Cars Worth Noting: 2004 Nissan Titan

There are many people who have said Japanese automakers won’t be successful in the full-size pickup truck segment.

Nissan, it seems, is going to prove them wrong. Granted, this vehicle is definitely more upscale than your handyman’s traditional pickup but that is exactly what Nissan is going for with its new Titan.

This pickup is for what Nissan calls “modern truck guys.” These are buyers who are open minded and willing to switch brands read that as Japanese friendly-non F-150, Ram or Silverado loyal). They will also use the vehicle for personal use on the weekends and want unique styling for their pickup.

Basically, Nissan is targeting business professionals who may use their truck to tow or haul something. Sounds like a good plan for Nissan. While the vehicle and its many, many interesting features are very good, I still doubt the die-hard, work-hard, Detroit-loyal truck drivers will look its way even though they should.

Nissan is offering two versions of its pickup — king cab and a crew cab. The company expects the king cab to take 60 percent of sales.

Nissan won’t be offering a regular cab version of the Titan. Larry Dominique, chief product specialist for the Titan, says regular cab sales really have dwindled and it just didn’t pay to have Nissan offer one.

Both versions of the vehicle come equipped with a hearty 5.6L V-8 capable of 305 hp at 4,900 rpm and 379 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. Maximum towing capacity touches 9,500 lbs. Nissan has hinted that is may eventually offer a V-6 and diesel version of the vehicle.