2009 Nissan Titan
MSRP: $26,150 - $39,350
Invoice: $23,688 - $35,620
MPG: 13 City / 17 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.8
Performance:8.2
Exterior:8.7
Interior:7.8
Safety:7.3
Reliability:5.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Imposing looks
  • Strong and capable
  • Poor fuel economy, even for a large truck

Prices

See what others recently paid in your area for the Titan.

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

Nissan Titan - What the Auto Press Says

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

Titan Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

Reviewers generally like the Titan's performance on the road, but are disappointed that there is only one available engine, and some say that competitors offer a more refined ride.  Still, Consumer Guide says the Titan is "Relatively easy to drive and nimble for a big pickup." Read More

Titan Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Despite the Nissan Titan's diminutive facade, many state that they like the truck's looks. 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 - 7.8 (Good)

Despite praising the updated interior features and ample storage possibilities, most reviewers still say the Titan's interior lags behind its American counterparts. Read More

Titan Safety - 7.3 (Good)

The 2009 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. PickupTrucks.com notes, ""The Titan offers a full line of safety equipment, but not all features are standard. Available features include front seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. Electronic stability control is also optional." Read More

Titan Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 2009 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

Review Last Updated: 10/5/09