Japanese automaker Nissan designed the Titan 4WD as a method to try to get a foot in the door of the hugely profitable American truck market - and it's been working now since 2004. The 32 valve 5.6L 305hp V8 that came stock on the 2004 base model generated 370 foot-pound of torque at 3600 rpm. On the 2007 models and above, the stock engine was upgraded to 317 hp and 385 ft-lb of torque. Both the Titan 4WD and the rear-wheel drive models feature a 5-speed auto tranny and the owner's choice of a Crew or King cab. The beds on these models measure 5' 7" and 6' 7" respectively. Optionally, a 7' and 8' bed (Crew and King) may be chosen as well.

There are 4 trims available for the Titan including the XE, SE, Pro-4X and LE. Possible feature combos include electronic traction control, side airbags, GPS systems, screened DVD player, sunroofs, off-road and towing package, Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio, bed rail systems and more. The leather captain's chairs are a big optional seller for the Titan 4WD and so are the lockable bedside storage utility boxes.

The spacious interior and aggressive design of the Titan 4WD earned it considerable praise upon its release in 2004. Consumers also liked the fact that the Titan can tow heavy loads with ease and that it has wide-opening back doors that accommodate simplistic entries and exits for rear passengers. Stock bed-lining spray is included and revered as well. It was also nominated for North American Truck of the Year in 2004.

There are only two criticisms that surround the Titan 4WD. One is that it does not offer a regular cab (who wants one anyway) and the other is that there is no V6 option available (who wants one anyway on a full-sized truck) .

Back to the positives, the Titan 4WD has earned a 5-star safety rating for driver frontal collisions and a 4-star rating for passenger frontals from the NHTSA. Speed-wise, the Titan stacks up well against the majors going from 0 to 60 in a mere 6.4 seconds and runs quarter miles in 14.8 seconds. It has an electronic speed limiter installed which makes it top out at 140 mph. It comes to a completed stop from 60 mph in 152 feet.

Production of the Titan 4WD full-sized pickup truck is due to be discontinued as of December of 2010. There is talk of a replacement vehicle emerging that will be based on a Dodge Ram platform to be manufactured in Saltillo, Mexico. The Titan has busted onto the North American scene and given consumers something different to consider for purchase. Overall, the Titan 4WD is hard to beat and definitely has left, and continues to leave, its mark.