• 2013

• 2009 Nissan Titan

• Used Nissan Titan
• Repairs Nissan Titan

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2009 Nissan Titan U.S. News Best Cars 7.8
Critics' Rating:	8.5
Performance:	8.2
Interior:	7.8
Safety:	7.3
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Imposing looks
• Strong and capable

• Poor fuel economy, even for a large truck

Research Other Years

• 2013 Nissan Titan
• 2012 Nissan Titan
• 2011 Nissan Titan
• 2010 Nissan Titan
• 2008 Nissan Titan

The 2009 Nissan Titan is a competent truck, but many reviewers say there are better alternatives available.

The 2009 Nissan Titan is a contender in the full-size truck market, thanks to a high level of practicality and strong powertrain.  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."

However, after more than three years on the market, the Titan still hasn't pulled in a lot of American 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. If you're shopping for a full-size pickup, the Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 offer plenty of hauling and passing power, plus refined interiors.

• "Titan's appeal is narrower than that of its large-pickup competition, " -- Consumer Guide
• "Now in its sixth year of production, though, the 2009 Nissan Titan is starting to look like an elderly gentlemen among spry young dudes -- by the end of 2009, all its competitors will have undergone a major overhaul." -- 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