Nissan is the latest foreign-based vehicle manufacturer to enter North America’s full-size
truck market, and it has done so boldly, with the innovative 2004 Titan pickup. Though the
truck’s antecedents are Japanese, the Titan was designed in the United States; its engine
is built in Tennessee, and the truck is assembled in Canton, Mississippi. The Titan’s
retail pricing has not yet been determined, but it meets all the prerequisites for success
in a standard-class pickup, including plenty of horsepower and torque, two spacious
extended-cab configurations and a 140-inch wheelbase. Added to this is a substantial
trailer tow rating of 9,400 pounds. The Titan has an adventurous, but refined, no-nonsense
appearance that includes a large hood, highly detailed headlights and a unique silhouette.
The truck sports a look and feel that was partially the result of wide-ranging input from
current and prospective truck owners, as well as the company’s extensive experience in the
compact-truck market. Two models with 6 ½-foot beds are planned: a King Cab and a Crew Cab.
A four-wheel-drive version will be available with shift-on-the-fly and an electronically
controlled, part-time transfer case. As an option, an off-road package will include an
electronically activated locking rear differential, gas shocks, large all-terrain tires and
a comprehensive skid-plate package. A 5.6-liter, 300-hp DOHC V-8 with 375 lb-ft of torque
will be the only engine initially available, and it has advanced engine technology, such as
an aluminum block, cast-iron cylinder liners, a forged-steel crankshaft and six-bolt main
bearing caps. Matched to the engine is a specially engineered five-speed automatic
transmission with manual-shift mode, tow/haul mode and available gated shifter. The
9,400-pound tow rating is supported by a towing package that includes a hitch receiver, a
seven-circuit wiring harness with prewiring for a trailer-brake controller, higher-capacity
cooling, a transmission-temperature gauge and a higher numeric axle ratio, along with a
stability-control program. The Titan’s responsive handling is the product of an all-steel,
double-wishbone front end and rigid leaf (dual-rate) rear springs with shackles mounted
along the frame sides to eliminate below-frame obstacles. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
steering is standard, along with four-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system
(ABS). A Utili-track channeled tie-down system that provides an infinite range of
securement points in the bed is part of the design, and a factory-applied spray-in bedliner
will be offered. Titan interiors are designed to be spacious and accommodating, while also
highly usable. Among many standard available features are power-adjustable, heated front
seats with an optional driver’s seat memory system, and flip-up rear-seat cushions in the
King Cab for added cargo space. Door handles, knobs and assist grips are unique, full-size
truck-scale parts that can be accessed easily even while wearing work gloves. Besides many
conventional items relating to cargo storage, the King Cab comes with a first-in-class
Wide-Open standard rear door that swings out nearly 180 degrees and provides unrestricted
access to the rear seats. Further adding to the truck’s generous cargo-carrying ability is
a bedside storage compartment located behind the rear driver’s-side wheel. This bin lends
itself handily to housing common truck items, such as chains, rope, road flares and smaller
hitch components. Nissan’s boldly styled Titan pickup, with its roomy cab architecture and
high utility bed, is a modern but still utilitarian rig that will be suitable for a wide
range of trailers. The truck will go on sale at more than 1,100 Nissan dealers in late
2003.
Titan 2004
Originally Published in Trailer Life Magazine
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