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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  MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JOHNJ - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I CANT BELIEVE I WAS FORCED TO BUY A SUNROOF (AND I HATE SUNROOFS) BECAUSE I WANTED TRACTION CONTROL. DRIVES GREAT, BUT PREMIUM UNLEADED GAS IS GOING TO TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO. 3K HIGHER THAN THE PILOT. HOPE I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

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  MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By JohnJ - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I CANT BELIEVE I WAS FORCED TO BUY A SUNROOF (AND I HATE SUNROOFS) BECAUSE I WANTED TRACTION CONTROL. DRIVES GREAT, BUT PREMIUM UNLEADED GAS IS GOING TO TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO. 3K HIGHER THAN THE PILOT. HOPE I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE.

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  happy, comfy, but tired of problems - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By buckeye - June 29 - 12:03 am

  SUV rides well and handles well. Fun to drive. Cargo is adequate, but not as much as it looks. Problems with front seat (drivers). Seat motor broke within 1 month, replaced under warranty...since then seat trim keeps coming off, now back of seat panel is loose. Air bag sensor started flashing at 11,000 miles, had to wait three weeks for part to arrive. Also, fuel tank shield recall. Reliability and workmenship not as good as our Hondas and previous Maximas and Pathfinders.

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  WOW - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Jimmy - June 28 - 5:13 pm

  I just traded in a 2006 Murano and loved it. I purchased the 2009 and i am in Heaven. This vehicle is oustanding. Love everything about it. I though i would miss my 2006 but have not thought about the vehicle once. I find myself driving this one everywhere. Nissan built a great job building this one. Ignore the ford comercials about the Edge. It can not hold a candle to this vehicle. I drove the edge and was very disappointed. Drove the Buick Enclave and it could not even stack up to the Nissan. Do not pass up this vehicle.

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  Sports Car and SUV in one sweet package - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ohem - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I "buy and hold" cars for years. Thus I usually buy something that appeals to me visibly and I expect to be reliable. As for looks - there is nothing else out there like the Murano, including the RX 330 I test drove. The RX 330 was more "plush" on the inside, but the Murano is very nice on the inside too (love the leather seats). What it came down to is two things - (1) style appeal and (2) value. As for the value, the Murano offers practically everything the RX 330 offers, but at $1000s less. Ive heard Lexus does not "deal" very much below MSRP. I have enjoyed driving the Murano for the last 3 weeks.

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  Sporty hauler - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By tonygeno - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The choice was between the Highlander, the 4Runner (I know, a very different beast), and the Murano. I liked the styling of the Murano, the interior space, but most of all the way it drives. The CVT transmission is very smooth, and gets this beast going very quickly. I have found the interior to be rattle free (and I got the SE with the tight suspension). I love the way you can flick the transmission into S from D and enjoy some engine braking while moving quickly down a windy road. FUN!

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  I love this car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By dl - June 20 - 10:00 am

  We test drove every competitor before getting this. Have taken it on a 3500 mile trip - excellent comfort and easily to get in and out of. Great leg room. We did not want the 3rd seat so we were happy to find this. Attention to detail is excellent. No trouble - 10000 miles to date - couple of small items dealt with immediately by dealer.

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  2005 Murano SL AWD - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By jfg1022 - June 14 - 8:36 pm

  I previously leased 2 Ford Explorers and with the lease on my Explorer about to end I decided that I wanted to purchase something reliable and smaller than an Explorer since I live in NYC and have to find parking every night. The Murano is perfect because its roomy inside (It actually has alot more passenger legroom in the backseat than the Explorer) but its not an overgrown SUV. The Murano has a car like drive and its easy to handle. Im so glad I decided to purchase the Murano and its definitely something that my family can grow into.

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  Former BMW driver - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Brian - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2007 Murano, used, and have about 2000 trouble free miles on it. I drove a BMW 323i for 8 years, but it was starting to cost me big $. Looking for reliability, style and performance, the Murano so far has fit the bill nicely. I was surprised how tight and controlled the ride is. Steering provides good feel & connection to the road, brakes solid and strong. The ride on highway is comfortable and well controlled. Occasionally, small bumps on turns tend to cause some minor wheel hop, but still well controlled. The engine sounds great when started and has good torque. Im getting 22 MPG combined. CVT works smoothly, though does rob some acceleration from a strong engine.

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  We made right vehicle choice - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By DaveM - June 7 - 5:26 am

  Just purchased 05 Murano SL AWD after ext research/test drives, in Volvo/Lexus/Honda/Subaru 06 Tribeca. Vehicle so far beyond expectations after having for approx 2 weeks. Amenities SUPER, ride comfort exceeds others, handling supurb, no exterior noise, gas mileage avg 20.9, not had on trip yet to see mileage. For AWD SUV were thrilled with mpg so far, will get better as engine loosens. HIGHLY suggest buying this SUV, if you have couple kids,think it over 1st, perfect for 2 people and family of 3-4 tops. Test drove the above 4 seperate times before our final decision. For the $$$ this SUV a HIDDEN TREASURE, we owned Honda/Toyota SUVs. Great product Nissan! Dave & Deb from NE Pa