Cars Worth Noting: 2004 Nissan Titan

Nothing like seeing a vehicle’s engine made right before driving it. After touring the Echerd, Tennessee engine plant I was then tossed the keys to a 2004 Titan Kingcab. I was still taking a moment to consider the overall morale in the plant, which I found strikingly positive.

The positive attitudes of Nissan’s workers in Tennessee really seem to translate to the product.

Like any truck the power plant is paramount to the overall feel of the vehicle and this one was as much fun as some rear-drive pony cars.

With the window open the exhaust noise is exactly what you’d expect a North American truck consumer would be seeking.

The exhaust tones aren’t the only upshot of the 5.6L V-8 the power that it puts to the pavement was also a treat. Were it not for the ride height you may think you were piloting some muscle car. Under acceleration the Titan is as predictable and a lot more visceral and fun than I had expected.

Off-roading wasn’t on the docket for the day – but large potholes and dirt/pavement changeovers were and the Titan rolled right over without a lot of noise of chatter in the steering input.

The interior of the Titan isn’t quite as exciting as the power plant, but it does feature a very usable gauge cluster and a center stack which provides all the usual suspects. The center stack features large knobs for the HVAC and has metallic surfaces, which are cues taken from the rest of the family.

At the end of the day this is a great power plant wrapped in a very sensible truck.