Nissan Titan 5.6-Liter V8 Pro-4X 4WD Crew Cab

The Titan's been around since 2003. It doesn’t seem that long but yes the 2004 model was introduced in the early autumn of 2003. Nissan redesigned the Titan in 2016 and in my opinion it kind of looks very similar to some of its competition. Consider the '17 Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado.

Nissan went the traditional route for power (except for the XD that uses a Cummings 5.0-liter V8 diesel) and installs a 5.6-liter V8 under the hood - 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque sent through a 7-speed automatic. It is a good engine, maybe not the most powerful out there, but it gets the job done. Fuel economy is good – rated 21 highway and 15 city (4WD or 2WD) – helped along by its 7-speed automatic transmission.

Although the Titan I drove was not the ultimate (that would be a Platinum Reserve) it was very well equipped. You know I’m getting older when I really like my luxury appointments. Part of me still clings to the idea that a pickup should be a barebones workhorse – Nah, give me comfy seats, great climate control and sound system and such. The Titan is a thoroughly modern pickup with all the conveniences. The interior might have been the best of the three, but only by a nose.

As much as I wanted to like the Titan the suspension and steering just weren't up to par in my view. The steering, despite being a rack and pinion, felt like it was a rather loose old style box with center link, idler arm and pitman arm. And there was a secondary shudder that went through the steering from bumps that I didn't expect.

With a base price of $45,020 the sticker went up to $52,305 with options and destination charges. The least expensive Titan is the 2WD, 2-door S model. It has the same engine and transmission for $29,580.