Let this big truck party begin.
By Neil G. Chirico
Nissan waited a while to join the full-size pickup party, but, boy, did they bring it when they did. The Titan was a strong contender in our 2004 Truck of the Year competition, and we knew we had to have one for a one-year test. We ordered our Crew Cab draped in a color called Red Brawn. The Off-Road package added $950 and drops the wheel size from the standard 18 down to 17, equipped with BFGoodrich off-road tires. This option includes skidplates, Rancho shocks, a shorter final-drive ratio, foglamps, and tow hooks. We opted for the Big Tow package ($850) for a Class-IV hitch with wiring harness, extendable tow mirrors, heavy-duty battery, transmission-temp gauge, and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The Utility Bed Package ($900) added a factory spray-on bedliner, 12-volt bed outlet, driver-side lockbox, tailgate-area illumination, and the Utili-track Channel System, which we mated to a $280 Sliding Bed Extender. After all this hard-working stuff, we splurged on the Rockford Fosgate Package ($1800), which includes the so-named 350-watt Premium 10-speaker audio system with six-disc in-dash CD player, rear overhead console with dual media capability, and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Also included in that package are an eight-way power driver seat, power adjustable pedals, auto rearview mirror, and universal garage-door opener. Floormats at $110 completed our option selection. Let this big truck party begin.
FROM THE LOGBOOK
"For its first-time full-size pickup, I think Nissan did a damn good job."
--Danny King
| 2004 Nissan Titan 4x2 SE |
| Base price | $27,350 |
| Price as tested | $32,240 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD, 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.6L V-8, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 305 @ 4900 |
| Torque @ rpm | 379 @ 3600 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 7.4 |
| EPA mpg | 14 city/19 highway |
| Total mileage | 2876 |
| Average test mpg | 13.4 |
| Maintenance cost | $0 |
| Normal-wear cost | $20 (tire repair) |