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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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By truckguy - July 24 - 12:10 am

  This truck has insane raw horsepower. It pulls my boat great, has plenty of leg room for kids/groceries. It looks great too. I have had issues with the clearcoat due to lovebugs (acidic bug in the southern US for yankee readers).

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  2006 LE CC 4X2 - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Terry - July 23 - 7:13 pm

  I absolutely love this truck! It took me a long time to decide on whether to buy a Titan due to the quality issues in the past. All issues have supposedly been fixed and I have had no problems. Ride and interior noise are similar to new F150s. Its rather odd to hear a throaty exhaust note coming from an import truck but it does not become annoying. Auto dual climate control is a nice option albeit a little confusing at first. The power folding mirrors are great for tight parking spots. Overall I am extremely please with the vehicle.

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  Awesome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By John Gundlach - July 21 - 2:33 pm

  This is one awesome truck. From the performance, engine, throaty exhaust or the looks you get on the street. The stereo rocks as does the DVD. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  2004 Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By rick smith - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I was a die hard ford guy until I drove the nissan. The new ford that I drove just didnt seem to have the power. The nissan when you kick it down has quite a bit of force. It will set you right back in the seat.

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Mick - July 13 - 5:40 pm

  Nissan has really kept stepping up to the game with the new Titan. There isnt anything I dont like about this truck.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Robertson - July 9 - 8:06 am

  I traded in a 2006 GMC Duramax for this Nissan Pro 4X and I am very happy with my decision. I have pulled loads up to the max towing weight and had no problems at all. I love the interior room and all of the great storage compartments. The Rockford Fosgate audio system is great! I love the bluetooth for my phone and the ride and handling are awesome.

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  Forget Detroit! This truck turns heads! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Monte to a TITAN - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven a sports car. I gave my wife my 2002 Monte Carlos SS (which by the way, the Titan will bury in a drag - Ive done it!). This truck is a keeper. I bought it planning for the future (room for a family, plenty of power to tow any boat or camper you can buy, and anything else you can think of). The truck has some minor problems. The speakers are not great (I dont have the Rockfords), but I didnt buy the truck for the sound system. Some cheap interior items, but nothing to really complain about. I love this truck!

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  Titanic - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By capturedword - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Great truck real head turner. Powerful Capable Comfortable

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  2008.5 NISSAN TITAN LE - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By nomad_1956 - July 6 - 11:26 pm

  This is one "great" truck, hands down. You have the feel of complete control with this truck. The performance reminds me of the 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix I once owned. Runs like a "scalded" dog. The comfort and room in the cab is not touchable by any truck maker today. "THE BEST TRUCK ON THE ROAD TODAY BAR NONE".

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  HAPPY OWNER - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DOWLIN - June 28 - 11:50 pm

  HAS ALL THE GOOD THINGS THAT YOU CAN NOT AFFORD ON U.S. CARS