2006 Nissan Titan

For 2006, the Titan receives only minor changes. Mid- and upper-grade stereo systems receive MP3 and WMA playback capability; dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the LE; the LE Crew Cab receives Vehicle Dynamic Control, power sunroof, and side and curtain airbags as standard equipment; and new exterior colours are Majestic Blue and Pewter.

All Titans use a 5.6-litre V8 and come with a five-speed automatic transmission. The King Cab has two small rear-hinged rear doors that open 168 degrees, while the Crew Cab has four independently-opening doors. The King Cab comes in two-wheel or four-wheel-drive, while the Crew Cab is strictly 4WD; all four-wheel models have shift-on-the-fly.

On both body styles, the base XE comes with air conditioning, cruise control, six-passenger seating, CD player with six speakers, floor mats, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 17-inch steel wheels, and variable intermittent wipers. The XE is 4x2 only on King Cab; it’s 4x4 only on Crew Cab.

The SE is a five-passenger and adds power windows, power locks, power heated mirrors, leather-wrapped wheel, six-CD system, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The LE trim line, which is available only on 4x4 models, adds a power sunroof, leather interior, Rockford Fosgate six-CD system with ten speakers and wheel-mounted audio controls, heated seats, power-adjustable pedals, driver’s position memory, fog lights and automatic headlights.

Full-size pickup trucks are the last stranglehold the domestic manufacturers have in the industry, and it isn’t easy for an offshore company to break in (even with a truck that’s built in the U.S., as the Titan is). Nissan is certainly trying with this formidable opponent, which is priced competitively with the Big Three. It’s a tough truck, with a fully-boxed frame and a stump-puller engine, but it offers plenty of luxury touches, especially at the higher end. It might be a bit too fancy for the really down-and-dirty work crews, but it should satisfy buyers who want something that can haul heavy trailers and still be presentable enough for everyday driving. The high-utility bed and the King Cab’s easy-access rear doors are a definite bonus, and its simple, intuitive controls should be across-the-board on every vehicle,