Teresa’s View: Nissan nicely dials in less bounce with its brawn

Sat., Dec. 18, 2004

Teresa Herriman Marketing Department Correspondent

Unlike other Japanese car companies, Nissan is not afraid to walk on the wild side of design. Among their creations are the avant-garde Murano sport-ute, the slinky 350Z and the armor-clad Armada. The all-new Titan truck further reveals this “no fear” philosophy.

Granted, there’s not much you can do to a truck, but Nissan added a swath of chrome up and over the massive front bumper and wide-toothed grille that will distinguish your ride from all others. Chrome on the rear bumper, mirrors and door handles ties it all together.

But the Titan is not just another pretty face. It’s ready for heavy-duty, um, truck stuff with a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that produces 305 horsepower. A Tow Haul Mode and 379 pound feet of torque will get you and your toys to wherever you want to go. Poor fuel economy is the price you pay. The Titan gets 14-mpg city and 19-mpg highway.

The Titan rides like a truck, but you didn’t want a car, did you? Still, Nissan has managed to split the difference nicely by dialing in less bounce with its brawn. A 5-speed transmission is standard and the shifts are remarkably smooth. Even with an empty bed, the Titan holds its ground firmly.

What didn’t I like? It took a minute for me to realize that orangey-yellow thing in the rear window was the reflection of the radio face. Ick. Secondly, thick pillars between the windows seriously hindered rearward viewing.

What Is It?: The all-new, full-size pickup from Nissan is offered in three trims, XE, SE and LE; and two versions, the King Cab and Crew Cab. Prices start at a modest $25,580.

Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10. Standard features abound. The entry-level XE comes with air conditioning, cruise control and intermittent wipers. Options include a Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with an in-dash CD changer and 10 speakers.

Favorite Feature: Love the tailgate lighting that illuminates the bed when the tailgate is lowered.

The Back Seat: The cab is wonderfully roomy, with door panels that curve inward to eke out a few more precious inches. Entry to the back seat of the King Cab model is gained via what Nissan calls ”Wide Open Rear Doors.” The front and rear doors can swing open rather like French doors for a grand entrance or exit. On the downside, the seat back for the rear bench is painfully upright.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Titan comes fresh from Nissan’s new facility at Canton, Miss.

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