The full-size 2008 Nissan Titan pickup truck arrived at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show boasting a stunning revised front fascia and a few new and warmly welcomed features and options, yet during the middle of the model year the Titan received more improvements, option packages-and a higher sticker price for most models-resulting in the Titan 2008.5. These mid-cycle improvements are relatively minor and include the addition of a body color grille for the Titan XE trim and the addition of a leather wrapped steering wheel to the Titan SE Popular Options Package. Even with the increase in price, which is hard to justify in terms of amenities but very intuitive and timely considering the fierce competition this import faces in the United States, the updated Titan is still a good value for those in the market for an innovatively designed, big, hard working pickup truck. The 2008.5 Titans are currently being sold alongside the 2008 models and are most easily recognized by their higher price.

2WD versions of the Titan are rear wheel drive and are available in King Cab and Crew Cab models, 3 trims and an assortment of bed sizes including a 7-foot bed for the Crew Cabs and an 8 foot bed for the King Cabs. All Titans have just one very effective powerhouse-a 317 horsepower, 5.6 liter V8 engine mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is about average for this thirsty class of vehicles at 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway.

Both King Cab and Crew Cab 2WD Titans feature a spacious and practically designed interior with user friendly controls and an abundance of useful storage bins. The materials are of average quality, but the build quality is very good. The rear seat folds up to offer flat space for hauling items inside the cab, and the rear doors on King Cab models open wide for easy access.

The 2WD Titans are available in 3 trims-the XE, SE and LE. The XE comes standard with 18 inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, cruise control and a 40/20/40-split front bench seat. The SE features alloy rims and adds power windows, mirrors and door locks, heated side view mirrors, front seat captain's chairs with a large center console, leather upholstery, an auxiliary audio input jack, a useful overhead console and an in dash CD changer. The top of the line Titan LE adds to the SE's features with 20-inch wheels, a bed liner, cargo tie-down tracks, rear park assist, power adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, power-adjustable pedals, auto dimming mirrors and a power-folding side view mirrors. Additional features are available in the form of options packages, which does allow you to add the majority of the LE's features to the lower trim models.

The 2008 Nissan Titan 2WD (2008.5) has a pleasantly husky sounding exhaust system that is indicative of the immense power under the hood. Steering is surprisingly precise and the vehicle is nicely weighted to provide a relatively smooth ride. There are many reliable full size pick up trucks from which to choose this year, and the Titan should make it to your test drive list if you are in need of a hard working truck with a distinctive style.