After spending lots of quality time with our 2006 Nissan Titan long-term tester, we’re prepared to say that from the C-pillars back, it’s currently the most innovative full-size truck on the market this side of a Chevy Avalanche.
In addition to the unique Utili-track system in the bed, which makes tying down motorcycles a snap, the tailgate is just the best we’ve ever seen. It’s lockable, and can be opened with one hand, both commendable attributes. But the clincher is what Nissan calls “dampening assist” – basically a spring-loaded mechanism that eases the tailgate down without drama, regardless of how hard you drop it. So if your hand slips, or is just too weak to handle the tailgate on a full-size truck like this, have no fear. Dropping the gate on any other truck ensures a loud bang and startled bystanders, but the Nissan Titan produces only a slight hissing noise – and inevitably, double takes from your buddies.
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