Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2008 Nissan Titan Full Review
Date Published: 6/03/08
2008 Nissan Titan Review
The 2008 Nissan Titan gets slightly freshened styling, longer available cargo beds, and a new off-road-themed model. These large pickups come as the Crew Cab and as the extended-cab King. Kings have rear-opening back doors that don't open independently of the fronts, but swing out flat against the bodysides. Joining cargo beds of 5.5 and 6.5 feet are newly available 7-foot beds for Crews and 8-foot beds for Kings. Trim levels include XE, SE, LE, and new off-road-themed PRO-4X. The sole powertrain teams a 317-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 9500 lb. XE, SE, and LE models are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that has a low-range gear for off-roading, but it should not be left engaged on dry pavement. PRO-4X models are 4WD only. Available safety features include: ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All Titans have a revised front-end appearance for '08. Standard seating is for six with front and rear benches. Available front bucket seats reduce seating to five. Also available are power-adjustable pedals, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large Pickup Trucks are traditionally the vehicles 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 half-ton models. For heavy-duty or commercial use, consider three-quarter- or one-ton models.

We have no Best Buys in this class. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Avalanche, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra 1500, and Toyota Tundra.

News
Sources forecast a redesigned Titan for model-year 2010. Intriguingly, Nissan is said to be working on medium- and heavy-duty pickups that could bow around then--and could be more bad news for beleaguered Detroit brands.
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
6 6 6 6 5.3

Smooth, powerful V8 puts Titan among quickest large trucks off the line. Passing punch is ample. The transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly.
Fuel Economy

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
3 3 3 3 2.8

In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Titans averaged 12.1 mpg in all-city driving and 14.2-14.5 in city/highway use. Titan uses regular-grade gas, and it can also run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
Ride Quality

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
4 4 4 4 4.7

Firm always, with marked chop over broken surfaces and rail tracks. The suspension does a good job of quelling secondary motions, however.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
4 4 4 4 3.6

Relatively easy to drive and nimble for a big pickup. Still, as with any of the breed, the rear end tends to hop through bumpy corners when the cargo bed is empty. Steering feel is accurate, and the brakes delivery drama-free stops.
Quietness

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
4 4 4 4 5.6

Road, engine, and wind noise are nicely muted, but Titan's constant exhaust rumble gets tiring on long drives.
Controls

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.3

The gauges are simple, clean design. Most controls are generously sized and close to the driver, but they're not always easy to see. Some switches re mounted too low for quick access while driving. The column-mounted transmission shift lever felt loose to some testers, but it cleverly integrates a toggle control for manual shifting.
Details

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
4 4 4 4 5.2

Titan's cabin is let down by an overuse of hard plastic materials and mediocre assembly quality. The glovebox lid has a flimsy, insubstantial feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
7 7 7 8 8.2

Some testers judge the bench seat too flat and firm for best comfort, and its center position is inhospitable. All agree the buckets are substantial and supportive. Headroom and legroom are ample either way. High step-in requires grabbing the steering wheel or assist handle to enter.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
3 6 3 6 5.3

King Cabs have acceptable knee space if the front seats not set far back. Crews have generous legroom. Three adults fit in either, but two are less crowded. Some testers find the Crew Cab seat too upright and lacking in thigh support. King Cab rear doors open 180 degrees for great access in tight parking spaces. Tall step-in hampers entry and exit in any Titan.
Cargo Room

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
5 6 6 6 5.3

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 King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
6 6 5 5 6.6

Limited to just one engine and two cab configurations, Titan's appeal is narrower than that of its large-pickup competition, though new longer cargo beds are nice for those who need the extra space. Titan also is strong in performance, comfort, utility, and available safety features. If you need what it offers, this brawny Nissan is worth a look.
Total Score

2WD SE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD XE Crew Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE King Cab w/bench seat 4WD LE Crew Cab w/bucket seats Class Average
53 57 53 57 58.9
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks

Low Score
38
Average Score
58
High Score
70
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Nissan Titan Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XE King Cab extended cab, short bed $25,330 $22,946 $745
2WD XE King Cab extended cab, long bed $25,930 $23,488 $745
4WD XE King Cab extended cab, short bed $28,180 $25,523 $745
4WD XE King Cab extended cab, long bed $28,780 $26,065 $745
2WD XE Crew Cab, short bed $27,880 $25,251 $745
2WD XE Crew Cab, long bed $28,480 $25,794 $745
4WD XE Crew Cab, short bed $30,730 $27,827 $745
4WD XE Crew Cab, long bed $31,330 $28,370 $745
2WD SE King Cab extended cab, short bed $27,330 $24,754 $745
2WD SE King Cab extended cab, long bed $27,930 $25,296 $745
4WD SE King Cab extended cab, short bed $30,180 $27,331 $745
4WD SE King Cab extended cab, long bed $30,780 $27,873 $745
2WD SE Crew Cab, short bed $29,530 $26,742 $745
2WD SE Crew Cab, long bed $30,130 $27,285 $745
4WD SE Crew Cab, short bed $32,380 $29,319 $745
4WD SE Crew Cab, long bed $32,980 $29,862 $745
4WD PRO-4X King Cab extended cab, short bed $31,980 $28,958 $745
4WD PRO-4X Crew Cab, short bed $34,180 $30,946 $745
4WD PRO-4X Crew Cab, long bed $34,780 $31,489 $745
2WD LE King Cab extended cab, short bed $33,030 $29,907 $745
4WD LE King Cab extended cab, short bed $35,730 $32,347 $745
2WD LE Crew Cab, short bed $35,230 $31,895 $745
2WD LE Crew Cab, long bed $35,830 $32,438 $745
4WD LE Crew Cab, short bed $37,930 $34,335 $745
4WD LE Crew Cab, long bed $38,530 $34,878 $745
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.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front split bench seat, center console, column shifter w/manual-shift capability, split folding rear seat, power windows (Crew Cab), power door locks (Crew Cab), AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear-hinged full-swing rear doors (King Cab), front-hinged rear doors (Crew Cab), cargo-box light, power-down rear window (Crew Cab), rear privacy glass (Crew Cab).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 265/70R18 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control.
SE adds to XE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, 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.
PRO-4X adds to SE:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, traction control, locking rear differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear-fender lock box, color-keyed bumpers.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, tow hooks, off-road suspension, 275/70R18 all-terrain white-letter tires.
LE adds to SE:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated front captain chairs, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, 6-way power fold-flat passenger seat , memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), power-adjustable pedals, floorshifter, Rockford Fosgate sound system, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, rear radio controls (Crew Cab), wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear-fender lock box, bedliner.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: manual-shift capability.
Tow hooks, 275/60R20 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Preferred Pkg.
XE Crew Cab
$1,000
$867
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, overhead console, map lights, chrome grille, alloy wheels.
Trac Pkg.
2WD XE, 2WD SE
$250
$217
Traction control.
Popular Pkg.
SE/PRO-4X King Cab
$1,100
$954
SE/PRO-4X Crew Cab
$1,200
$1,041
Rear-obstacle-detection system, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Popular Pkg. w/Captain Chairs
SE/PRO-4X King Cab
$2,150
$1,866
SE/PRO-4X Crew Cab
$2,250
$1,952
Popular pkg. plus front captain chairs, Rockford Fosgate sound system, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.
Leather Pkg.
PRO-4X King Cab
$3,350
$3,079
PRO-4X Crew Cab
$3,650
$3,166
Rear-obstacle-detection system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), heated power mirrors, Rockford Fosgate sound system, satellite radio, steering wheel radio controls, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.
Leather Pkg. w/Captain Chairs
PRO-4X King Cab
$3,900
$3,383
PRO-4X Crew Cab
$4,000
$3,470
Side Airbag Pkg.
SE, PRO-4X, LE
$1,200
$1,041
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antiskid system, brake assist.
Utility Bed Pkg.
SE
$950
$825
PRO-4X
$800
$694
Utili-Track Bed Channel System, tie-downs, spray-in bedliner, rear-fender box, cargo power outlet.
Tow Pkg.
4WD SE/PRO-4X/LE
$450
$391
XE
$300
$260
2WD SE/LE
$470
$408
Special axle ratio, power-extended mirrors (LE, SE), transmission-oil-temperature gauge, heavy-duty battery, front tow hooks, 7-wire trailer-wiring harness, hitch receiver.
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 5.6-liter V8 engine
LE, PRO-4X, SE, XE
$0
$0
Not available in all areas.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
PRO-4X, LE
$1,800
$1,561
DVD entertainment system
SE/PRO-4X/LE Crew Cab
$1,450
$1,258
Power sunroof
SE/PRO-4X/LE Crew Cab
$900
$780
Front split bench seat
LE (credit)
$-150
$-131
Includes column shifter w/manual-shift capability. NA 4WD LE King Cab.
Under-seat storage bin
LE, PRO-4X, SE, XE
$150
$111
XE King Cab requires Preferred Pkg.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
XE, SE, PRO-4X
$230
$199
Floormats
LE, PRO-4X, SE, XE
$125
$97
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Step rails
LE
$300
$260
Utili-Track sliding bed extender
SE, PRO-4X, LE
$270
$213
Bed extender
XE, SE
$260
$194
NA w/Utility Bed Pkg.
Rear bumper assist step
LE, PRO-4X, SE, XE
$225
$199
Utili-Track bed divider
SE, PRO-4X, LE
$270
$213
SE, PRO-4X require Utility Bed Pkg.
Spray-in bedliner
XE
$450
$391
   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Nissan Titan Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Nissan Titan extended cab short bed Nissan Titan crew cab short bed Nissan Titan extended cab long bed Nissan Titan crew cab long bed
Wheelbase, in. 139.8 139.8 159.4 159.4
Overall Length, in. 224.6 224.6 224.3 224.3
Overall Width, in. 78.8 78.8 78.8 78.8
Overall Height, in. 74.6 74.6 74.4 74.4
Curb Weight, lbs. 4894 4837 -- --
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2013 2063 1725 1762
Fuel Capacity, gals. 28.0 28.0 37.0 37.0
Seating Capacity 6 6 6 6
Front Head Room, in. 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.8 41.8 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 38.9 40.4 38.9 40.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.0 40.4 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. 317 @ 4900
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 385 @ 3600
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed automatic 12/17
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 short bed Nissan Titan crew cab short bed Nissan Titan extended cab long bed Nissan Titan crew cab long bed
4WD Rollover 3 3 NA NA
Front Impact, Driver 5 5 NA NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4 NA NA
Rollover Resistance 4 4 NA 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 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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Nissan Titan
Trim Level:  LE
Arrival Date:  09/13/2007
Engine:  dohc V8
Bodystyle:  crew cab short bed
Transmission:  5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $35,150
Price as Tested:  $36,900
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3791
Mileage at End of Test:  4484
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  48.75 gals.
 

Major Options:  Floor Mats, Tow Package (Class IV Receiver Hitch, 7-Pin wiring Harness with Trailer Brake Prewiring, Transmission Temperature Gauge and HD Battery, Extending Power Tow Mirrors) Step Rails, Sliding Bed Extender, (Credit for Leather Bench, replacing captain seats)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  14.22 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta Maybe two body styles are all that's needed now that Titan offers a choice of four bed lengths. What this fine truck really could use is a diesel engine. That would put it on more shopping lists, and buyers would discover a rig that gives up little performance to its domestic or import-brand rivals, and one should be available with tempting discounts as Nissan battles to stay a player in the ever-more-cutthroat big-pickup market.

Ed Piotrowski Titan is the T-bone of the full-size truck world. It's not as nice as a filet mignon (Chevy Silverado) or New York strip (Ford F-150), but it's still a good cut of meat. This Nissan has brawny looks, a solid powertrain, and it rides well enough. Regrettably, it comes up short in terms of interior quality. Further, it doesn't have nearly the depth and breadth of models and option choices of its domestic-branded rivals.

John Biel The Titan offers some thoughtful features that pickup owners who really do things with their trucks--be it work or leisure--will appreciate. It's strong and, in LE trim, fairly nicely appointed. Power is good and ride is not bad, either, for a large pickup. Nissan has built a truck that is worth the time of critical shoppers to consider.

Tom Appel There's nothing wrong with Titan. How's that for faint praise? Truth is, every full-size pickup will do what you need, and all are pretty good. Still, some are better than others, and Titan's not as good as the best. The best? I'm calling the new Silverados and Sierras the best, but the sharp handling F-150 plays in the same league. Next comes the new Tundra, a beast to be sure, but somehow not a complete package, trailing the best in on-road refinement. Titan gets lumped with the Ram. Strong enough, but rough around the edges. If you can get a good deal, any of these trucks is fine. If you want the best, it's still Chevy versus Ford.

   Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote: