So hows the Titan doing?

"LJ909" (lj909) 08/22/2017 at 14:06 • Filed to: None

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Compared to the other players in the lucrative full size truck segment? Dead last sales wise. In another instance of Nissan letting a vehicle languish for too long then having to play catch up when its finally updated, Nissan released the redesign from the ground up second gen Titan last year after the first gen was sold literally unchanged from 03'-15'. 12 years. That’s an eternity. When it debuted it finally came with a diesel option and looked the part, (though its still in a weird in-between area size wise), but was late to the game.

But like I said, sales wise with competitors, its dead last, with the even older Frontier outselling it with ytd sales as of July of 45,460. Here are the numbers:

Titan

2016 Sales: 22,420

2017 sales up to July: 28,255

F150

2016 Sales: 820,799 (literally no competition. Ford consistently blows everyone else out of the water by hundreds of thousands of units)

2017 sales up to July: 499,327

Silverado

2016 sales: 524,876

2017 sales up to July: 308,906

Ram

2016 sales: 487,558

2017 sales up to July: 290,151

Tundra

2016 sales: 115,489

2017 sales up to July: 64,198

Compared to the others, Nissan isn’t really selling many. Like at all. They are a drop in the bucket. Personally I think Nissan should just throw in the towel. At this point they are too far behind to do or introduce anything that could sway enough buyers over to consider them. Even an HD version would be too late. What do you guys think of the sales? Should they throw in the towel? Or keep trying only to be last?

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:09

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The titan last year did not get a full year of sales.

LJ909 > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 08/22/2017 at 14:10

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I know thats why I counted a full year. Doesn’t make a difference though its never sold in the numbers to even appear on the sales radar of the others.

PartyPooper2012 > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:12

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I’ve looked at them and compared to others.

Priced too high. Towing capacity sucks. Bed size also is terrible.

Put a pillow over it’s grill. Be quiet. It will all be over soon

HammerheadFistpunch > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:15

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Im really sad about this actually. Not because I think the Titan is a great truck or anything (maybe it is, I don’t know) but because they needed the Titan to be a success so they could build momentum on their truck line and expand it to include a frontier replacement. This sales stagnation will not speed up that process.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:16

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Living close to Nissan NA HQ, I have to see these ugly things daily. Also, that truck is parked on a pedestrian bridge.

LJ909 > PartyPooper2012 08/22/2017 at 14:17

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I’ve seen others say stuff along similar lines. That the stuff that makes it stand out are knocks against it. Like the diesel option is nice, but its way down on power and torque. Its priced high like you mentioned etc. I don’t see it being around for a 3rd gen.

Arrivederci > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:18

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I think they should give it up and focus on out-Tacoma-ing the Tacoma. Make the Frontier overbuilt, sell each of them at cost and work on building the mid-size niche. Less competition, to boot.

LJ909 > HammerheadFistpunch 08/22/2017 at 14:20

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Thats the only downside in this I see. The lackluster performance of the Titan probably wont lead to further truck development. But like I pointed out, the Frontier, even as old as it is, outsells the Titan, so there’s that.

Vicente Esteve > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:22

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I didn’t realize just how BIG of a success the F-150 is.

I know its the best selling vehicle but god damn.

marshknute > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:22

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It doesn’t look as good as the American trucks, and doesn’t have Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Not a great formula for getting buyers in the door.

LJ909 > Arrivederci 08/22/2017 at 14:22

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I think this would be a good idea. Especially considering how the midsize truck game has been gaining momentum the past few years with GM getting back in it with the Colorado/Canyon and Ford bringing back the Ranger. The Frontier is solid and if they do it right it could be a hit with the Frontier faithful.

LJ909 > Vicente Esteve 08/22/2017 at 14:23

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Right? Ford likes to tout the sales number in their marketing, but seeing the actual numbers really puts it in perspective.

LJ909 > marshknute 08/22/2017 at 14:25

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I personally think styling wise its trying to hard to look the part, especially in the top tier Platinum Reserve. Even the name of the trim is trying too hard.

PartyPooper2012 > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:35

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They can spend their resources elsewhere. like make a GTR with a manual gear box. Only reason I don’t own a GTR and I own a Corvette instead is because there is no manual in GTR.

Pretending for a second, GTR is too fast for a manual, they can re-do 350/370. That nose has been hideous since the beginning.

Maxima looks like Altima

I don’t know. I have written off Nissan just a day or two after their NV vans came out.

not for canada - australian in disguise > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:45

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Shame, because the Titan’s actually a really nice truck. Especially inside.

I think the main thing hindering the Titan is not only the fact that it came out too late, but also that the type of people that buy trucks aren’t usually the type to buy from a Japanese manufacturer, even if the truck in question is basically American in every way but the badge. Same problem the Tundra seems to have.

LJ909 > PartyPooper2012 08/22/2017 at 14:49

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The market though for the GTR isnt where manuals are at though. Cars in that class seem to have to command some sort of complex sequential gearbox or whatever sadly.

I actually like the looks of the Maxima and think that it and the current Murano are the best examples of their current design language, though I will admit that both are a bit over styled.

You dont like the NV vans? My family has one for business. A 3500 HD with the high roof and the 5.6. It has been one of the most reliable vehicles I have ever encountered. Almost 500 thousand miles on it and multiple cross country trips and still going strong.

BigBlock440 > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:50

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They increased their sales by 1000%, if they’re making money on it, it’s a success.

Also, you didn’t include Sierra numbers, if you really wanted to rub it in how much more the big 3 sell.

PartyPooper2012 > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 14:53

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I have not owned one, but I liked them when they came out. Many contractors use them these days. I can see why too. Roomy and convenient.

Sorry, not much in my favorites list from nissan these days.

When I was looking for a manual, i was seriously considering a Z from the 70s. Eventually it came down to carbs vs fuel injectors. Latter won.

LJ909 > not for canada - australian in disguise 08/22/2017 at 14:53

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The interior is very nice from what I’ve seen. And this gen Titan seems to be more American this time around as well. The Tundra has the same problem, but its not as bad considering that Toyota made an attempt early on ( with the T100) and then got it right and still beat the Titan to market by 2 or 3 years. So like I said, it has the same problem, but Toyota has had time.

Its too early to tell though if the Titan will outsell the Tundra. I mean it should. It offers the very thing Toyota never did: a diesel engine option.

LJ909 > BigBlock440 08/22/2017 at 14:55

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Yea thats a big if though. Still, if I were them I would at least want to make some kind of dent.

I know I skipped the Sierra because it would make the Titan look even worse.

Vicente Esteve > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 15:17

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It’s amazing, imagine the tension when they have to do the full redesigns. I would NOT want to be in charge of that.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Vicente Esteve 08/22/2017 at 15:24

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They could style it after a VW bug and they’d still be number one in sales. Most F series owners I know are “Ford or die” kind of people

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > PartyPooper2012 08/22/2017 at 15:28

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Compared to what? Priced too high...sure compared to the other 1/2 tons it’s a bit more...but then you are comparing towing capacity to the 3/4 segment? I know it’s kind of sized weird, but I think it’s priced appropriately. More than a 1/2ton and less than a 3/4ton. The problem is Nissan did this weird size thing, so it’s hard to compare the truck and I think it’s losing sales because most people will compare it to the 1/2ton based on price alone.

Also, how is the bed size terrible, aren’t pretty much all the crew cab beds these days pretty terrible?

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 15:31

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It’s down on power an torque if you compare it to a 3/4 ton truck. Nissan sized the truck kind of weirdly so it sits in between what most people consider 1/2ton and 3/4ton. I’d love to drive one, I think the power numbers for the diesel are perfectly adequate, the torque wars between the Big 3 right now is kind of asinine.

LJ909 > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 08/22/2017 at 15:50

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Yea it is in a weird spot that I never really quite got. I think they should at least try an HD version. And the Big 3's torque wars are useless dick measuring but its great.

Shift24 > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 16:02

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I know GM is lagging behind but what are Sierra sales? Just curious how close it is with the sierra.

In 2015 GM actually out sold Ford in combined sales by 44,000 but Ford keeps the title due to one overall model

V8, RWD and pedal to the floor! > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 17:01

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Look at the truck.

No, really look at it.

Seared into your retina’s? Need some eye bleach?

Are the Titan and QX80 not a painful experience to look upon? Somebody watched too much anime while designing these awful things and maybe for any of the Nissan vehicles for sale in the US.

People don’t want a butt-ugly truck.

Especially not an expensive, butt-ugly truck from a manufacturer not known for their reliability and not known for building ‘tough’ trucks (brodozer types, heavy towing, ???).

I keep on wanting a truck. I keep seeing older Titan’s for affordable prices and I keep remembering how unreliable the Titan is according to former and current owners that I have talked to. I keep on ignoring any Nissan trucks.

Nissan is suffering from the sins of the past 2 decades of total mismanagement. They will be feeling pain for years (maybe a decade or more) to come.

Textured Soy Protein > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 17:26

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GMC Sierra did 221,680 units in 2016 and 119,116 YTD 2017.

2016 total GM pickup sales = 746,556

2017 YTD GM pickup sales = 428,002

Still not quite up to Ford, but...a lot closer.

LJ909 > Shift24 08/22/2017 at 17:38

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Sierra sales would place it 4th after Ram and before Tundra. Last year they sold 221,680. Through July of this year they are at 119,116. If you combined it with the Silverado they would be right at the heels of Ford.

LJ909 > V8, RWD and pedal to the floor! 08/22/2017 at 18:09

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I’ve never heard any horror reliability stories about the Titan. What are they?

And I agree with you. They mismanagement is going to bite them in the ass.

Kiltedpadre > LJ909 08/22/2017 at 19:07

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I know there were quite a few issues with early issues with the rear axles on the Titan. I think that was fixed starting in 2008 though. They had trouble with seals failing and a poorly designed vent that could easily clog leading to heat buildup cooking the gear oil.

PartyPooper2012 > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 08/23/2017 at 07:09

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I used to have a suburban with Barn doors. That was so big inside, I folded the seats and I can slide a full 4x8 sheet of sheetrock in. Close the door. Drive home... or anywhere for that matter since everything was locked up.

I was looking for a truck with an 8 foot bed where I can do the same. Maybe not locked since pickup... but whatever. I need to carry big things. I could not justify getting a Titan. I looked at honda ridgeline. That is also too tiny. I looked at bunch of others. I think a few trucks come with a full 8 foot bed and that that point, I am looking down a barrel of a 40k+ truck.

I settled on getting a trailer instead. I can tow it with anything that can tow 5000lbs or more.

I am not your standard pickup guy who is looking at the 1/2 ton vs 3/4 ton vs whatever ton. I can care less. I need to carry bulky things from time to time. Also need to tow a yard or two of dirt.   

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > PartyPooper2012 08/23/2017 at 09:14

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I hear you, I think if you want anything other than a regular cab you are almost forced to go to 3/4 ton or bigger to get an 8 foot bed. I was tossing around the idea of getting a Subruban or an Excursion and a trailer instead of a truck since everything I was finding was either too expensive or rusted/beat to crap. I finally lucked out recently and found a clean truck with everything on my “required” checklist.

PartyPooper2012 > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 08/23/2017 at 10:38

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Yeah. The beauty of having a trailer is that anything that can tow, can take care of it for you. Hell, even if you had something that could not tow it, you can go rent a uhaul truck and tow whatever you need.

I currently own a lexus gx470. It’s too nice inside to toss anything dirty or big into. Trailer is perfect.

V8, RWD and pedal to the floor! > LJ909 08/23/2017 at 10:54

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Issues that I have heard talked about:

Rear Diff. failures (especially with any kind of towing), sometimes at ridiculously low mileage   

Rotors that warp very easily and quickly

Exhaust manifold cracking

Transmission failures prior to 100k miles

HVAC issues where the HVAC will be on and blowing, but nothing will come out of the vents (blend doors?)

Radiator failure

Front wheel bearings

Poor quality paint

All sorts of weird noises from the suspension and engine bay

Beds that dent very easily

The people that I know with Titans have model years 2005-11. The 09 and up appear to be better made or at least I hear fewer complaints.

3/4 of the people that I know with Titans are contractors of some kind. They moved from GM/Ford/Dodge to Nissan and all wished that they had not made the change. They also complain that the Titan does not tow as well as one of the 1500 domestic series.

LJ909 > V8, RWD and pedal to the floor! 08/23/2017 at 18:19

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Every single one of these issues are exactly what truck owners want to avoid. I didn’t know the Titan was garbage like that.

LongbowMkII > LJ909 08/24/2017 at 21:02

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The problem is that I’ve never seen a base model one on a nissan lot.

Say I want to buy a Frontier. old, but solid and cheap. My eye gets caught by the big shiny truck dwarfing the showroom. I peek at the sticker and...

...completely write off the Titan as an option. There is a 0% chance of upselling a frontier to a titan. My first impression of that truck is a $60k vehicle! Other brands dont have this issue since their lots are flooded with obviously cheaper trucks, you can reasonably upsell a colorado to a silverado.

LJ909 > LongbowMkII 08/24/2017 at 21:16

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They are few and far in-between if you do a an inventory search. And from what I’ve seen, most dealers have been stocking the XD models mid to loaded Platinum Reserve. I chalk that up the lack of models that the Titan has.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > LJ909 08/29/2017 at 15:19

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It doesn’t matter ONE BIT if they are last in sales. It matters if it’s profitable to Nissan, if so, why throw in the towel? It’s nice to claim the truck-sales victory, but at the end of the day, if they are making money they would certainly want to make MORE money, but they also don’t want to make less money by NOT selling it.

Do you happen to know how many diesels they are managing to sell? I haven’t spotted ONE in the wild.

LJ909 > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 08/29/2017 at 15:41

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Of course it all comes down to profits. But its also good to be recognized for all the engineering effort that went into the vehicle along with the profits, and I dont think the Titan is moving any of those needles.

As far as for sales numbers, I cant find exact numbers. But from what I did see, they were having problems moving them. As early as last August they had already put $5500 in incentives on the hood, and used ones dont get any interest at auctions. As of right now there is $8500 in incentives.

Gerry197 > LJ909 08/29/2017 at 21:20

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And people though aluminum and small turbo engines was a mistake. Ford is selling more trucks with the F150 and Superduties than the other 6 lines for GM (Silverado & HD, Sierra & HD, Colorado and Canyon) combined while having the highest average sales price and the lower rebates.

Its funny, even after that Ford “holes in the bed” commercial by Chevy, Ford only gained market set while GM lost it.

I wonder what GM will have to do to stop losing market share for their 2019 trucks, they are going to need something serious to compete.