2004-2008 Nissan Titan: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Towing capability
- Passenger room
Cons
- Engine noise
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Titan 4WD LE Crew Cab with bucket seats Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan.
Year to Year Changes
2005 Nissan Titan:
A power-down rear window became available for crew cabs.
2006 Nissan Titan:
There were no 2006 changes for the Titan.
2007 Nissan Titan:
Nissan's full-size pickup truck got more power for 2007; 317 hp instead of 305.
2008 Nissan 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.
Our road test for the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2004-2008 Nissan Titan is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Titan 4WD LE Crew Cab with bucket seats Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 9 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Titan includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Titan .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems:
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)
Cold-starting problems:
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)
Electrical problem:
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)
Engine knock:
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:
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)
Mirrors:
The outside (door) mirrors quit moving because actuators fail. (2004-06)
None:
Lack of power at wide-open-throttle may be due to lack of fuel pressure requiring pump replacement. (2004-07)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid may leak from the connections for the transmission cooler, but revised fluid lines and clamps have been released. (2004-05)
Windows:
Rear sliding window may leak, requiring drain holes to be drilled in channel. (2004-05)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $870 |
| Alternator | $560 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,605 |
| Brakes | $670 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,010 |
| Exhaust System | $850 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,450 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $910 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Titan details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Titan 2WD | $15,000-22,000 | $13,700-20,000 | $9,500-13,900 |
| Titan 4WD | $18,000-25,000 | $16,600-23,000 | $11,500-16,000 |
| 2007 | |||
| Titan 2WD | $12,200-19,500 | $11,000-17,600 | $6,800-10,900 |
| Titan 4WD | $15,000-22,000 | $13,700-20,000 | $9,500-13,900 |
| 2006 | |||
| Titan 2WD | $10,200-16,500 | $9,200-14,900 | $5,300-8,600 |
| Titan 4WD | $12,700-19,000 | $11,400-17,100 | $7,400-11,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| Titan 2WD | $8,700-14,500 | $7,800-13,100 | $4,500-7,500 |
| Titan 4WD | $11,000-16,500 | $9,900-14,900 | $5,900-8,900 |
| 2004 | |||
| Titan 2WD | $7,500-12,500 | $6,800-11,300 | $3,800-6,300 |
| Titan 4WD | $9,500-14,500 | $8,600-13,100 | $4,900-7,500 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Titan include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | ext. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 139.8 | 139.8 |
| Overall Length, in. | 224.2 | 224.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 78.8 | 78.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 75.0 | 75.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4837 | 4894 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1587 | 1529 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 6 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.0 | 41.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.8 | 41.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.4 | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.4 | 33.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 5.6 / 341 | 305 | 379 | 5-speed automatic: 14/19 | 5-speed automatic: 14.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Titan include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Titan Crew Cab |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2004-2008 Nissan Titan directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2004 Titan:
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:
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:
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.
2005-2006 Armada manufactured after March 17, 2005, with a Visteon air-conditioning-condenser fan motor:
The fan motor may not be properly sealed allowing excessive water intrusion and inadequate drainage of moisture. This could cause corrosion in the motor leading possibly to overheating and increases risk of fire. Dealers will test the air-conditioning-condenser fan motor and replace it, if necessary.
2006 Titan:
The rear door hinges on some trucks may not meet federal standards for retention during impact. Dealers replaced he hinges as necessary.
2008 Titan with manual adjustment front seats:
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:
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.
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