Titan: The Good, The Bad & The Useless

[Ron Unger]

Now that I have owned my Titan for about a 3 weeks, I have come to realize what I do and don’t like about it, and what for me is a useless feature. I will try and clarify my feelings after each feature. I also want to mention that my previous vehicle was a 2000 GMC Sierra 4x4 SLT. Obviously, some comparisons will be made.

I am sure many of you will agree with my observations and many will not. Keep in mind that these observations are based only on my own experiences.


The Good

1. The engine and transmission. Both are excellent, and work together in perfect harmony.
2. Storage.* Everywhere you look there are bins and cubby holes and nooks for everything. (Please note the asterisk…I will take up storage again, later on).
3. Tailgate. Who knew how much happiness a tailgate could supply? The fact that it opens and closes so easily, has a lock and side illumination. A modern marvel.
4. Visors. Infinitely adjustable no matter where the sun decides to sneak in.
5. Flat floor on passenger’s side. Ok, that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but I have to carry a lot of stuff around and the GMC had no real usable floor space in front of the passenger’s seat.
6. Grocery Hooks. Very clever those Japanese, and a very useful idea.
7. Steering wheel controls. I have the LE and I am amazed at the convenience provided by these controls. However, I have to be careful that I don’t try and adjust the volume or change stations while I am in the middle of a turn. LOL
8. Spray in Bedliner. My last 2 trucks had aftermarket spray in liners, so I really appreciated having the truck come with that part already done.
9. Big Tow mirrors. They take a little getting used to, but once learned, they certainly help with visibility.


The Bad

1. Storage.* Yes, there is storage everywhere, but not much is usable. There are no separate compartments for small things, like coins or vehicle registration. (I know all about the overhead bins, but this is Las Vegas and I burnt my nose with my sunglasses the first day). And, for 30k, couldn’t Nissan have provided a light in the glovebox and center storage compartment?
2. Sliding rear window. Why would anyone want a sliding rear window on a King Cab. You can’t turn around and reach it. If someone leaves it open, you have to remember to get out, get in to the back and close it. If it was power like the crew cab, OK, but not otherwise.
3. Tow/Haul switch. I want to know who thought up the location of that one. It should be at the end of one of a stalk on the steering wheel where it belongs, not in some obscure place on the dash, where you have to take your eyes off the road to use it.
4. No rear A/C vents in KC. My GMC ext, cab had them and that was bought 5 years ago. I know they exist in the CC. It’s just not fair.
5. Yellow readout. What, they don’t wear sunglasses in Japan. Nuff said!
6. Radio reflection in rearview mirror. This is my 5th truck and I never had that problem previously.
7. Compass & Temp gauge overhead. I understand the ‘04 Titans had these gauges on the mirror. Why would they want me to take my eyes off the road?
8. No rear grab handles in KC. There are 2 on the front passenger’s side, but none in the rear. Puzzles me.
9. Location of A/C vents. My left hand is ice cold while my face is still hot. Could have found a better place Nissan. While I’m at it, why not a swivel vent on the ends like the center ones. Much easier to use than those dial gizmos on the bottom.
10. Tires included with off road pkg. I think they could have spent a few more bucks on LT rated tires instead of P rated. I drove the truck from the dealer directly to the tire store and traded up to BFG TA KO’s.

The Useless

1. Dash storage bins. I still haven’t figured out what I can do with the 3 storage bins on the dash. Maybe we should run a contest to see who comes up with the best idea for the bins?
2. The Rail system. This must have looked like a great idea on paper. However, I might never expend the effort to align the cleats for a useful purpose.
3. Driver’s grab handle. That’s what the steering wheel is for.

Well there you have it. Once again, I am sure many will find fault with some of my observations. However, that’s what this forum is all about. Thanks for reading.
Ron

[Heckler01]

Originally Posted by Ron Unger

6. Radio reflection in rearview mirror. This is my 5th truck and I never had that problem previously.

Most annoying thing ever.

[Timba24]

I am from vegas also I have never burnt my face with my sunglasses. I can reach my sliding window from the front but only when parked of course, and I use my track system all the time those tie down cleats and the cargo divider are awesome

oh and the reflection bugged me before but I dont notice it anymore but I guess thats cause I dont have that bright orange glow anymore gotta love aftermarket decks lol

[tweety]

Put your paperwork in the pouch provided on the back of your visor. Take your hot sunglasses off and pull it down to look!
Radio reflection. Yeah. I didn't like it either so I used this other modern marvel called the DIMMER switch. Like the rear window, you will want to be in park before messing with it!
Compass and temp gauge. This one makes me laugh. First off, guys don't ask for directions so a compass is useless. Second, you say that you are in Vegas. It hot, damn hot. Do you really need to know what the temp is outside? Like there is a huge difference between 88 and 98 degrees when the truck is in the sun all day!
Geez!!!

[tnbowhunter]

Geeze, your high maintenance!!!!!!!!!

[Timba24]

LOL 88 to 98 lol yeah at night

[Burly]

I find the storage on the dash quite useful. Cell phones and change.

[Titan XE]

Ron Unger: Quote: "3. Driver’s grab handle. That’s what the steering wheel is for." I personally think the grab handle is a great idea and very useful to have. If you are older, overweight, disabled, short etc.., the grab handle on the driver's side upper interior door frame is a definite asset and conviently located.

[QShip]

Originally Posted by Titan XE

Ron Unger: Quote: "3. Driver’s grab handle. That’s what the steering wheel is for." I personally think the grab handle is a great idea and very useful to have. If you are older, overweight, disabled, short etc.., the grab handle on the driver's side upper interior door frame is a definite asset and conviently located.

I use mine too.

[phlydude]

This truck was not designed in Japan. It was designed in the US in Michigan and/or California (I'm not sure about the CA part).

The only gripe I can relate to is the Yellow display. Good luck seeing the miles or transmission indicator with glasses on. But then again, do you really need to see these?? As far as reflection, I don't see it aside from a little reflection on the back window from the radio.

[GO_VOLS!]

I can't stand it when cars don't have a grab handle for the driver. I love mine. I use my rail system all the time and put change in my dash cubbies.

What's really useless is that stupid speed sensitive volume thing on the radio. I wish they would make it to where the bass, mid, and treble function seperately between the radio and CD player, as I'm ALWAYS having to fidgit with it when switching back and forth.

[Egan]

I have to add my +1 for the reflection in the rearview mirror. I don't see the radio, but I do see that ultra bright passenger airbag light in the mirror every morning. I can see the hazard switch too, but it is very dim and not nearly as annoying as the airbag light.

But in all reality, this is a minor annoyance in an otherwise great vehicle.

[P's Titan]

Originally Posted by Ron Unger

8. No rear grab handles in KC. There are 2 on the front passenger’s side, but none in the rear. Puzzles me.


2. The Rail system. This must have looked like a great idea on paper. However, I might never expend the effort to align the cleats for a useful purpose.
3. Driver’s grab handle. That’s what the steering wheel is for.

I agree with the grab handles, my dad hurts himself everytime, The rail system is awesome, and the Driver's grab handle. Im a big guy and would be afriad to use the steering wheel.

[asupcsi]

Grab handles ae awsome. I turned down my dash lights from full bright and I don't notice the reflection anymore. Thing is bright as the sun when full on! Small bins on dash hold change. Middle holds sunglasses cause I'm to lazy to put them overhead. It also holds my baseball cards :-) Oh, and you gotta just love that exhaust note.

The only thing that bugs my on my 04 (now that I have the new brake kit) are the scratches I put in the dash carrying some long pieces of metal home one day (Doh!) and the nice crease I now have in my rear bumper cause the truck is so da#n long!

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Ron Unger

The Bad

1. Storage.* Yes, there is storage everywhere, but not much is usable. There are no separate compartments for small things, like coins or vehicle registration. (I know all about the overhead bins, but this is Las Vegas and I burnt my nose with my sunglasses the first day). And, for 30k, couldn’t Nissan have provided a light in the glovebox and center storage compartment?

3. Tow/Haul switch. I want to know who thought up the location of that one. It should be at the end of one of a stalk on the steering wheel where it belongs, not in some obscure place on the dash, where you have to take your eyes off the road to use it.

5. Yellow readout. What, they don’t wear sunglasses in Japan. Nuff said!
6. Radio reflection in rearview mirror. This is my 5th truck and I never had that problem previously.
7. Compass & Temp gauge overhead. I understand the ‘04 Titans had these gauges on the mirror. Why would they want me to take my eyes off the road?

9. Location of A/C vents. My left hand is ice cold while my face is still hot. Could have found a better place Nissan. While I’m at it, why not a swivel vent on the ends like the center ones. Much easier to use than those dial gizmos on the bottom.

The Useless

1. Dash storage bins. I still haven’t figured out what I can do with the 3 storage bins on the dash. Maybe we should run a contest to see who comes up with the best idea for the bins?

Ron

Answers to:

1. I always find some use for the bins at some point. I have, at times, pulled my sunglasses out and found them hot...held them in front of the AC vent for a minute and they were fine.
3. Tow/Haul switch on the stalk could cause accidental engagement when using the other things on it...plus wouldnt you have it on before you towed? I would guess unless you used it daily this is probably not an issue with many.
5. Yellow...or orange as I see it...doesn't really bother me... drove an Altima with it and it was fine. Plus, do you really need to look down and see your mileage every few seconds?
6. Radio reflection??? never seen it...auto dimmer must take care of it or something.
7. Compass/Temp gauge overhead...are you using the compass to guide you through the desert? Is the temp really that important to you that you need to see it right in front of you??
9. Location of the AC vents? Um how are you having trouble aiming them to not get enough on you? Drop a block of ice on your lap instead.

1. 3 Storage bins....Left on drivers side I use for my spare change...center I use for my cell phone...passenger side...what the hell do I care, it is way over there.

No offense...but you can nit-pick about any car if you really WANT to...If you wanted a truck to be exactly the way you wanted it you would basically have to build it yourself.