2008 Nissan Titan [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 55 Titan reviews and test drives.
Nissan Titan - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Nissan Titan ranks 4 out of 7 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 55 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Titan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Titan has outstanding engine power and adaptable hauling capacity, but can't match the interior quality of others in its class.
With a high level of functionality and strong powertrain, most reviewers say the 2008 Nissan Titan is a strong contender in the full-size truck market, with some even going so far as to call it a threat to the American-made trucks that dominate the segment. MarketWatch calls the Titan "a very serious challenge in a part of the market that the U.S. has had to itself since Davy Crockett wondered if there might be a better way to travel to the Alamo." Meanwhile, Automobile Magazine's writer jokes, "Attention, Motor City: Godzilla has risen, and he's tramping your way."
However, after more than three years on the market, the Titan still fails to pull in those loyal to American vehicles. New for 2008, the Nissan Titan adds an off-roading trim, the PRO-4X, to a lineup that includes the XE, SE and LE. But many still report the truck does not have the right ingredients to sway truck drivers that are loyal to American brands. If you're shopping for a full-size pickup, the Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra are examples of American trucks that fare well with reviewers and drivers.
- "The 2008 Nissan Titan gets some sorely needed new additions to the lineup, especially with the 800-lb gorilla named Tundra bursting onto the full-size truck scene." -- Truck Trend
- "The 2008 Nissan Titan adds long bed models to the mix and more refinement, but continues the stuff we liked about the previous version." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Nissan's full-sizer gets an off-road performance package and finally gets to play in the long-bed league." -- Car and Driver
- "It still doesn't have the same wide range of configurations as GM, Dodge, Ford, and Toyota, but Nissan has fixed the biggest pain points Titan's original buyers may have experienced…to offer commercial customers another competitive and proven half-ton pickup to shop." -- PickupTruck.com
- "While the Titan obviously has been designed with great attention to detail and for the specific needs of customers who buy these bruisers, in the end it does not excel. Good as the Titan is, it fails to offer loyal Ford, GM, Dodge or even Tundra owners a compelling reason to switch." -- Newsday
Titan Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers are very pleased with the 2008 Nissan Titan's capabilities on the road. Automobile Magazine explains that the truck has "a husky V-8 and suspension gear worthy of every pickup cowboy's respect." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn about the Titan's off-roading, hauling and towing capabilities, or to see how the Titan's all-wheel drive system with switch-operated two-speed transfer case fared on test drives. continue
Titan Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Despite the Nissan Titan's sheer mass, many state that they like the truck's looks. According to U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman, "pickups are defined by their boldness, and this one is well-defined." Check out the Nissan Titan Photo Gallery to see the muscular Titan up close, or learn about the Titan's easy-to-open tailgate and lockable storage compartment in our full Exterior Review. continue
Titan Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Despite praising the updated interior features and ample storage possibilities, most reviewers still say the Titan's interior lags behind its American counterparts. Go to our Nissan Titan Photo Gallery to judge the cabin quality for yourself, or continue with our full Interior Review to read up on the interior stowage options. continue
Titan Safety - NA
The 2008 Titan does well in government crash tests, earning five out of five stars for the driver's protection in front crashes, and four stars for the front passenger's protection in a front impact crash. On the other hand, several auto experts take issue with the sometimes-hampered visibility. Our Safety Review details reviewers' difficulty to see past the Titan's A-pillars during test drives. continue
Titan Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2008 Nissan Titan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Nissan Titan is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Check out our full Reliability Review for more information on standard and extended warranties. continue
