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2006 Nissan Titan Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
2006 Nissan Titan Review
Titan is the only import-brand pickup that matches domestic models for size and power. It offers two cab styles. King Cabs have rear-opening back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but can be swung out flat against the bodysides. Crew Cabs have four conventional-opening doors. Kings use a 6.5-ft-long cargo bed, Crews a 5.5-ft box. Both cab styles come in XE, SE, and top-line LE trim, all available in 2- and 4-wheel drive. SEs and LEs have front bucket seats, center console, and floorshifter. Optional on those models and standard on XEs is a front bench seat and column-mounted shifter. All Titans have a three-passenger rear bench seat. They also have a 305-hp V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability.

Titan's 4WD system includes low-range gearing but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. ABS is standard, an antiskid system optional. Traction control is standard with 4WD, available with 2WD. Also optional are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows. Crew Cabs include a power-down rear window with defroster. Power-adjustable pedals are standard on LEs, optional for SEs. Titans are available with a locking storage compartment in the left-rear fender, a factory spray-in bedliner, and a fold-flat front-passenger seat.
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 1/2-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider 3/4- or 1-ton models.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and GMC Sierra. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Ram, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra.
News
Titan is still relatively new on the scene, so little near-term change is likely.
2006 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 4.8

Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large trucks off the line, delivers ample passing power, 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, 14.5 in mixed city/highway use. 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 4.1

Firm always, choppy over broken surfaces, rail tracks, though suspension quick to quell secondary motions.
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 any of the breed, 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 4.5

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 7 7 5

King Cabs have acceptable knee room if front seats not more than halfway back. Crews have generous leg room. Three adults fit in either, but two are less crowded. Some testers find Crew Cab seat too upright, lacking in thigh support. King Cab rear doors open 180 degrees for great 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

Bins, cupholders abound in both cab styles, but bench seat's center-armrest cubby has a large, cumbersome lid. Crew Cab's near-flat rear floor, fold-up rear-seat cushions provide outstanding 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
7 7 6 6.7

Titan is strong competition for large domestic pickups in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. Some buyers may miss a regular-length cab and longer cargo beds, but this brawny Nissan 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
49 52 53 50.5
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
37
Average Score
50
High Score
60
2006 Nissan Titan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XE King Cab extended cab $23,400 $21,152 $705
4WD XE King Cab extended cab $26,600 $24,044 $705
2WD XE Crew Cab $26,250 $23,728 $705
4WD XE Crew Cab $29,450 $26,620 $705
2WD SE King Cab extended cab $25,550 $23,096 $705
4WD SE King Cab extended cab $28,750 $25,988 $705
2WD SE Crew Cab $28,050 $25,355 $705
4WD SE Crew Cab $31,250 $28,247 $705
2WD LE King Cab extended cab $30,350 $27,435 $705
4WD LE King Cab extended cab $33,400 $30,191 $705
2WD LE Crew Cab $32,850 $29,693 $705
4WD LE Crew Cab $35,900 $32,452 $705
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
XE
Powertrain
5.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
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 mirrors (Crew Cab), power windows (Crew Cab), power door locks (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear-hinged full-swing 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, front captain chairs w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, floorshifter, fold-flat passenger seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, illuminated visor mirrors.
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, rear radio controls (Crew Cab), automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, mirror-mounted turn signals, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear-fender lock box, bedliner.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
XE Crew Cab
$800
$694
Remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 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
$1,750
$1,519
SE Crew Cab
$1,850
$1,605
Popular Pkg. plus Rockford Fosgate sound system. NA w/front split bench seat.
Texas Titan Pkg.
SE
$2,500
$2,352
Unique interior trim, side steps, fog lights, bedliner, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/Side Airbag Pkg.
Side Airbag Pkg.
SE, LE
$1,200
$1,041
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, brake assist. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. LE requires Big Tow Pkg., step rails.
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, skid plates, off-road suspension, 285/70R17 white-letter tires, unique alloy wheels. XE requires Preferred Pkg., spray-in bedliner. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. and Big Tow Pkg. LE King Cab requires Big Tow Pkg., step rails.
Utility Bed Pkg.
SE
$950
$825
Utili-Track Bed Channel System, tie-downs, spray-in bedliner, rear-fender box, cargo power outlet. Requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. NA w/Texas Titan Pkg. Std. LE.
Texas Titan Utility Bed Pkg.
SE
$500
$433
Utili-Track Bed Channel System, tie-downs, rear-fender box, cargo power outlet. Requires Texas Titan Pkg.
Big Tow Pkg.
SE, LE
$400
$347
XE
$250
$217
Special axle ratio, power-extended mirrors (LE, SE), transmission-oil-temperature gauge, heavy-duty battery, 7-wire trailer-wiring harness, hitch receiver, XE requires Preferred Pkg., spray-in bedliner. 2WD XE/SE require Trac Pkg. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. LE requires step rails.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
LE
$1,800
$1,561
Requires step rails.
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. NA w/Texas Titan Pkg.
Power sunroof
SE/LE Crew Cab
$900
$780
Requires Side Airbag Pkg. SE requires Popular Pkg. or Rockford Fosgate Pkg. LE requires Big Tow Pkg., step rails.
Satellite radio
LE, SE, XE
$350
$304
Requires monthly fee. XE requires Preferred Pkg. SE requires Popular or Rockford Fosgate Pkg.
Front split bench seat
SE (credit)
$-150
$-131
LE (credit)
$-400
$-347
Under-seat storage bin
LE, SE, XE
$150
$111
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
XE, SE
$200
$175
Floormats
LE, SE, XE
$120
$90
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
$199
SE requires Utility Bed Pkg.
Spray-in bedliner
XE
$450
$391
Requires Preferred Pkg.
Tonneau cover
LE, SE, XE
$1,260
$991
2006 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. 75.1 75.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 4894 4837
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1529 1587
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 5
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4
Rollover Resistance 3 3
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 3/36,000 --
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
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