Well, it had to happen. The Japanese simply could not stand by and watch all the profit being made on pickup truck sales by the American Big 3, without taking some gravy for themselves.

They are not just up against the Big 3, they are up against the most fiercely loyal buyers of any vehicle type made by anyone. The Chevy, Ford and Dodge truck owners, and in many cases their offspring, buy a make out of loyalty.

Japanese automobile companies become contenders in the big truck market with the Nissan Titan.

Toyota, one of the most admired auto companies for its smarts in the penetration of the U.S. auto market, introduced the Tundra in 2000. This is a big pickup with a sophisticated and smooth V-8 engine. Although the Tundra sells fairly well, it has not threatened the dominance of the domestic Big 3 trucks.

Nissan comes to market with the Titan, a much brawnier looking truck than the Tundra, and with a considerably more powerful engine, a 5.6 liter, DOHC, 32-valve, 305 hp V-8. There are no other engine options. Nissan and Toyota are the only manufacturers to offer super efficient double overhead camshaft 32-valve V-8 engines in their trucks. Domestic pickups are all equipped with the older configuration pushrod V-8s. Even the new Dodge Ram 5.7 liter, 16-valve, 330 hp hemi is a pushrod engine.

The Titan comes in two basic configurations, the $22,400 to $31,900 king cab extended cab, and the $25,100 to $34,200 four-door crew cab. The price ranges cover three trim levels for each configuration — XE, SE and LE — each of which has two- and four-wheel drive versions. The test vehicle was a crew cab SE two-wheel drive version.

For sheer brawn, the Titan is hard to beat, although the shape looks a tad awkward. The doors are heavy and close with a loud clunk and everything seems solid and well put together.

On the highway this is a pleasant drive, tracking well with a good ride and quiet cab. But the real jewel in this package is the engine. It is powerful, smooth and sounds like a big sports car engine with great exhaust notes. It can tow an impressive 9,400 pounds.

Even on the back roads this pickup retains its composure. However, parking requires care and precision; it barely fits in some parking spaces. The interior of the crew cab is voluminous and will seat five people comfortably.

The bed of the test vehicle was equipped with the optional (for SE, standard on the LE) $900 Utili-Track Channel System, channel rails allowing tie down flexibility from the bed, the sides and the front. A bedliner and extra bed lights at the tailgate are included.

Other options vary with each model, but include the front, side and head curtain airbags for $850, an upgraded radio and six-disc CD changer for $750, a wonderful Rockford Fosgate premium radio system, six disc changer, steering wheel touch controls, automatic mirror, power adjustable pedals, and power captains chair for $1,800, a can’t-do-without mobile theater package with drop down rear DVD monitor, video port, two wireless headphones and remote control for $1,450, an off road package for $700, a tow package for $600 and a moonroof for the LE model for $900. A $2,200 navigation system also is available for the LE. There are other smaller options too numerous to detail here.

The bumper-to-bumper warranty offered is three years or 36,000 miles with a powertrain warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. Only the Dodge Ram beats this with seven years or 70,000 miles. Ford and Chevy offer a measly three years or 36,000 miles. Fuel consumption, as might be expected, is truck-like at 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway. During the mixed town and highway test the Titan returned 15.8 mpg.

This pickup probably will break the traditional Big 3 loyalties on sheer merit. It is a fine truck, with an exceptional engine, priced competitively. Wake up, Toyota, it’s your turn. Watch out Ford, GM and Dodge, this one could steal your groupies.

Before you buy a full-size pickup, no matter how convinced you are about your favorite Ford, Chevy or Dodge, you must drive this one. Mossy Nissan of Kearny Mesa, Pacific Beach, El Cajon, Oceanside, Escondido or National City will be happy to let you test drive a Titan.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.