Large pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,000 – $37,500*


2005 Nissan Titan


2004 Nissan Titan


2005 Nissan Titan


2006 Nissan Titan

Pros:
  • Passenger room
  • Towing capability
Cons:
  • Engine noise
  • Fuel economy

Titan is strong competition for large domestic pickups in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. Some buyers may miss the regular-length cab and longer cargo beds available from Ford, GM, and Dodge, but this brawny Nissan offers plenty to like.

Overview

This Japanese automaker’s Mississippi-built Titan competed in size and power with Ford, General Motors, and Dodge rivals. It was offered in 4-dr extended-cab and 4-dr crew-cab versions in XE, SE, and top-line LE trim. The extended cab’s rear-opening back doors did not open independently of the fronts, but are hinged to open flat against the side of the body. Cargo-bed lengths were 6.5 ft for the extended cab, 5.5 for the crew. Standard on XE and optional on SE was a front bench seat with column-mounted transmission lever. SE and LE had standard front buckets with a center console and floor gearshift. All had a 3-passenger rear bench. The only engine was a 305-hp 5.6-liter V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Titan offered 2-wheel drive or 4WD that had to be disengaged on dry pavement but included low-range gearing. ABS was standard. Traction control was standard with 4WD, optional with 2WD. An antiskid system was optional, as were front side torso airbags and curtain side airbags for both seating rows. Power-adjustable pedals were standard on LE, optional on SE. Pickup firsts included a locking storage compartment in the left rear fender, factory spray-in bedliner, adjustable cargo-bed tie-downs, and a fold-flat front-passenger seat. Titan shared its chassis and powertrain with Nissan’s Armada large SUV.

Yearly Updates

2005 Titan
A power-down rear window became available for crew cabs.
2006 Titan
There were no 2006 changes for the Titan.
2007 Titan
Nissan’s full-size pickup truck got more power for 2007; 317 hp instead of 305.
2008 Titan
The 2008 Nissan Titan got slightly freshened styling, longer available cargo beds, and a new off-road-themed model, the 4WD PRO-4X. All Titans got a revised front-end appearance for ’08. Joining cargo beds of 5.5 and 6.5 feet were newly available 7-foot beds for Crews and 8-foot beds for Kings.
2009 Titan
Titan was largely unchanged for 2009.
2010 Titan
The 2010 Nissan Titan received curtain-side airbags and an antiskid system as standard equipment. Also, the 8-foot bed was discontinued.
2011 Titan
The 2011 Nissan Titan lineup got new trim-level designations but was otherwise largely unchanged. Trim levels included S, SV, SL, and off-road-themed PRO-4X. The S, SV, and SL replaced XE, SE, and LE, respectively.
2012 Titan
The 2012 Nissan Titan added a Sport Appearance Package with unique wheels and trim.
2013 Titan
Titan saw a raft of minor trim changes for 2013, among them a new tailgate with an available rear-view camera, cosmetic updates on the PRO-4X model, and the shuffling of some standard and optional equipment features.
2014 Titan
There were no significant changes for the 2014 Titan.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Titan is strong competition for large domestic pickups in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. Some buyers may miss the regular-length cab and longer cargo beds available from Ford, GM, and Dodge, but this brawny Nissan offers plenty to like. For 2007, Titan gets 317 hp instead of 305.

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.6/341
Engine HP 305
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 379
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

14/19

14.5

Road Test

Titan’s smooth, powerful V8 puts it among quickest large trucks off the line. There’s ample passing power and a competitive 9500-lb towing capacity. The responsive transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly.

Titan is thirsty, however. A Consumer Guide test 4WD XE Crew Cab averaged 14.5 in mixed city/highway use, and just 12.1 mpg in exclusively city driving.

Titan’s ride is always firm, and becomes choppy over broken surfaces. But Titan is relatively easy to drive and maybe the most nimble big pickup.

Inside, road, engine, and wind noise nicely muted, but constant exhaust rumble can be tiring on long highway drives.

Drivers will find large, simple gauges that are easy to read, and generously sized controls. Interior assembly quality is solid enough, but the lightweight plastic bin covers are a disappointment. Cabin materials are serviceable on XE and SE models, almost plush on LE.

Some testers found the bench seat too flat and firm for long-trip comfort, but all agree the available buckets are substantial, supportive. Head and leg room ample either way. A high step-in means grabbing the steering wheel or assist handle to ease entry.

In back, King Cabs have acceptable knee room if the front seats not more than halfway back. Crews have generous legroom. Three adults fit in either, but two are less crowded. Some testers find the Crew Cab seatback too upright, and lacking in thigh support. The King Cab rear doors open an impressive 180 degrees, allowing for great access in tight parking spaces.

Lots of bins and cup holders in both cab styles, but the bench seat’s center-armrest cubby has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew Cabs have a near-flat rear floor and fold-up rear-seat cushion to provide outstanding in-cab storage. The locking fender compartment, tailgate cargo-bed lighting, and track tie-down system are added cargo-management assets.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Nissan Titan 4WD LE Crew Cab with bucket seats

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Front - 9
90%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 53

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
139.8 224.2 78.8 75.0
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1587 28.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 40.4 41.8 40.4
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
139.8 224.2 78.8 75.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1529 28.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.0 38.9 41.8 33.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Titan Crew Cab crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Cold-starting problems
Description: The engine may not restart after a short trip (less than 10 minutes) in very cold weather (less than 10 degrees F), requiring replacement of the power distribution module. (2004)
Cold-starting problems
Description: In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2004-06)
Engine knock
Description: What sounds like engine knock may be a problem with service port fitting in the evaporative emissions control system, and a revised part is available. (2004)
Engine stalling
Description: The engine may not crank, may crank but not start, or the transmission may misbehave due to water getting into and corroding the connector between the engine control wiring harness and transmission wiring harness. (2004-05)
Fuel pump
Description: Inadequate power at wide open throttle due to poor fuel pump performance. (2004-07)
Mirrors
Description: The outside (door) mirrors quit moving because actuators fail. (2004-06)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission fluid may leak from the connections for the transmission cooler, but revised fluid lines and clamps have been released. (2004-05)
Vehicle noise
Description: Popping and squawking from the front end over rough roads, speed bumps, etc. requires replacement of sway bar bushings with improved ones. (2004-10)
Vehicle noise
Description: Banging or clunking noise from front end may require replacement of the coil springs with improved units. (2008-10)
Water leak
Description: Water may enter the passenger compartment due to tiny holes in the sealer between the windshield and cowl. (2004-08)
Water leak
Description: Water on the right front floor may develop as a result of inadequate seam sealer. (2004-08)
Water leak
Description: Water on the right front floor may develop as a result of inadequate seam sealer. (2004-08)
Windows
Description: Rear sliding window may leak, requiring drain holes to be drilled in channel. (2004-05)
Windows
Description: The power windows may quit working if the battery is disconnected or if the window fuse blows requiring reprogramming the windows. (2004-08)
Windows
Description: The auto-up feature may not work if the battery was disconnected or the power window is cycled numerous times without going fully up or down and must be reinitialized. (2007-09)
Electrical problem
Description: The electrical system could be damaged or even start a fire due to a short if trailer wiring is connected wrong. The company was updating earlier models with revised body control module and wiring harness, but only on vehicles that entered the shop so it is important to check that this service was performed. (2004-05)
None
Description: Lack of power at wide-open-throttle may be due to lack of fuel pressure requiring pump replacement. (2004-07)
None
Description: Inadequate power at wide open throttle due to poor fuel pump performance. (2004-07)

Recall History

2004 Titan
Description: The column shifter on trucks so equipped may have been damaged during assembly. The damaged shifter may not remain in park while stationary, resulting in a potential crash. Dealers replaced damaged shifter assemblies as necessary.
2004 Titan crew cabs
Description: The seat back shape may prevent the seatbelt from being pulled out after going into automatic locking mode. Dealers will replace the rear center seat belt with a new one free of charge.
2004-06 Titan
Description: Wiring problems may lead to seatbelts and front airbags becoming inoperable. Dealers will replace the wire harness cover with a different type that prevents over bending of the harness and the harness rerouted.
2004-2006 Titan
Description: The intelligent power distribution module (IPDM) assembly contains an engine control module (ECM) relay that has a diode for electrical current noise reduction. The ECM relay may allow silicon vapor to form and, over time, this could cause engine stalling increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the ECM relay inside the IPDM assembly. This service will be performed free of charge.
2005-09 Titan
Description: The fuel gauge may inaccurately display that the vehicle still has some fuel, typically about one quarter tank, when the fuel tank is empty. This could cause the vehicle to run out of gas and stall on the highway, which could cause a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel sender unit inside the fuel tank with a new improved sender card.
2006 Titan
Description: The rear door hinges on some trucks may not meet federal standards for retention during impact. Dealers replaced he hinges as necessary.
2008 Titan
Description: The tire information label lists an incorrect vehicle capacity weight, according to Federal regulations. Nissan will mail a correct tire information label and installation instructions to owners of the affected vehicles.
2008 Titan with manual front seats
Description: The manual seat-adjustment hardware may not fully engage when adjusted, increasing risk of injury in a crash. Dealers will inspect the seat track assembly on the driver and front-passenger seats and replace the entire seat assembly.
2008-10 Titan
Description: The brake pedal pivot pin end was not spin-formed to specification during the manufacturing process of the brake pedal assembly. The pivot pin could slide and cause the brake pedal to partially disengage from the brake pedal bracket. The driver will experience unusual and noticeable looseness in the pedal and a reduction in braking force increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect to see if the pivot pin had been formed properly and will replace the brake pedal assembly if necessary free of charge.
2012 Titan with Sports Appearance package
Description: Tire placard displays incorrect seating-capacity information.
2012 Titan
Description: Certification labels do not contain rim-size information.
2013 Titan
Description: Certain 2013 model Nissan Titan vehicles made between February 22, 2013 and May 3, 2013 may have brake master cylinders that intermittently reduce the pressure supplied to the front brakes.
2013 Titan
Description: Certain 2013 model Nissan Titan vehicles made between January 22, 2013 and February 20, 2013 and equipped with steering column-mounted transmission gear-selector levers may be able to be shifted out of Park without first depressing the brake pedal.
2014 Titan
Description: Certain 2014 model Titan King Cab and Crew Cab vehicles made between August 27, 2013 and November 13, 2013 have Tire and Loading Information labels that overstate the maximum load and passenger capacity of the vehicle.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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