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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  Do Not Waste Your Money! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Dissappointed - June 6 - 1:16 am

  I bought a 2004 Nissan Murano back in 2006, since then I have had a list of problems and issues with it. I dropped the transfer case at 62,000 miles... Since my warranty ended at 60,000 I had to fight to get the dealer to pay for it, or it would have been a $6400 fix... Also, the Murano eats Wheel Barrings! At least once a year I am replacing the barrings.. If that wasnt enough to deter you, try mysterious rattles in the dash and door, Hatch handle works when it wants to and gas mileage is not great. The Murano is a very "pretty" cross over SUV, but the mechanical issues far out-weigh the positives on this one. Do not waste your money buying one or your time repairing it.

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  Great Vehicle Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By pintac - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is a great car. Nissan has outdone itself in quality and looks. This SUV is comfortable, rides quitely and it looks very nice. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone looking for safety, performance and looks

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  Dont miss the Audi - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Doctor Liz - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my Audi A6 Quattro on this car and thought that I would miss the comfort. I dont, the Murano rides great, and is very quiet. I have only driven it 1200 miles, so the gas mileage isnt what I would like, but it isnt much less than the Audi. I sure get lots of people asking me about it, and it is a real hit with my family and friends.

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  2006 Nissan Murano S - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Murano S - June 2 - 6:23 pm

  I have been driving my Murano for approx 5 months. It drives and handles very well. I am 6 3" tall and have plenty of head and leg room. With the CVT transmission you dont feel any shifting. My wife likes the dual climate controls.

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  Week 1- I still like it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By pk - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Likes: styling-its been a head- turner; I dont get fatigued driving long distances; initial quality has been near-perfect;front cup-holder is an accident-waiting-to-happen; gas mileage could be better (17-22 initally-Im hoping it will improve); rear visibility is so limited, Im having a back-up warning system installed;passenger room is ample; cargo capacity is adequate (barely); power-wise, its not an FX35, but its got plenty of off-the-line zip and passing power. Overall, I am more than pleased.

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  My Second Murano - LOVE IT! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By tommyguy10 - May 21 - 1:26 pm

  I just traded my 2003 Murano for a 2007. I was very disappointed with my 2003 because after 100,500 miles, the "pressure sensor" in the transmission started to go out so they told me the only fix was a new transmission ($5200!). There was nothing wrong with the CVT, just the sensor. I was very upset over this and said I would never purchase another Murano. Well, after driving all of the 2007 cars, I could not find anything close to the Murano. So, I bought a new one. Looks like they have ironed out all of the kinks. I am sure they have fixed the pressure sensor issue. If not, there will be tons of screaming customers before me.

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  This is NOT a winter vehicle! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Joel - May 20 - 4:33 am

  I live in Ottawa, Canada and it can get to -40C here. On one such day (the second day I had it - brand new) the Murano would not start for me. It took about 6 tries over the course of ten minutes. On the seventh try it just started up normally. The dealership didnt know what caused it and couldnt do anything for me unless it was a recurring problem. Another thing, the wiper blades can not be lifted off of the windshield for those freezing rain days. For some reason the hood gets in the way! And another thing, the windsheild spray nozzles are under the hood which can get blocked by snow and ice and can be impossible to clear away. Besides that, I love it. Summer should be great

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  Christmas Present - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By B. Parsons - May 19 - 6:56 am

  I reviewed the various options for a sporty SUV for about 4 months. I settled on the Murano and recently purchased this for my wife. I am 65" and fit very comfortably in this vehicle, front and back seats. Very good acceleration with CVT and very comfortable solid ride. The exterior is stylish. Overall, very pleased with my purchase.

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  Leader of the Pack - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By rogeliorulo - May 17 - 4:26 am

  My last SUV was the Lexus RX. You must remember it is the last generation Toyota Highlander. The Murano is light years ahead in every way. It is much quieter & smoother, with the best nav interface system on the market today. I loaded up my SL because I didnt need/want AWD. The stereo system is the best. You can record directly from CDs to a 9.3G hard disk. I use the satellite radio with traffic info. Wow. It has saved me untold hours on clogged freeways. I opted out of the factory 20" wheels instead buying Michilens and 20" wheels on the aftermarket - a much better choice. It cost me much less for better equipment. A no brainer. While the jury is still out on reliability, I am optimistic.

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  "Sport Utility?" w/o roof rack? Cant be - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By MW - May 11 - 10:46 pm

  Totally love the car, but when I found out that Nissan will not sell or install the roof rack (side rails and cross bars) for Muranos that didnt come with one, I was disappointed because I ski and would like to put my Yakima ski carrier on top of the car. No Go!! So how can Nissan call it an SUV if you cant even use it as one?? I dont understand why Nissan didnt engineer for an after market roof rack...OEM or otherwise. If your car didnt come from the factory with a roof rack you are out of luck, because not even Yakima or Thule make an aftermarket rack system. The manufacturer leaves the consumer out in the cold. The rack is available, just for those already with one