[citation needed] Development of the Titan began in September 1999, with design work under Diane Allen.

The design language of the future truck was previewed by the 2001 Alpha T concept shown at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, which had previously developed through November 2000.

This new platform was shared with the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX56 SUVs, with all three manufactured in Canton, Mississippi, United States.

The first generation Titan came equipped with a fully boxed ladder frame and was available in either rear-wheel drive or a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system coupled with a five-speed RE5R05A automatic transmission.

The second-generation Titan was to be a lightly reskinned, rebadged version of the Dodge Ram, but those plans fell through with the 2008 worldwide financial crisis.

[15] The engine increased in power compared to the previous model, producing 390 hp (290 kW) and 394 lb⋅ft (534 N⋅m) of torque mated to a seven-speed automatic.

The XD version is built on a heavy-duty frame based on Nissan's commercial vehicle line and includes the Cummins diesel engine as an option.

All Titan and Titan XD models come equipped with standard equipment such as Bluetooth for both hands-free calling and wireless audio streaming via A2DP, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, push-button ignition, and a rearview backup camera system.

Options include a touchscreen audio system with GPS navigation (standard equipment for 2019), SiriusXM Satellite Radio, keyless access, an electronically-locking rear tailgate, remote start, alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seating surfaces with heating and ventilation, power front seats, a premium audio system, wood interior trim, a trailer tow package with integrated trailer brake control, and chrome front and rear bumpers and front grille.

The 5.0 L Cummins turbo-diesel V8 engine that was available on the heavier-duty Titan XD was also discontinued, leaving only the 5.6 L "Endurance" gasoline V8.

[22] In August 2023, Nissan confirmed that the Titan will be discontinued after the 2024 model year due to poor sales compared to the mid-size Frontier.