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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  Silver Chariot Redux - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By gust334 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Performance is better than expected from a V6 moving this much mass. It feels very responsive around town and also leaps forward when passing on the highway. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for an SUV, but it still drinks vs. sips. Front and rear seating have extraordinary leg room and excellent support, but side bolsters do not grip well in the corners that the chassis encourages so willingly. Excellent field of vision forward and to the sides, rear vision is worrisome. Body styling makes it difficult to judge where the corners of the vehicle are when parking. Controls come immediately to hand and are easy to distinguish and manipulate by touch.

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  This is THE Urban SUV! CVT rocks! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nikolai@ConejoValley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I selected Nissan Murano SL AWD after seriously considering other luxury/urban SUVs. I test-drove Mercedes MLs, Lexus RX300, Infinity QX4, Honda Pilot.. Nothing came close to this vehicle. And I got it for only invoice + $500, which was a nice deal. Navigation system is a dream, great Bose sound, fine leather.. It looks great, drives great, and its fun for both driver and passengers..

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  Love It! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Linda - December 19 - 4:03 pm

  I just picked up my new 2005 Murano 3 days ago. After owning 2 Lexus RX 300s, I was hoping I wouldnt be disappointed. I had nothing to worry about! This one is a gem. Not only do I find the car pleasing to the eye, it has a luxurious feel inside and out. As compared to my Lexus, it has even more "toys" and so far I am getting slightly better gas mileage (19mpg...all city driving so far). Id highly encourage anyone shopping for this size SUV to test drive a Murano. Fot the price, I dont think you can beat it.

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  Lovin it! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jquinn14 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its fun to drive, it looks great, it has room for everything. Now, if I could just find more reasons to drive it... I am completely satisfied with this vehicle. I highly recommend it.

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  NICE RIDE - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By rgallma704 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  COMFORTABLE RIDE QUALITY, GOOD PERFORMANCE,GREAT STYLING

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  2004 Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Joyce - December 11 - 7:30 am

  Safety issues with this car. Towed twice for different problems. The transmission had to be replaced. Had to replace front wheel bearings. The alternator bracket broke and split the alternator cable (this one year after an alternator recall).

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  Best Value for Crossover SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jon - December 10 - 10:03 am

  Studied this purchase for several years, glad we chose it over the FX35 or MDX, even the ugly RX330. Better rear seat room, better value with identical equipment. Less than one month old, but have no compliants. Plan to use it as a tow vehicle for a small tent (pop up) trailer. Wont exceed 2,500 pounds, so well within the 3,500 rating. Well controled body motions and steering feel, love the distictive looks. Navigation system and back-up camera pure genius, not to mention wildly entertaining for the neighbors. Since we dont have kids, no need for a third seat. Much happier with generous rear seat room and abundant storage under the rear load floor.

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  Traded it in - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sdwtchlvr - December 10 - 6:50 am

  I owned a 2003 Murano from 4/06-5/10. Here are a few bullet points. •The SE ride is very rigid...the suspension is supposed to be sport tuned but it is awfully rough and rigid. Had to replace struts at 70K and when I traded it in, a couple of the motor mounts were shot. •The frame on the drivers seat broke, so the window side of the seat sagged down. Did some research and found I was not alone. Nissan wanted to replace the seat at $1500+. No thanks. •The HID head light went out. Bought a replacement bulb for $180. That blew right after putting it in. Bought another one, same thing. Turns out it was the transistor housing for the bulb. Headache. Traded it in for a Camry.

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  Its not perfect, but.. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dude@dude - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ya its not perfect. I have read reviews about how awfull the CVT is, and how the interiors of some have developed rattles. I have only had for a month, but I can see the happening. As far as the transmission, its not perfect, but does the job well. The ride is a bit harsh (I have an SE), but has little lean when cornering. Its a trade off thats worth it to me. Although it drives and handles like a car, it tends to understeer, and plow like an SUV. Its not the high quality you would get from Mercedes or other high end dealers, but its a lot of vehicle for the money. It sure is better than any minivan out there!

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  BeepBeep - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By 2 Peas in a Pod - November 30 - 9:06 am

  Smooth ride... We enjoy our new Murano and love the stylish features. Every person who sees our new ride cant say enough about the roomy interior or the HUGE tires.