Nissan Titan

[Albemarle Lawn]

Anyone drive this truck yet? Seems like it would make a good lawn service truck. Base price in $23,000 range includes the V8 engine.


The engine is NO JOKE: 303 lb-ft at 1000 rpm!!! That's diesel-force GRUNT from a gasoline engine.

9500 lb tow rating.

I'm a Chevy guy and diesel believer but I have to at least test drive this one.

341 lb-ft at 2500 RPM!!!
379 lb-ft peak torque.

This would be a police-pursuits worst nightmare...serious power that can cut "cross-country"

5.6-liter V8 Engine

The numbers are big. 305 horsepower. 379 lb-ft of torque, with 90% kicking in below 2,500 rpm and a full 80% on tap at a class-leading 1,000 rpm. But 'the story of Titans V8 goes beyond brute strength. No pushrod relic, this engine is a double-overhead-cam beneficiary of Nissan's advanced engineering. An aluminum block and forged crankshaft offer exceptional strength, while keeping performance-robbing weight down. In addition to the easy-breathing DOHC layout, the high-flow intake ensures that every gulp of air counts. To help cut friction, the camshafts and crankshaft are microfinished, and the piston skirts wear a slick coat of molybdenum, all so the engine can deliver more with less effort. And taking a cue from the jet age, an electronic drive-by-wire throttle connects the brain, right foot and throttle more quickly — and efficiently — than ever.

[BSDeality]

i've seen them, its a great looking truck as well. I didn't know the engine specs' til just now. Very impressive, to say the least.

[BSDeality]

here's a link to some spec's of this beast.. <a href="http://www.car-data.com/xpage.preview/pre.template.asp?mfg=nissan&model=titan">Click this</a>

mmm seeeeeexxxyyyyy

[65hoss]

The motor isn't what would concern me, its the fact its still a 1/2 ton truck. The brakes, frame and heavy dutyness of the entire truck is lacking. Just my opinion, but I was always a believer in 1/2 ton trucks being fine for lawn maintenance. After buying an F250, there is just no comparison. I was also finding that the 1/2 tons were getting pretty tired from pulling all the time.

[BSDeality]

this thing has heavy duty everything. did you take the time to read about it?

[65hoss]

Originally posted by BSDeality
this thing has heavy duty everything. did you take the time to read about it?
Nope, but its still a 1/2 ton. Look under a HD GMC or SD Ford and then any 1/2 ton. Just not the same. That is why they are work type trucks.

[Blades of Steel]

hoss i agree. However, the 9500lb capacity is right between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton truck is it not?

For an addition couple thousand you can have yourself and f-250. I am buying a new f-250 diesel at the top of March and can't wait. the old f-150 is tired, especially with the new 7x16ft big tex.. That dude has had enough.

[65hoss]

Towing capacity isn't everything. The F150 have a decent towing capacity, but the rear suspension takes a beating. The brakes are not up to par to handle stopping that weight on an everyday basis. Yes, occassional hauling is one thing, day to day work truck is another.

The more heavy duty a truck is built the worse the ride is. My F150 rides like a Caddy compared to my F250. But when its working, there is just absolutely no comparison. None.

Compare the new Nissan as apples to apple then its probably an awesome truck. My original point is that a truck that works all day every day as a hauler needs to be a Heavy duty. That is what they are built for. Anything less can do the work, it just can't take that type of beating for nearly as long.

[UNISCAPER]

I can't get past the fact that friends should never let friends drive rice.... There will never be one of anything made in Japan in my shop until the Japanese allow Americans to manufacture and trade freely in thier island as they do here....

[Albemarle Lawn]

Many Chrysler, Ford, and GM cars and trucks made in Mexico.

[UNISCAPER]

True, however, Mexico allows us to build our plants there, Japan does not...Also, one may argue that Jap factories such as Toyota set up plants here and employ Amreicans...That is slave labor, as the profits are sent back to the land of the red ball...

They seem to have a real nitche for copying good engineering, (Ford had DOHC in it's 1965 427 shotgun engines) making it cheaper and labeling it as better...I would not buy Jap crap, could not lower my standards...

[imograss]

I agree with Hoss, A 1/2 ton truck is not geared for everyday towing of heavy trailers. The tranny takes a beating along with the suspension, a good load will squat a 1/2 ton and make it more difficult to handle. The Titan is a nice truck , but still not a heavy duty lawn truck in my opinion.
Tim

[energy]

uniscaper, your point is what makes this country great. it's a land of opportunity and choices, but your comment about not buying because other countries are not buying domestic is pathetic. First im sure the Titan is built here and by Americans, not Japanese. I wonder how those assembly line employees would feel about this from you? Secondly you show your real knowledge of how untravelled you are because of the comment. Have you ever been to Japan? Do you know what living conditions they have over there? Do you think the average Japanese even have a car? Do you know that they require $3000 just to get a driver's license? We see big trucks, cars everywhere why? because we have the land and space here. In Japan everyone is driving cars that are the size of Suzuki Aerios, Honda Civics, or something you might be more familiar with, Cavaliers or Focus or even smaller. Most take the public transportation, extensive train and tunnel transits. Why? because they need it that small. They want all the goodies too and have to find better ways to cram it in their design. It's also about the engineering and fit and finish, technology. Sure the domestic vehicles sometimes offer better items, but not much to me. Domestics offer excessiveness of everything, but never really fine tuning much. This is why i often decide on foreign vehicles first before a domestic. I have a 2002 Chevy 3500 15 passenger van and it is barbaric. It is heavy, slow and a gas hog. I love it though because it is better than Dodge and Ford, but if a Nissan or Toyota comes out with something that big, watch out. Im sure the domestic truck makers are scared of the imports, but what you buy doesnt really matter who makes them, because they all come from here, built by Americans, so maybe you should reconsider your options the next time you buy, because you might not get the best bang for your buck. I bet the Titan is not even available in Japan, nobody will need it.

[pottstim]

I would like to see how that Titan would hold up pulling a 9,500 lb trailer on a regular basis. The same goes for any other 1/2 ton truck on the market. To me, 9500 lbs is 3/4 and 1 ton territory.

[BSDeality]

Originally posted by UNISCAPER
I can't get past the fact that friends should never let friends drive rice.... There will never be one of anything made in Japan in my shop until the Japanese allow Americans to manufacture and trade freely in thier island as they do here.... heh, spoken like a true ignorant person. the titan is made in Canton, Mississippi by (you guessed it) american workers. (also, i didn't know a v8 that puts out 305hp/380ft-lb torque was "rice") Keep driving your rusted out ford.

Here's a nice little excerpt from the article. The new Titan, which was conceived, developed, styled and engineered primarily in North America, will be assembled at Nissan's new $1.43 billion manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss., with its Nissan Endurance V8 assembled on an all-new line at Nissan's advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn

[cclllc]

I work at the Smyrna plant and have seen this truck on display.It seems like it is going to be a good seller.According to the dealers we have heard from ,people are already linedup waiting for them.I agree it is not areal beast like my 1 ton 85'chevy 454 400 turbo gas hog but for what it is I think it will hang with any half ton.If they come out with a Nissan 1 ton, I may have to reconsider.I know how our engines are built because I built them for 10 years until they went to Dechard,Tn.Red ball or not ,I like the quality we build and so does alot of other Americans.:D

[HOMER]

The day I moved up from the Chevy Silverado to my Dodge Ram 2500 was the day I realized how much difference a truck could make.

Being able to get a load in motion is one thing......being able to control it is another. I'm sure the Nissan is a fine truck, if I didn't do what I do and needed a truck for general purposes then I would probably buy one. I've been in my 1/2 ton trucks when the trailer decided to get squirrely because of some ruts made by big rigs........it scared the crapola out of me...........this has never happened with the 3/4 ton. The truck dictates what the trailer does, not the trailer dictating what the truck does.

There is a difference.

[Albemarle Lawn]

9500 tow limit doesn't mean tow that much all the time.

I have 1/2 ton trucks, 3/4 ton, and 2-ton. I'm not saying the Titan can replace a heavy 3/4 ton or 1-ton, but it fits a niche where an F150 might be too weak for its size, and offers better performance unloaded and with a light trailer up to 4000 lb or so.

KB

[Blades of Steel]

Hey Hoss, did you buy the deisel? I have made up my mind to give up the quad cab for an extended cab so that I can get the deisel for the torgue.

tim

[Quality Cuts PLS]

As to the original question of this post, I drove the Nissan Titon about a week and a half ago. It is an awsome truck. More power than a 6.0 Chevrolet. The power range is very broad and smooth, lots of torque. It is weird to hear the typical Nissan starter, then the burbble of a stout V8. It rode, handled, and braked even better than the new F150. The tow rating is impressive for a half- ton. It does not have the suspension of a three-quarter ton, but it is not a three-quarter ton and should not be compared as such. There are many nice features that offer good value, ie., factory spray in liner, adjustable tie down rack system, side bed storage, 170 degree opening rear doors on the King Cab version. Over-all, a great truck. There are rumors of a diesel version and three-quarter ton in the near future. If it is as reliable as the smaller Nissan trucks, it should give the Big-Three a good run. ( I have owned fifeteen Nissans in the past.) It is another good choice for the consumer to consider that is in the market for a half-ton truck. I might have to try one, once the supply increases. (Probably add rear air bag assist.) I can't wait for the diesel three-quarter ton.

[bob]

As long as I get a GM discount on vehicles, I'll never buy a foreign car or truck. It does look like it will be a good selling truck.

[Kingbman1]

The titan supposed to be the best in the full size class of the 2004 models, i still wouldnt buy a foreign truck.

[UNISCAPER]

As I said before....where do the profits on a Japanese company go? I could care less if they employ Americans as slaves or not...That is their choice, and mine is never to purchase Japanese garbage, no matter where it is made until they open the boundries of trade that they have created....

Every week I see guys pull in with thier Toyota, and Nissan trucks and load them with the same materials that I can carry without even making my GMC or Ford squat on...They pull out, nose stuck way up in the air hunting for raccoons with the lights....

These trucks are not, nor ever will be what any FORD GM or DODGE is all about..So, if you want to buy one go head, and when all the recylced beer cans they use for steel rust apart, I guess you wil have seen just what you paid for....

[Grassmechanic]

Originally posted by UNISCAPER
I can't get past the fact that friends should never let friends drive rice.... There will never be one of anything made in Japan in my shop until the Japanese allow Americans to manufacture and trade freely in thier island as they do here.... I agree wholeheartedly. Besides, a lot of my customers work for the Big 3. It's in my best interest to support their jobs.

[BrianK10]

Theres NO way you'd find one in my driveway unless someone gave it to me. Heck, now that I think of it, if one was given to me, I'd trade it in and buy a Chevy, Ford, or EVEN a DODGE! Nissan? No thanks. :nono:

Brian

[MTR]

There are lots of LCO here using Nissan pulling trailers, they are all right but as newer model coming out, like Titan or so, Parts and repair on Japanese trucks are almost twice as much as big three's. Take a look at Tundra or Tacoma, yes, they are very good dawn reliable and nice with lots of plastic, etc, but don't break down (and it will sooner or later), cost of repair is prohibitive. A tune-up or body touch-up work can break your bank account if not careful who is your mech (hightech = high price= less profit)
BTW, is Titan made with 50/50 plastic or foam and metal? like foam bumper as they do in their Sentra or passenger cars, etc?
I 'd rather drive my used Ford truck to the ground...cheap and simple to repair, nothing fancy, just work and ride than taking chances at those fancy, hightech, Titan or Tundra.

[pinnacle]

Do you guys have "Nissan Patrols" or "Navara" over in the States?

Do any of these descirbed models look like this model?

These Patrols are real popular down under.

Can soneone post a pic of a Titan for me?

[J-dub]

The Titan looks great -- I'd buy a foreign make well before I'd even consider having a domestic given to me (not really, but you get the point...).

To those of you who are committed to supporting domestic auto-makers just to spite foreign makers... It's one thing if you choose an American make because you like it or have had a good experience -- that's great! It's quite another to exclude a foreign producer simply because they're "... not made in the USA...".


Here's a little history lesson...

Without world-trade the U.S. might not have ever emerged from the Great Depression. Do a search on the Smoot-Hawley Tariff act of 1930 -- this act, while not actually causing the Great Depression, struck a retaliatory tone amongst our trading partners throughout the world. These partners raised their import tariffs on U.S. goods to the point where no-one outside the U.S. could afford to buy American-made products.

Another little-known fact is that after WWII, Japan adopted the philosophies of an American - W. Edwards Deming. Dr. Deming turned Japan into the industrial superpower that they are today. He instilled quality (using statistics) into their manufacturing processes -- one could say this is why Japanese products are so reliable.

Interestingly, America refused to subscribe to Deming's principles. As a result, the U.S. was passed-over decades ago in terms of building a quality product (whatever the product is, IMO). Ever since, American co's - especially automakers - have been playing a wicked game of catch-up and have yet to equal Japanese durability/quality.

[energy]

Well said J-Dub. You are open minded and educated. Just like me! I cant understand why some people just get stuck on certain things. I test drove a Jeep Liberty today, nice car. Very tight, strong, but...

Extremely loud engine noise, very fuel inefficient, strong wheel rubbing noise, boring interior(sport model), lousy shifting of auto transmission. The only thing it's got is power and initial tightness of new car. I know the tight feel will shortly disappear as soon as it gets some age to it. The domestic just dont emphasize on subtle qualities like noise, vibration, well you get the point. We are in an age where we have to conserve for the future and power requires more energy. Why do anyone need heavy duty trucks to pull around trailers anyways? How many people really get close to the pulling weight that a Titan can do? If you are worried about transmission failure, drive slow, take it easy, you are supposed to anyways. Dont get me wrong, but there are places for these BIG trucks, but for the average lawn care setup, why so extravagant with power and steel? People talk about cost of repairs, yeah maybe it does cost more, but who wants to keep a working truck after 5 years anyways. With that in mind, what gets a higher resale value, a Toyota or a Ford? Everybody has a way of looking at things, but to rule out a make and model because of company origin is bogus.

[J-dub]

Energy -- I agree completely. I like big trucks as much as the next-guy, believe me. They definitely serve a purpose to many here and to others who use them for heavy hauling.

To you point about fixing vehicles and the cost of repair. To me, foreign makes are so reliable that why anyone would purchase a domestic makes my head spin. I guess I'm from a different era -- 20+ years ago it was acceptable that cars broke down and I think people simply got used to the fact that they'd have to take their car in for fixing. Today it's different. Sure there are lemons out there, but why would you spend tens-of-thousands of dollars on a vehicle only to have it break down? I'd rather buy from a company that produces reliable/quality products and not have to worry about it -- if it costs me a few thousand dollars more, so be it.

Oh, here's another tidbit -- 40% of car-owners in America are upside-down in their car-loan; that is, they owe more than their vehicle is worth. I think it speaks to the U.S. consumer's insatiable desire to have the next best thing/something "new".

[GTLC]

try the new F-150. It seems pretty comparable.

[jgautreau]

I wonder how much of your lawn equipment is made overseas. Don't knock Toyota. The Tundra will take the F150, Dodge 1500, and Chevy 1500 any day. It's reliable, and there is plenty of reason it won Motor Trend Truck of the year when it came out. I bet the Gas mileage is alot better too. Oh, one more thing, the resale value is much higher for Toyotas then any Ford, Dodge or Chevy.

You may be interested in supporting Mr. Ford, but I am interested in supporting myself. If a Toyota will last alot longer than a Ford, Chevy or Dodge, which it will, and my hard earned money is paying for it, why would I buy something I would be dumping money into? I think I will look out for my best interests, not the Chevy, Ford or Dodge owners who my 20K truck won't make a dent in their pockets anyways.

Just my opinion.

[jgautreau]

By the way I love the new Chevy Z71, and the Dodge Diesels as well as the Ford Diesel. I just think Toyota happens to be a fine investment.

[brentsawyer]

For the avarage 16' trailer, it should be enough. Its specs say 3/4 ton to me. Its weight says its still a 1/2 ton. I'd say that if your not loading your trailer down with more than 2 z's and 1 wb, it is more than sufficient. Anymore, maybe a little on little on the light side. Maintenance as we all know from Nissan and their trucks is very little. I had a friend in high school that had one that had original plugs at 170,000 miles and the reason he didn't change them was because the had rusted on. Heck I still have a 95' that just had its first tune up last year and all fluids were basically fine and needed a little topping off. Belts were all fine and this truck pulled a trailer from 500 miles on. Longevity, Nissan has got to have the best hands down. Depreciation is going to beat the big 3 to death if this truck holds up like the others have structurally. I intend on considering one since the whole domestic/foreign battle is not like it is in other parts of the country. But I know for sure if I lived in Michigan, I would not even consider for risk of losing all of my customers and being lynched. LOL. There might be one foreign vehicle for every ten domestic vehicles. Key emphasis on the word MIGHT.

[odin]

I agree wholeheartedly. Besides, a lot of my customers work for the Big 3. It's in my best interest to support their jobs


NOT ONLY GOOD UNION JOBS BUT MINE AND THOUSANDS OF OTHERS PENSIONS.

[HOMER]

Mama said " Don't you buy no ugly truck"!

This really has nothing at all to do with this thread but it just popped in my head!

[65hoss]

Originally posted by HOMER
Mama said " Don't you buy no ugly truck"!

This really has nothing at all to do with this thread but it just popped in my head! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[turfmower]

Nice truck maybe I've only seen pictures. Small bed and 17 and 18 inch pretty boy rims, leather interior, this truck is to take the wife and dog to the park or to pull a bike trailer. Let see how it hold up with a 8 foot plow on the front bumper and a trailer with two ZRTs, couple walkhinds on it. Personal tuck maybe, work truck no way.

[dishboy]

Sounds like a great truck if you are only hauling a 6x10 and a couple of mowers. I personally like 1 ton trucks, have used 1/2 tons but they seem to be deficiant when loaded and pulling a trailer. This might be a viable comprimise.

[UNISCAPER]

The 9500 lb tow capacities of the Sneeze On are decieving. They are implying that on a daily basis, this truck if you call it that can pull 9500 lbs. Yet after looking at one of these things sitting on a car hoist, I was amazed to see brakes smaller in diameter than a Ford of Chevy 1/2 ton truck, and a rear differential about the size of a Dana 44.

Half ton Fords use Dana 60's, and larger brakes. The other factor here, is in horsepowers. Horsepower, rated by the metric ton, is actually going to be less than if it was rated by American standards.

The other thing, I really can't get past that disgusting bump in the center of the tailgate. I was waiting for a kid walk by, point, then ask it the truck had a tumor

I know well about the story of Dr. Deming and how he strayed to Japan to save thier country after the big bad Americans devastaed them.

Well there are many stories that you never hear like the one about my grandfather, and many other grandparents.....

On my third trip back to the states from Okanawa, I decied to go visit my grandfather in Honalulu. Unfortunatley I could not talk to him, you see , he has been staying in the Arizona since about 10:00 AM Dec. 7, 1941.

That is a history lesson we should never forget. It sickens me to see that we slowly have sold our great country to these people...When Slick Willy was president, he further sickened me by appologizing for droping Fat Man and Little Boy...What we should have done is sent a big brother to Tokyo.

So, go buy yor Jap crap if want to. And when you get hungry, and when you can't get your work done because you Japanese vehcile won't run, you could grind it up and eat it.

I had over 800,550 miles on my '88 Dodge Dakota when I gave it to a friend back in Illinois when I moved to SoCal.. It had the orgiinal engine, 3rd automatic tranny. It was dented as in beat, and had a few small rust spots, but, ran and started every day, even in 15 below zero temps. I would see Toyota and Nissans from that same year loaded in smashed piles on flatbeds going to get melted while I drove right by them.

There will be no rice spilled on the floor of our shop.

[SHOW ME STATE RIDER]

Small bed and foreign. Not a chance.BUY USA.

[65hoss]

Originally posted by UNISCAPER
The 9500 lb tow capacities of the Sneeze On are decieving. They are implying that on a daily basis, this truck if you call it that can pull 9500 lbs. Yet after looking at one of these things sitting on a car hoist, I was amazed to see brakes smaller in diameter than a Ford of Chevy 1/2 ton truck, and a rear differential about the size of a Dana 44.

Half ton Fords use Dana 60's, and larger brakes. The other factor here, is in horsepowers. Horsepower, rated by the metric ton, is actually going to be less than if it was rated by American standards.

The other thing, I really can't get past that disgusting bump in the center of the tailgate. I was waiting for a kid walk by, point, then ask it the truck had a tumor

I know well about the story of Dr. Deming and how he strayed to Japan to save thier country after the big bad Americans devastaed them.

Well there are many stories that you never hear like the one about my grandfather, and many other grandparents.....

On my third trip back to the states from Okanawa, I decied to go visit my grandfather in Honalulu. Unfortunatley I could not talk to him, you see , he has been staying in the Arizona since about 10:00 AM Dec. 7, 1941.

That is a history lesson we should never forget. It sickens me to see that we slowly have sold our great country to these people...When Slick Willy was president, he further sickened me by appologizing for droping Fat Man and Little Boy...What we should have done is sent a big brother to Tokyo.

So, go buy yor Jap crap if want to. And when you get hungry, and when you can't get your work done because you Japanese vehcile won't run, you could grind it up and eat it.

I had over 800,550 miles on my '88 Dodge Dakota when I gave it to a friend back in Illinois when I moved to SoCal.. It had the orgiinal engine, 3rd automatic tranny. It was dented as in beat, and had a few small rust spots, but, ran and started every day, even in 15 below zero temps. I would see Toyota and Nissans from that same year loaded in smashed piles on flatbeds going to get melted while I drove right by them.

There will be no rice spilled on the floor of our shop.

Just for you. This is the flag on top of the Arizona memorial taken about 2 months ago.

[65hoss]

Arizona memorial.

[SLAM]

If you are serious about this business and have that kind of money to spend on a new truck you are a fool to buy a 1/2 ton vehicle for hauling any weight daily, plowing snow or towing trailers. I repeat if you are serious about being in business. These trucks are designed for weekend warriors, and Home Depot runs. Maybe for the occational towing of the small boat to the launch. I know lots of you may disagree as you drive around with your rear bumpers dragging on the ground, but I feel these trucks are for the guy working in an office all day who wants to show his buddies he is tough too!

[energy]

I wonder who hired that damn testing panel for Motor Trend? They all should be fired!! Nah. Its the ones that have not had experience with foreign makes that make the silly assumptions that they are weak and fragile. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Please come back and make your remarks after you have tested one of these trucks for a week or more. Thats what all these journalists do before they make their statements.

[burnandreturn]

I not sure but I believe all these foriegn auto/truck manufacturers that say "built" in USA really should say "Assembled". Aren't all the parts made oversea's and just shipped here and put assembled here. I know that's what BMW does.

[ksss]

I saw one on a lot a couple days ago. Cute little thing. It does spec. well for a 1/2 ton. But Toyota learned a lesson with the T-100, and perhaps Nissan will get schooled as well. Marketing fullsize pickups to the American public is day and night different than marketing cars. Especially if they chose to build 3/4 and 1 tons. The T-100 although probably a well built vehicle did not sell. The Nissan specs. much better than the T-100 but your selling to a market that is fiercely loyal to the big three. I won't buy one, but more competetion is a good thing. It will help push GM (and Ford and Dodge) into making an even better pickup. That is a product I will and do buy.