2005 Nissan Titan Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Titan is the only import-brand pickup that goes head to head with the domestics for size and power. It offers two cab styles in XE, SE, and top-line LE trim. King Cabs have rear-opening back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but can be swung out flat against the bodysides--a pickup exclusive. Crew Cabs have four conventional-opening doors. Kings use a 6.5-ft-long cargo bed, Crews a 5.5-ft box. SEs and LEs include front bucket seats, center console, and floorshift. XEs come with a front bench seat and column-mounted transmission lever, which are optional for SEs and LEs. All models have a 3-passenger rear bench seat. The only engine is a 305-hp 5.6-liter V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Titan offers 2WD or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Traction control is standard with 4WD, available with 2WD. ABS is standard, an antiskid system optional. Front side torso airbags are available, as are head-protecting curtain side airbags covering both seating rows. For '05, the tailgate gets assist struts designed to ease opening and closing; and Crew Cabs add a power-down rear window with defroster. LEs adopt metal-look interior trim. Power-adjustable pedals are standard on LEs, optional on SEs. Titans also offer a lockable storage compartment in the left rear fender, factory spray-in bedliner, adjustable cargo-bed tie-downs, and a fold-flat front-passenger seat. Nissan's Armada SUV shares Titan's chassis and powertrain.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicle of choice for heavy-duty hauling and towing. They offer an array of cab styles and bed lengths and usually feature powerful V8 or diesel engines. For personal use, consider light-duty ½-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider ¾- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.

News

Titan has only just barged in, so little change is expected for the next couple of years.

2005 Nissan Titan Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room (crew cab)	Fuel economy

Towing ability	Exhaust noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat	4WD XE Crew Cab	4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats	Class Average
6	6	6	4.7

Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large 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
4	4	4	4

Firm always, gets choppy over broken surfaces and railroad tracks, though suspension quick to quell secondary motions. Not as soft overall as class-leading GM pickups.

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

Relatively easy to drive and maybe the most nimble big pickup. Still, as with rivals, rear end 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	4.3

Road, engine, wind noise nicely muted, but constant exhaust rumble can be tiring.

Controls

2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat	4WD XE Crew Cab	4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats	Class Average
5	5	5	6.5

Gauges simple, very legible. 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 solid enough, let down only by too many lightweight plastic bin covers. Cabin materials serviceable on XE and SE, 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 and firm for best comfort. All agree buckets are substantial, supportive. Head and leg room ample either way. High step-in requires grabbing steering wheel or assist 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	4.8

King Cabs have passable knee room if front seats not more than halfway back. Longer Crews have generous leg room. Three adults fit in either, but two are more comfortable. Some testers thought Crew Cab seat too upright and lacking in thigh support; others found it agreeable. King Cab's innovative rear doors open 180 degrees, great for access in tight parking spaces, but tall step-in hampers entry/exit in any Titan.

Cargo Room

2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat	4WD XE Crew Cab	4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats	Class Average
5	6	6	4.9

Lots of bins and cupholders throughout cabin, though bench seat's center armrest has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew Cab's near-flat rear floor, fold-up rear-seat cushions provide class-leading in-cab storage. 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 has done its homework. For performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features, Titan is strong competition for the big Dodge, Ford, and Chevrolet/GMC pickups. Some buyers may miss a regular-length cab and longer cargo beds, but the brawny Titan has a lot to like. It earns our Recommended approval.

Total Score

2WD SE ext. cab w/bench seat	4WD XE Crew Cab	4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats	Class Average
48	51	52	50.3

Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score		37
Average Score		50
High Score		60

2005 Nissan Titan Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/16/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD XE King Cab extended cab	$22,950	$20,746	$670

4WD XE King Cab extended cab	$26,150	$23,638	$670

2WD XE Crew Cab	$25,800	$23,322	$670

4WD XE Crew Cab	$29,000	$26,214	$670

2WD SE King Cab extended cab	$25,100	$22,689	$670

4WD SE King Cab extended cab	$28,300	$25,581	$670

2WD SE Crew Cab	$27,600	$24,948	$670

4WD SE Crew Cab	$30,800	$27,841	$670

2WD LE King Cab extended cab	$29,550	$26,711	$670

4WD LE King Cab extended cab	$32,600	$29,468	$670

2WD LE Crew Cab	$32,350	$29,242	$670

4WD LE Crew Cab	$35,400	$31,999	$670

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

5.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, center console, column shifter, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows (Crew Cab), power door locks (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear-hinged rear doors (King Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), cargo box light, rear defogger (Crew Cab), power-down rear window (Crew Cab), rear privacy glass (Crew Cab).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Color-keyed front bumper, black rear bumper.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare tire, 245/75R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, tow hooks.

SE adds to XE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior air filter, front captain chairs w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, floor shifter, fold-flat passenger seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, sliding rear window (King Cab), rear privacy glass, chrome bumpers.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

265/70R18 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, tow hooks.

LE adds to SE:

Powertrain

Traction control.

Safety

Rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, 6-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power-adjustable pedals, Rockford Fosgate sound system, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rear radio controls, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear-fender lock box, bedliner.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, tow hooks.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
XE Crew Cab	$750	$651
Remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, overhead console, theft-deterrent system.

Trac Pkg.
2WD XE, 2WD SE	$300	$260
Traction control, tow hooks. XE requires Preferred Pkg. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg.

Popular Pkg.
SE King Cab w/captain chairs	$1,250	$1,085
SE King Cab w/split bench seat	$1,100	$954
SE Crew Cab w/captain chairs	$1,350	$1,172
SE Crew Cab w/split bench seat	$1,200	$1,041
Rear-obstacle-detection system, split bench seat (w/split bench seat), 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls (Crew Cab), universal garage-door opener, extended overhead console (Crew Cab), automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator.

Rockford Fosgate Pkg.
SE King Cab w/split bench seat	$1,600	$1,388
SE King Cab w/captain chairs	$1,750	$1,519
SE Crew Cab w/split bench seat	$1,700	$1,474
SE Crew Cab w/captain chairs	$1,850	$1,605
Popular Pkg. plus Rockford Fosgate sound system.

Side Airbag Pkg.
XE	$850	$738
SE, LE	$1,200	$1,041
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system (SE, LE), brake assist (SE, LE). XE requires Preferred Pkg., Trac Pkg. (2WD), bedliner. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg., Big Tow Pkg., Trac Pkg. (2WD), Utility Bed Pkg. LE requires Big Tow Pkg., navigation system. LE Crew Cab requires power sunroof. 4WD requires Off-Road Pkg. SE Crew Cab, LE Crew Cab require rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Off-Road Pkg.
4WD SE	$1,150	$998
4WD XE	$1,450	$1,258
4WD LE	$1,000	$867
Limited-slip differential, special axle ratio, fog lights, tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, 285/70R17 white-letter tires, unique alloy wheels. XE requires Preferred Pkg. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. LE King Cab requires step rails.

Utility Bed Pkg.
SE	$950	$825
Utili-Track Bed Channel System, tie-downs, spray-in bedliner, rear-fender box, cargo power outlet. Std. LE.

Big Tow Pkg.
SE, LE	$400	$347
Special axle ratio, power-extended mirrors, transmission-oil-temperature gauge, heavy-duty battery, 7-wire trailer-wiring harness, hitch receiver, SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. 2WD SE requires Trac Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LE	$2,000	$1,735


Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
SE/LE Crew Cab	$1,450	$1,258
SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. w/captain chairs. 2WD SE requires Trac Pkg. 4WD SE, 2WD LE require Big Tow Pkg. 4WD LE requires Big Tow Pkg. or Off-Road Pkg.

Power sunroof
LE Crew Cab	$900	$780


Satellite radio
LE, SE, XE	$400	$347
XE requires Preferred Pkg. SE requires Popular or Rockford Fosgate Pkg.

Front split bench seat
SE (credit)	$-150	$-131
LE (credit)	$-400	$-347


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Step rails
LE	$300	$260


Utili-Track sliding bed tray
SE, LE	$210	$153
SE requires Utility Bed Pkg.

Utili-Track sliding bed extender
SE, LE	$280	$214
SE requires Utility Bed Pkg. NA w/tonneau cover.

Bed extender
XE, SE	$260	$188
NA w/Utility Bed Pkg. NA w/tonneau cover.

Utili-Track bed divider
SE, LE	$270	$201
SE requires Utility Bed Pkg.

Spray-in bedliner
XE	$450	$391
Requires Preferred Pkg.

2005 Nissan Titan Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Titan extended cab	Nissan Titan crew 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.	4966	5019

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	1640	1585

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.	38.9	40.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.0	40.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	5.6 /341

Horsepower @ rpm.	305 @ 4900

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	379 @ 3600

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	14/19

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Titan extended cab	Nissan Titan crew cab

Front Impact, Driver	5	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	4	NA

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	Optional/--	Extra charge Security Plus plan.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2005 Nissan Titan Photos

Also in the 2005 Nissan Titan Review:

Nissan Titan

Nissan Titan Road Test

Nissan Titan Prices & Equipment

Nissan Titan Specs & Safety

Nissan Titan Photos

Nissan Titan Full Review

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