Driving our Latest Featured Vehicle: The Titan

I was hesitant to take this 2011 Nissan Titan out for our featured spot, but only because I knew I was going to like it.  I've always been a proponent of Japanese vehicles; properly maintained they run forever.  And this titan lives up to it's name sake.  The Custom rims just make this truck pop.  Hopping in the cab, I couldn't help but admire how spacious the cab feels.  Somehow it just feels familiar in an interesting way; there was no getting used to driving this truck.  It just felt natural.  The interior is somewhat spartan, but hey its a truck.

Starting her up, I must say I really like how this truck sounds.  Some reviewers have noted that these trucks have a heavy exhaust note.  This Titan is a TRUCK.  Not in anyway similar to the 80's Nissan's except that they both have beds... and their both made by Nissan.  Anyway, I say and I think I speak for most of us truck aficionados in this county, when I say: It's supposed to sound like that.  It's a 317 horsepower V8 with a 9500 lb. towing capacity which is plenty for all the toys. Come on now!

Heading out of the lot, I immediately noticed how easy it is to see out of the cab of this truck.  The side view mirrors are large and well placed.  Also the rail that separates the windshield from the passenger and driver's side windows is really narrow.  All these things combined make the cab feel even bigger than it actually is.  The fold up middle table scores extra points too, it's always nice to have the extra room.  Speaking about the seats, they are amazingly comfortable; with a generous amount of support and padding.

One of my favorite things about these trucks is that the rear window also rolls down!  Some of the best camping trips I've been on involved loading up the ice chests and cruising to South Fork with all the windows (including the rear) rolled down in my friend's Titan.  It feels like your in a convertible.  It's awesome.

Cruising out of town, I gave her some boot coming off the line just to see.  The V8 did not disappoint.  With gobs of torque right from idle,  I even saw the traction control light come on briefly, but the interference was so smooth I didn't notice it.  Sometimes, traction control can be kinda jerky as it engages but this was downright seamless.  Bravo Nissan, Bravo.  Heading out to to the North Jetty, I must say I really like how this truck handles.  It has a nice solid feel to it.  Responsive but not so stiff in the suspension that I feel jostled around going over bumps and not at all floaty for a truck of it's size.

Finally out at the parking lot, I engaged the four wheel drive, which is really simple.  Just stop, put it in park and turn the nob, wait for the dash markings to indicate all 4 wheels are ready and your good to go.  Shifting back was just as easy.  Under strict orders to NOT get her in anyway sandy, I resisted the temptation to take her out of the staging area.  But with the tires this truck is equipped with, I know it would handle it like a champ.  After snapping a few photos, I was ready to head back.  But not ready to turn in the keys.  I really want this truck...It's just so comfortable!  If I didn't owe so much on my dodge, I would trade trade her in for the Titan in a second!  Sacrilegious I know, but it's just so comfortable!