Titan has a system called E-Lock which makes available an electronic locking rear differential. Flip a switch, and this ultimate off-road feature delivers equal power to both rear wheels to boost traction-and keep you moving ahead. Four-Wheel limited slip and vehicle dynamic control are two other advanced features that help to prevent slipping, while sending additional power to the wheels for best traction. They also help to compensate for over-steering or under-steering, which can help keep you on the proper path.
One of the features I liked best was the wide open rear doors on the Titan King Cab, which made entering and loading the cabin easier and quicker. While other trucks may have imitated their design, Titan engineers were the first to perfect this open door feature. With no 8-pillar to get in the way, plus a fold-up rear bench seat that is cargo flexible, it’s as attractive as the wide open doors concept.
If you have a job that requires a long bed, then the Titan is made to order. There are two available bed lengths: 7 ft. 3 inches and 5 feet 7inches. The interior is huge with 126.0 cubic feet of passenger room with seating configurations for either 6-passenger with front bench seat or 5-passenger with front captain’s chairs.
As I drove the Titan, I had to keep reminding myself that this was a work truck with a sport vehicle personality. The interior has such items as air, battery saver, front overhead console, driver’s information center, and power locks and windows. While the exterior had a full-size spare tire, cargo bed lamps, lockable bedside storage, and halogen fog lights.
The price is around $38000, and I averaged 15 mpg driving in town and country.
I asked Wes Hays, the sales manager at Don Davis Auto Group in Arlington, Texas about the Titan Truck.
“We are offering big incentives so truck sales are good. While some dealerships are closing or stocking fewer vehicles, our inventory remains strong with new trucks arriving regularly. Financing is readily available and we are paying top dollar for trade-ins. I feel trucks will continue to gains sales in the market place.”
* Class-leading standard engine 317-hp 5.6-liter V8 385 lb-ft or torque
* Up to 9,000-lb. maximum towing capacity
* Over one ton payload
* Authentic off-road features like 4-wheel limited slip
* Utili-track channel system for maximum cargo-carrying flexibility
* Longest crew cab bed in its class (7 ft 3 inches)
* Fully boxed full-length ladder frame
* Winner: Popular Mechanics Full Sized Comparison vs. Ford, Dodge, Chevy, and Toyota (March 2007)
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at mdcaussey@sbcglobal.net