Overview:
There are only a few pickup trucks left in my series but I can’t get this 2005 Nissan Titan 4X4 SE Crew Cab out of my mind as being one of the best. What a cool truck. I particularly liked the great visibility and unique mirror system that gives added rear view and that translates into safety.
It boasts the largest interior of any 1/2 –Ton pickup on the market. I like this size a lot. I’ve found little need to use the extra load capability of the Dodge Ram 3500 I own. And the large crew cab is a big advantage over extended cab configurations like my Ram.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Canton, OH USA
Class: – Standard Pickup
Cars: – 350 Z, Altima, Armada, Frontier, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Sentra, Titan and Xterra.
Handling & Performance:
Ease of handling is noticeably better and the ride is smoother than most trucks I tested. It is fast but that means it will suck up the gas and you’ll get tired of refilling that 28 gallon fuel tank.
Styling:
Unique and identifiable. It seems like all trucks have made a point of designing in a specific look for instant identifiability. As you know, I have a keen sense of the obvious, and as I watch the TV commercials it is apparent they want to convey toughness of their product and have done a great job doing just that.
Fit and Finish:
This Nissan is as good as it gets when it comes to being put together well. But on balance, all trucks are better than they have to be. After all, it is a truck and we don’t expect seams to be perfect, for example.
Cost:
Wonderful pricing … for the manufacturers, that is! They make more money on their truck lines than anything else in the fleet, generally. But the serviceability of the truck class can’t be understated and since demand is so great, the prices follow by being higher.
Conveniences:
Very nice standard package, but the options give this a one-two punch, for the money.
Consumer Recommendation:
Unquestionably this is my first choice in Pickup trucks. Drive it and see if you agree it is a standout in the field.
The Competition:
Nissan Titan $23-35,000, GMC Sierra 1500 $18-42,000, Chevrolet Silverdo 1500 $18-40,000, Ford F150 $20-36,000, Toyota Tundra $16-33,000, Dodge Ram 1500 $20-50,000.
Good News:
Japanese reliability confirmed by reputation over the years since they began to compete in the early 1960s.
Bad News:
None that comes to mind except gas is $3.00 a gallon and rising.
Standard Equipment:
5.6 liter 305 hp V8 engine, 5-speed automatic trans, shift of the fly parttime 4-WD with electronic control, 4-wheel limited slip differential, solid rear axle with multi-leaf spring suspension, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, chrome front and rear bumper with step pad, chrome grille and door handles, dual chrome power heated mirrors, bed side and tailgate caps, locking tailgate, cargo light, bed rope hooks, tow hooks in front, air conditioning, audio system with 8 speakers and 6-disc in dash CD changer, power windows and locks, power sliding back glass, remote keyless entry with remote windows down, cruise control with leather wrapped steering wheel with controls and tilt column, captains chairs, 60/40 rear fold up bench seat, overhead console, dual air bags, anchors and tethers for children, and security / immobilizer system.
Options: Add $8,110. SE Popular package Fosgate 350 watt audio w/ subwoffer, steering wheel audio controls, 8-way power driver seat, power adjust pedals, auto dim rear view mirror, Offroad package with elect locking rear differential, fog lamps, trgged trail tires, special shocks, skid plates for radiator, oil pan and transfer case, side air bag package with driver and passenger side bags, roof mounted side impact rollover curtain supplement air bags, big tow package for increased towing , Class IV hitch with 7-pin wiring harness, extendable tow mirrors, heavy duty battery, trans temp gauge, DVD mobile theatre system – 7” color monitor with wireless headphones, SE Utility bed package: Ulti-track channel system for tiedown, factory applied spray on bedliner, drivers side lockbox, tailgate area illumination with 12 Volt DC outlet, XM Satellite radio and sliding bed extender.
Gas Stats:
14 City and 18 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $30,650 – and $38,760 with options noted.
