Nissan Titan

2004 Nissan Titan

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To this day, the Titan takes a noticeably different design direction compared to that of other full-size trucks. Taking a nod from Nissan's Pathfinder and Armada SUVs, the Titan has thoroughly macho styling cues, including flared fenders and a large bright chrome grille. Altogether it looks a little more in place in the city than many comparable trucks from other automakers.  

While most rival large pickups—especially those from the U.S. automakers—have targeted work use and company fleets, Nissan has always stayed focused on personal and recreational use for the Titan. The Titan has never come in a stripped-down base model, nor in a heavy-duty edition; focused models aim at off-roading and towing, but it's only offered with a large 5.6-liter V-8 engine.

That V-8 made 305 horsepower and 379 pound-feet of torque—upgraded to 317 hp and 385 lb-ft in 2007—which especially at the time of the Titan's 2004 introduction made it one of the fastest, most powerful standard-equipment trucks. However fuel economy is unimpressive—count on low teens in the city—with no smaller engine or V-6 offered. For those who don't mind, with its responsive five-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive, the powertrain is positively quick, and handling are good. Road noise is more accentuated than with other full-size trucks, though, and the rumbly, ever-present nature of the engine won't suit everyone.

The Titan has changed very little since it was first introduced, for 2004. The only significant difference is that for 2007, Nissan introduced long-wheelbase versions of the Titan for the first time, allowing many more build variations, and payload capacity was increased. Titan models can now carry up to 9,500 pounds. Most Titans receive the unique factory spray-in bedliner, and Nissan has offered some unique storage options like the cleated tie-downs that slide up and down tracks to secure a small, heavy object like an engine block.

King Cab and Crew Cab versions of the Titan are offered, Bed lengths are 6.5 or 8.0 feet, and Crew Cab models come with seating that's genuinely roomy enough for four adults. Cabin comfort is good, and there's been a very expansive feature list that has included, in recent years, options like Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio, and a DVD entertainment system.

Safety hasn't been the Titan's forte. In recent years it's achieved less-than-optimal results from both major crash-test organizations, though electronic stability control has been standard for many years and was optional when the Titan was first introduced.
 

2010 Nissan Titan

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