2008 Nissan Titan Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 55 Titan reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Despite the 2008 Nissan Titan's sheer mass, many state that they like the truck's looks. The Los Angeles Times sees "nothing limp or halfhearted about the Titan's styling. You can see it coming from outer space." U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman adds that "pickups are defined by their boldness, and this one is well-defined."
The truck has an optional long bed for 2008 -- the King Cab's stretches to 98.8 inches as opposed to the 79.1-inch standard, while the Crew Cab's long bed is 87 inches as opposed to the 67.3-inch standard. "Truck buyers who were previously put off by the Titan -- contractors or those who do a lot of hauling -- will no doubt appreciate the new cargo bed lengths," Edmunds predicts. The headlights and front grille were also slightly modified, making the Titan appear "like it's flexing its muscles all the time," to the Arizona Republic's writer.
A favorite feature carried over from previous years is the King Cab's specially hinged rear door that opens 168 degrees, "making it easier to load packages in tight parking lots," for the New York Times. MSN agrees, noting that it "does away with the parking lot quandary of how to access the rear seat area without getting stuck in a clamshell maneuver between front and rear doors."
There are two other exterior features the reviews highlight. PickupTruck.com says that "despite the massive appearance of the Titan, an average-size person can manage the tailgate alone," and Car and Driver adds that the gate "swings out easily, playfully, controllably, a big happy puppy." If you swing the gate out at nighttime, "a cargo light shines on the bed so you can load/unload without searching in the dark -- also welcome security when parked in a dark lot or street," the Chicago Tribune finds.
Second, writers notice a lockable storage compartment above the left rear fender that's "ideal for tools," in U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman's opinion. USA Today joins in, saying, "it'll hold tow hitches, jumper cables and other items easily stolen from the bed or too grimy for the passenger cab." The Titan's lockable storage compartment is an option for the SE trim, and a standard feature on the PRO-4X and LE trims.