One-Year Test Update: 2004 Nissan Titan 4x2 SE
Impressive power output comes at a fuel-mileage penalty
By Neil G. Chirico
Photography by Gautam Patki
Several staff members have commented about the Nissan's underhood punch: "I really enjoy the power of this truck. I took it on a camping trip, and it motored up the mountain with a full bed of gear and not a problem." "Drivetrain performance and the exhaust note are impressive." As could be expected, that impressive power output comes at a fuel-mileage penalty. The same editor commented, "That 14/19 EPA rating must be for pretty gentle driving. Indulge in the fun pedal too much, and you pay a stiff penalty in real-world fuel economy. It costs $60 to fill this truck--yikes!" It might, then, seem odd to send our fuel-efficiency-challenged Titan to Florida with online editorial director Jeff Bartlett, but he was moving and had a real need for a truck. The Titan (and Jeff) arrived home just in time for duty and Home Depot stops to get supplies for not one, but four hurricanes. Neither was damaged in the process.
From The Log Book
"The optional spray-on bed liner seems like something that ought to be standard in every pickup."
--John Matthius
| 2004 Nissan Titan 4X2 SE |
| Base price | $27,350 |
| Price as tested | $32,240 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD, 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.6L V-8, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl |
| SAE net hp @ rpm | 305 @ 4900 |
| SAE torque @ rpm | 379 @ 3600 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 7.4 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy | 14/19 |
| Total mileage | 10,792 |
| Average test mpg | 14.6 |
| Problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $83.30/7500-mile service |
| Normal-wear cost | $20/tire repair |