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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  MzMurano says....Mezmerizing to Drive - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MzMurano - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Choices: FWD or AWD, SE or SL, Color? Leather/Audio package? Sunroof? In the end, I got the base FWD SL in the glittery Pearl White with the wheels chromed for a little more pizazz. It is an awesome ride & handles nicely. The CVT transmission takes a little getting used to at a slower speed, but the "sport/second" feature makes up for any lagging at slower speeds. It is a head turner as well. Built on the Maxima platform with that award winning 3.5L V6 engine, with the chrome flash of the assertive front grill and door handles, plus my added chrome wheels, you might actually notice me driving around Orange County sometime.

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  We love our Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By TxDet - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought the base model, but would like to have been able to afford some of the bells and whistles in the SE package. The engine and its performance is a good trade off for 18.6 mpg in (in city) fuel economy. All in all, we are very satisfied with our Murano. With the Nissan dependability this car is sure to have a good trade in value when we decide to buy our next Nissan.

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  Comfort and Fun - Not the fastest - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By PeteGus - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful design, good fuel economy. Lacks poewr on the low end but never loses it in the mountains even fully loaded and hauling! Head turning design, and was the 1st crossover to actually hit the market. If it had moew power, nothing else would touch it for the price.

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  Murano sets pace for all crossovers - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By razmataz - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Murano sets the pace for all crossovers to follow as far as style,roominess,power and smoothness.For all those who complain of the harshness of the SE modelsride, I guess they have never ridden in a BMW before. The SE trim nets you a more agressive/sporty suspension. If you hate barracuda-stay out of the ocean!As far as the smooth as silk transmission-it not only does not sap the powerful engine but helps to turn in better performance times than all in its class and most in the next class above.Also it out brakes all in its class as well. Can you tell I love my Murano!

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  Overlooked Crossover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Linny55 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Murano is the best mid-range crossover on the market. It is much too often overlooked. Unlike the Edmunds reviewer, we find it has plenty of power and the transmission is great. In recent snowstorms it performed better than we could have hoped for. On a long trip this summer, we were extremely comfortable and very happy with the gas mileage despite running the a/c constantly. We love the roomy seats you just dont get when there are 3 rows of seating. This is perfect size vehicle for empty nesters. The Bose sound system is awesome and the ride is smooth and quiet. For this price range, this beats all others we test drove.

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  Nice piece of Italian glass. - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jason - July 17 - 8:53 pm

  Very feature laden: Nav, Intelligent Key, memory heated seats,rear backup video monitor, Sat. radio...quite a few "nice to haves". Does not "feel" like a top heavy SUV, not tippy in the turns. I have no kids so room is immense to me, easy to get to items in the rear with seat fold down levers/lightweight hatch. Rear seats tilt for added comfort for your family/friends. Smooth ride considering it is an SUV. If your a geek like me and value this combo over utilty...give her a test ride. Dont get Edmunds dislike of the tranny, its not a top fuel dragster...its like its not even there! no harsh shifts...just seamless shifts...very nice indeed.

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  Murano Platinum - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Tom Orsini - July 15 - 9:14 pm

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  still in love with my murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mohib - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Murano about seven months ago. Since that time I have put 12500 miles on it with absolutely no issues. Have loved everything about the car. Not only does it smoke most other vehicles on the road, you hardly hear the engine do it. Still fight with the wife to drive on long distance trips. Higly recommended.

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  good design,poor engineering - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By woodchuck - July 15 - 2:00 am

  poor gas mileage,noisy interior! lots of annoying rattles too many excuses from dealer. nice looking and fun to drive we get many comments on styling of body

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  Best Of Best - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dale - July 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had 38 new vehicles in my 35 years of marriage. Had most SUV out there. After having my Murano 3 years now, which is a long time for me to have the same car, Im going to buy another shortly...Ya I like it that much. With overall factors considered the Murano cant be beat, plan & sinple!!!