Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Murano was one of the first midsize crossovers introduced in the United States and quickly became a popular alternative to more traditional SUVs thanks to its taut, carlike driving character and avant-garde styling. Later Nissan Muranos are notable for their higher-quality interiors, updated technology features and higher fuel economy ratings.

New or used, the Murano is definitely worth a look if you're on the hunt for a midsize crossover with seating for five. In reviews, our editors have generally praised this Nissan's sophisticated appearance, stylish and comfortable interior and strong acceleration. Middling cargo capacity and poor rearward visibility are our main complaints about the Nissan Murano. You'll find competing models that are better on one or both of these counts, but most won't match the Murano's combination of performance and style.

User Reviews:

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  Not much better than nothing. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Picky Driver - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Still drives and rides like a SUV. Needs a better dynamic stability control system. Cheap looking instrumentation panel. No day time running light. Need to lose that chrome grill. The vehicle has a cover underneth, which makes it more difficult to change oil yourself and more costly to get it done at a shop. Obviously Nissan wants us to pay premium for routine maintenance and thinks we are stupid because we dont know "total-ownership- cost". Self-serving companies such as Nissan dont deserve to be around. This will likely be my last Nissan. What a mistake for buying this piece of junk.

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  We love our Murano!! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By molly11 - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Murano for just a week now and our absolutely loving it. The ride is smooth and car-like. The CVT transmission is awesome...still getting used to not feeling the shifting. We used our Murano to pick up a piece of furniture the first day and found the seats very easy to fold flat, and the cargo area spacious. We also considered the Highlander, the Pilot, the Pathfinder and the Sorrento. After seeing and then driving the Murano, though, the decision was easy. This is the SUV to buy if you want to turn some heads!

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  glacier pearl w/ cabernet leather - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bgeguy - February 10 - 2:00 am

  had the SUV about two weeks. very nice, I get alot of comments and questions about it. very good performance. like the CVT- its very smooth. interior ergonomics are nice. I finally got cupholder that is where my hand naturally grabs for. BOSE stereo is excellent. slightly hard ride, but it is much better than the standard SUV drive. Test drove Highlander, Pilot, X5 and chose the Murano.

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  Wow - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Garle - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I received the Murano as a Valentine gift from my husband. I love it! It is luxury, great drive, and the Bose stereo is wonderful. It rides more like a car than an SUV or a truck. It handles great and has "get up and go". I highly recommend it!

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  Luvin my Murano! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By DChick - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my MO for 2 weeks now, but I just love it! Id researched this vehicle and knew more about it when it hit limited prod than any salesperson at the dealerships. The car is FUN-FUN-FUN to drive, has the get-up-and-go you need in those "special situations," has a smooth and comfortable ride. This is a great vehicle; Im hoping its as reliable and long-living as my other Nissan which has 222K miles on it and is still running like a champ. Its a little pricier than I think it should be but if you can go thru something like the Costco Auto Sales program, you can save some serious $$$.

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Jeff - February 2 - 7:20 pm

  One vehicle that does it all, great, fun to drive as summer sports car, handles and rides like one, a sure footed winter SUV on snow or ice, the CVT is smooth, quiet as well as the overall interior, have LE with 20" wheels, drives perfect down the road

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  The future of crossover is here! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By DJ - February 2 - 9:13 am

  Just traded my 2004 350Z for this vehicle. Strange choice? Hardly. Exterior: it still has the same stylish looks as previous models except the grille-work, which gives it an almost "storm-trooper" facade which is head turning. Interior: smooth clean lines continue to demonstrate that Nissan has not gone away from its earlier models. Very easy to handle all dash displays and the interior cabin is spacious. Driving: power to burn, tight steering radius, and easier than you might think to park. There is some body roll when cornering (maybe I drive too fast). It drives like a car and with the added horsepower you feel like you can control any driving situation. Best buy for sure.

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  only nissans - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By PEG - January 30 - 4:53 am

  Knowing Nissans the way I do I expected better. The drive was great in the beginning aside for the alternator issue which almost caused me to have a serious accident. I am continuing to be surprised by the amount of mechanical problems Im encountering; Im starting to think it may be a lemon with a little sugar on top. Ive gotten many compliments and inquiries about handling and various other topics.

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  this is the coolest vehicle ever - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By wolfy - January 28 - 5:16 am

  Fuel economy for me with a fwd has been a consistet 22-23mpg. Not sure what others are saying about cvt sluggish in traffic, as when stomping on the gas you could get whiplash...awesome get up and go. ALso a very smooth ride with great handling ,not to mention a gorgeous vehicle. In my 25 years of driving and after 15,000 miles on my murano, this vehicle is an A ++ !

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  Nissan Murano Solid Car - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Anthony F - January 25 - 11:43 pm

  Have done all sorts of driving with this car, long and short trips very comfortable. One of my favorite cars.