2004 Nissan Titan: Road Test
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2004 Nissan Titan ▼
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- MSRP: $22,400 -$34,200
- Invoice: $20,248 -$30,914
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan Titan includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan Titan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan Titan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan Titan help you decide if a 2004 Nissan Titan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest full-size trucks off the line, delivers ample passing power, and provides competitive 9500-lb towing capacity. Transmission upshifts smoothly, downshifts promptly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.3 |
Test 4WD XE Crew Cab averaged 12.1 mpg in all-city driving; expect 13-15 mpg overall. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Firm, and can be upset by broken surfaces, railroad crossings. Suspension reacts quickly to quell secondary motions. Not as soft as class-leading GM pickups, but not as bouncy as Dodge Ram 1500.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
Easy to drive around town and on highway, Titan may be the most nimble full-size pickup. Still, like all big pickups, rear axle tends to hop through bumpy corners. Meaty, accurate steering. Strong, responsive brakes.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Road, engine, wind noise nicely muted, but constant exhaust rumble can get annoying.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Gauges simple, easy to read. Controls generously sized, close to driver, but not always easy to see. Column-mounted transmission shift lever felt loose to some testers, but cleverly integrates toggle control for manual shifting. Console lever has convenient gated shift pattern. Interior assembly is solid enough, let down only by too many lightweight plastic bin covers. Cabin materials range from serviceable on XE, SE, to plush on LE.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 8.3 |
Some testers judge bench seat too flat, too firm for best comfort. All agree buckets are substantial, supportive. Ample head and leg room with either. Tall step-in requires grabbing steering wheel or grip handle.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Extended cab has passable knee room if front seats not more than halfway back. Crew cabs have generous leg room. Three adults fit, but two are more comfortable. Testers divided on crew-cab seat comfort: Cushion is comfortable or shy on thigh support, backrest angle comfortable or too upright. Innovative extended-cab rear doors enhance access, especially in tight parking spaces. Tall step-in requires use of grip handles.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 4.7 |
Lots of bins, cupholders throughout interior, though bench seat's center armrest bin has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew cab's near-flat rear floor, fold-up rear-seat cushions provides class-leading in-cab storage space. Locking fender compartment, tailgate cargo-bed lighting, track tie-down system are added assets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6 | 7.1 |
Nissan clearly did its homework on the Titan. Performance, comfort, and innovations match any direct competitor. Absence of a regular-length cab, longer beds, and heavier-duty models are shortcomings to some buyers. But for a wide variety of truck shoppers, Titan merits consideration.
Total Score
| 2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat | 4WD XE Crew Cab | 4WD LE crew cab w/bucket seats | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 53 | 54 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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