Nissan Titan Test Drive
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-HOW IT LOOKS.
Even though it came out in 2004, I think the Titan pick-up still looks pretty good.
They did try to make it look more modern that the competition.
Most other trucks have been redesigned since, but the Titan still seems pretty modern.
-HOW IT IS INSIDE.
My test truck didn’t have running boards, which made it pretty difficult to get in for most people.
Once inside, the interior is, like the exterior, still pretty modern.
Although maybe a bit too simple looking for most truck buyers. There is no chrome trim, or fake wood anywhere.
While the Armada got a new dash a while ago, the Titan didn’t. But it still looks good.
Everything feels very solid and well put together.
Most plastics are pretty hard to the touch, but it seems just fine in a truck.
The front seats are firm and comfortable.
In my test unit, there are covered in a very durable looking cloth.
The stereo sounded just fine, but not amazing. And there is no USB plug.
I must say, I am used to drive cars mostly, not full size trucks.
One of the drawbacks is the horrendous visibility out back. You just can never tell how close you are to the car behind you.
The Rear Sonar system is a big help, and a must have. 
Another pain in daily city driving are the over sized mirrors.
They stick out so much that I actually almost hit someone with them.
You do get used to the size of the truck itself, but constantly have to watch out for the mirrors.
Which can be quite a chore. Especially if you are not towing anything and don’t need them in the 1st place.
A smaller annoyance is the placement of the front armrest. Right in the way of the seatbelt latch.
Not that bad, but it just makes you wonder why nobody really noticed this before it went into production.
And why no one fixed it in almost 7 years…
-HOW IT DRIVES.
.Ride and steering
It does ride like an old fashion truck.
It constantly moves around. Except when the road is glassy smooth. (which isn’t often around here)
So I guess most people would call it “trucky” and put up with it if they do need a truck.
But if you are coming from driving cars, this feels pretty medieval.
The closest thing to this I drove lately was the Tahoe, where the ride felt much more civilized.
The steering was pretty nice, with decent feel. And not too light.
This was a nice surprise.
.Engine.
The big 5.6 Liter V8 might be putting out 317hp, it still feels pretty slow.
And gets really noisy.
It is rated at 12/17 MPG.
I did get about 12 in the city, but got about 21 on the HWY.
The transmission is pretty smooth, but very reluctant to downshift. Which is a part of why the whole thing feels so slow.
_SO???
I have to say, I am really not someone who would even consider buying a full sized pick-up truck for my daily driving.
This thing is so bi that it becomes a chore to park it anywhere if you live in the city.
Plus the constant rough ride really doesn’t inspire confidence in most driving situations.
And my test unit was priced at $40 025. Not cheap. Especially for something without a sunroof, leather or navigation.
But, if you are in a market for such a truck, this one feels very solid and well built. And still looks pretty modern.
My “Red Alert” 4X4 Pro-4X got plenty of looks. (Mostly in Burbank, not “cool” Los Feliz…)
It is actually not that popular in general. Only about 22000 were sold last year. Which is a fraction of that Ford and GM sell.
It seems that most truck buyers do want to buy domestic. Which puts Nissan (and Toyota) in a tough spot.
The Titan will be all new next year. So will the GM trucks.
There is nothing like good competition to improve a product.
I don't see the point of reviewing this. I also don't see the point of selling these giant overpowered gas hogs to the general public; they should only be available for commercial and agricultural buyers and then only with small diesel engines. Enough with the foreign blood-oil.
At 40 grand it's no wonder they don't sell much. Add to that these look kinda cheap compared to the competition. I like trucks and don't prefer domestic per se, but I do prefer to get the best value for and use of my money and the Titan most certainly is not that.
5.6L and only 317hp? There are countless smaller 4.2L 8cyl engines on the market that offer far more power. From the review, this truck sounds about as sophisticated as a farm tractor.
sticker price means nothing on these $8000 off sticker is usual
Looooove the Titan….perfect name. It is a wonderful truck and for long term reliability and durability it has everything beat. The next one, which I have seen , is an awesome beefy strong mega truck and will hit new heights in every measurable category.
These vehicles are dinosaurs of the past. Just rent a truck if you need one. Real men drive Prius's because they are already secure with their masculinity.
Sounds like you really didn't enjoy your time, Vince. I don't blame you at all. this truck is garbage compared to the competition.
" Anonymous said…
I don't see the point of reviewing this. I also don't see the point of selling these giant overpowered gas hogs to the general public; they should only be available for commercial and agricultural buyers and then only with small diesel engines. Enough with the foreign blood-oil.
January 22, 2012 10:34 AM"
Yeah, because no one needs to ever tow anything over 5,000 pounds or haul a single thing.
Dude, STFU. I'd put $50 on it that you live in a studio apartment in a city and either own a Prius or ride a bike.
You are so far detached from reality it is sickening.
"Anonymous said…
Looooove the Titan….perfect name. It is a wonderful truck and for long term reliability and durability it has everything beat. The next one, which I have seen , is an awesome beefy strong mega truck and will hit new heights in every measurable category.
January 22, 2012 3:58 PM"
You might want to check Consumer Reports, TrueDelta, and JD Power.
The Titan is THE MOST UNRELIABLE pickup on the US market.
Its the first vehicle you have reviewed that contains a pair of boxing gloves
Vince, I gotta say i've read alot of your car reviews and must say they are very well suited. Cars are your forte. Not trucks. The mere fact that you say it feels slow screams something wrong to me. You clearly have no idea how quick trucks are. The titan has notorious been claimed to be underated for its horsepower ratings, because the truck is fast. When you consider how heavy the mother is, a sub 8 second zero to 60 is not bad what so ever. If my memory serves me correct, i've seen the titan do 60 in 7.3 seconds. That vince, is quicker than most cars even tho it may be a bit noisy for you. As for the comment about the redesigned interior, the interior i believe was revamped slightly when the armada was. If you look at the 2004 version of the truck, you'll notice the different hvac knobs. Like you say at the end of your review, you are not someone who knows one clue about trucks. Take it from someone who drives a truck and car back to back. I just put my 2 cents in, not that it matters but hope i get a dollar back…
If I needed a truck, this would not be my first choice or even my second or third. 1. Ford F-150 Ecoboost, 2. Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi 3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 V8
anonymous 6:24 quote: "Dude, STFU. I'd put $50 on it that you live in a studio apartment in a city and either own a Prius or ride a bike."
You owe me $50. I live on a farm in New Mexico. Pay up.
Vince excellent review. You nailed it on the Titan. There isn't any thing special about this hunk of iron works.
What really stands out about the truck is how mediocre it really is when compared against Chevy, Dodge or Ford.
There is a reason why only 2200 copies of this rancid, metalized slag were sold. American truck buyers know domestic trucks are where its at when looking for quality, durable, reliable and dependable trucks and this isn't one of them!
"Anonymous said…
anonymous 6:24 quote: "Dude, STFU. I'd put $50 on it that you live in a studio apartment in a city and either own a Prius or ride a bike."
You owe me $50. I live on a farm in New Mexico. Pay up.
January 23, 2012 8:14 PM"
You live ON A FARM and you don't see the need for a pickup truck or towing?
Yeah, I'm calling your bluff there.
love the Titan, I had a fleet of Chevy Trucks for my business Horner Gas in North Bay and slowly we have replaced all but one as finances afford it. We now have 7 Nissans, 6 Titans and 1 Frontier. All of them are reliable, strong and operate like a tank on war duty. These are indestructable and the Chevys, well they were junk. Nissan wins again in my Books. A real world example.
Looked great 10 years ago, but can't hold a candle to today's RAM, Ford or Chevy. Seems way overpriced for what it offers in today's market.
The engine is tuned for torque not HP.
Learn the relationship.
"Anonymous said…
love the Titan, I had a fleet of Chevy Trucks for my business Horner Gas in North Bay and slowly we have replaced all but one as finances afford it. We now have 7 Nissans, 6 Titans and 1 Frontier. All of them are reliable, strong and operate like a tank on war duty. These are indestructable and the Chevys, well they were junk. Nissan wins again in my Books. A real world example.
January 24, 2012 8:49 AM"
HAHAHAH Vince, do you remember the guy who owned a fleet of Sentras for his flower delivery business?
He always said Nissans were a great piece of kit?
This is that SAME guy!!!
January 25, 2012 6:19 AM
Hahahaha i remember that.
I think hes a wishful thinking Nissan salesman. Maybe he should stick to selling flowers