Overview:
This week I tested the 2004 Nissan Titan full size ½ ton pickup with a crew cab that has to be the biggest of any make on the market. In fact it almost looks like the bed was an afterthought and is really esthetically out of balance.
Looks like American domination is ended and I suspect you’ll see foreign car enthusiasts flock to Japanese competitors when they need a truck and presently own another Japanese vehicle. This is a crossroads for the Japanese automakers. If you’re wondering why the Japanese have waited so long to produce a full size pickup truck, you only need to look at the streets in Japan. This Titan would fill the entire street.
I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t feel the usual oscillations of most pickup trucks on cement freeways. Smaller or mid size trucks are the worst, and it is only true when running empty. I didn’t put a load on to see the difference but I figure it would be even smoother. In any case the oscillations begin at 65 mph in the Titan when empty.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Canton, OH, USA
Class: – Standard Pickup
Cars: – 350Z, Altima, Frontier, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Pathfinder Armada, Quest, Sentra, Titan, Xterra.
Handling & Performance:
There is no question this is one big powerful truck. The Japanese have hit the American market with determination and performance and a tough image has been emphasized in this Titan. If it were in a bank it would be the vault.
Styling:
This Titan makes a bold statement in the capability of Japanese trucks. It is a standout looking truck that promises to earn a place of prominence. Obviously they are meeting the American carmakers head on and will tell the American truck buyer what they expect to hear. It too is built “Like a Rock” (Chevrolet), “Ford Tough” or as Dodge says, “Grab life by the Horns” with a Ram Truck.
You’ll be impressed with the rugged look and feel up close and personal and by all indications it will answer the call of all the toughest trucks on American highways and job sites.
Fit and Finish:
Everything is big and bulky and gives the sense of being well put together.
Conveniences:
I like the way the rear bench split seat folds up and away for stowing inside cargo. That will also save the upholstery. There are also a lot of storage slots and cubbyholes.
Cost:
Competitive in the field noted below.
Consumer Recommendation:
Naturally you have to include this in your next truck buying decision. But I see it more as a comfortable family pickup with the short bed. Contractors or truck buyers with a need for serious loads will want the long bed.
The Competition:
Nissan Titan $22-34,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $19-41,000, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 $19-40,000, Ford F150 $21-36,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $19-45,000, Toyota Tundra $16-33,000.
Good News:
Price competitive, solid ride, large crew cab, tough and powerful.
Bad News:
Too soon to know how they hold up to commercial treatment.
Standard Equipment:
5.6 liter 305 horsepower V8, 5-speed auto trans, part time 4-wheel drive, electronic control 4X4 switch activation, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, chrome rear bumper and grille, power mirrors, sliding rear window, air conditioning, audio system with 8 speakers, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry with remote windows down, cruise control with wheel mounted controls, tilt steering column, cloth seats, front captains chairs, 60/40 split fold up rear bench seat, leather wrapped steering wheel and trans shifter, lockable center console, dual stage air bag system with passenger classification sensor, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution with power assist, low tire pressure warning system, Latch system for child safety, security system with immobilizer.
Options: the truck I tested included 8-way power driver seat and adjustable pedals, 6 in dash CD, upgrade steering wheel controls, entertainment center with wireless head phones, Off Road package with 17” Alloy wheels, Rancho shocks, fog lamps, skid plates and Utili-track channel tie down system and factory sprayed on bed liner (Rhino Lining). All that adds $2,900 to the MSRP below.
Gas Stats:
14 City and 18 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $29,800.
