving it too as you feel like King of the road, no one will cut you off ever!

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  Titan of Titans - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Go_Vols! - July 25 - 11:50 pm

  My 1st was an 05 LE 4x2, now I have an 09 LE 4x2. The 05 was a beast that never let me down. It had initial quality issues, which were mainly fit & finish, squeaks & rattles, but the dealer fixed all. I drove the 05 65K trouble-free miles then sold it for $15,100. The 09 incentives are too good to pass up. My 05 didnt have DVD, Navi, Sunroof, or tow package, which is why I wanted a loaded one. The Â’05 was a terrific truck, but the Â’09 blows its predecessors out of the water by far! Fit and finish is tops and the new interior adds some much needed class! With a tow rating of 9,100 Lbs, I can now buy & tow a bigger cabin cruiser when I join the Volunteer Navy in Knoxville on game days!