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Nissan Titan - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Nissan Titan ranks 8 out of 8 Full Size Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 67 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Titan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Nissan Titan is a good truck, but most competitors are better.

Thanks to a strong powertrain and a big dose of practicality, the Nissan Titan is a contender in the full-size truck market.  A few reviewers even go so far as to call it a threat to the American-made trucks that lead the class. 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," but that sentiment isn't common.

After more than three years on the market, the Titan still hasn't pulled in a lot of buyers. Nissan has gotten the message: the 2011 Titan will be based on the current generation Dodge Ram, a truck platform that many reviewers say is the best around.

The change comes as the Titan struggles to find its place in the market.  Competing in a rapidly contracting segment, many still report the current Titan does not have the right ingredients to sway truck drivers that are loyal to American brands.  While the Titan covers the basics, GMs truck twins (the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra) drive better. The Dodge Ram offers a smoother ride and more clever storage options.  And the Ford F-150 offers more tech options.  Most other trucks in the class are more customizable (the Titan only offers two cab styles and one engine), and almost every other truck in the class can tow heavier weight. Basing the Titan on the Ram may turn it into a truck with a lot more appeal.

The 2010 Nissan Titan is available as a crew or king cab, and in four trims.  The base trim is the XE trim, the SE trim offers some additional convenience features, while the LE trim offers more luxury features. The PRO-4X trim is built for off-road performance. The Titan is available with either a short or long bed. The only available engine is a 5.6 liter V8.  For 2010, little has changed on the Titan, though Nissan has added standard side-curtain airbags and traction control.

If you like the Titan, check out what discounts and incentives are available on our Nissan Deals page.

• "Titan's appeal is narrower than that of its large-pickup competition, " -- Consumer Guide
• "Now in its sixth year of production, though, the . . . Nissan Titan is starting to look like an elderly gentlemen among spry young dudes." -- Edmunds
• "Although the Titan is available only as a half-ton model, its powerful engine, numerous configurations and lengthy list of clever features should appeal to most light-duty pickup owners." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "A V-6 and single cab version are still MIA, which means the cheapest trim level costs some $8,000 more than a base Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150. Throw in a spotty reliability record, and the Titan doesn't seem headed for widespread appeal anytime soon." -- Cars.com

 

Titan Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

 Reviewers say that the Titan's performance is good enough -- but in a highly competitive class, good enough just doesn't cut it. Still, Consumer Guide says the Titan is "Relatively easy to drive and nimble for a big pickup," but competitors offer more engine options, drive better and have higher tow ratings.  Read More

Titan Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

 In a class where a bigger-is-better mentality rules, the Nissan Titan actually looks small. Cars.com "Some truck shoppers have reportedly mistaken the Titan's styling for that of a midsize truck, like Nissan's smaller Frontier, but I think the association will stop when you see it in person. It looks just as commanding as a Silverado or Tundra."  Read More

Titan Interior - 7.7 (Good)

 Despite praising the updated interior features and ample storage possibilities, most reviewers still say the Titan's interior lags behind its American counterparts.  It doesn't offer as many clever storage solutions as the Dodge Ram, lacks the high-tech options of the Ford F-150 and the assembly quality of the Chevy Silverado.  Read More

Titan Safety - NA

 The 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. Newly standard for 2010 are side-curtain airbags and traction control.  Read More

Titan Reliability - NA

 The 2010 Nissan Titan is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Cars.com reports, "The Titan's reliability is disappointing. Consumer Reports has given the truck poor marks in recent years, citing trouble spots with squeaks and rattles, braking hardware and power accessories."  Read More