NEW NISSAN MURANO
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
9.26 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
9.85 |
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| Braking |
9.25 |
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| Handling |
8.85 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.5 |
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| Interior Comfort |
9.55 |
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| Acceleration |
9.7 |
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| Dependability |
9.45 |
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| Fit and Finish |
8.95 |
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| Transmission |
9.2 |
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| Ride |
9.3 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The Murano is a likable crossover SUV that blends unique styling with a spacious, comfortable interior and a fun-to-drive character. If it wasn''t for the power-sapping CVT transmission, it would get our top recommendation.
Pros
Excellent handling, comfortable and practical interior, unique styling inside and out, smooth and powerful engine.
Cons
Continuously variable transmission detracts from performance, SE model rides harshly, no third-row seat, gets pricey with options.
What''s New for 2004
SE models now include a manual-shift mode for the CVT, and satellite radio pre-wiring is standard on all models. The standard driver seat now features 10-way power adjustment.
Overview
Introduction:
Crossover SUVs have officially arrived. Realizing that most sport-utes never venture any further off-pavement than that pothole-riddled side road you take to drop the kids off at soccer practice, car manufacturers have wisely begun to focus their attention on this new breed of SUV -- which, as you probably know, places its emphasis on a carlike ride, leaving off-road functionality but a vestige. Nissan''s crossover entrant is the stylish Murano, which is being marketed as an "urban SUV." The Murano (the vehicle gets its name from glass art made on islands near Venice, Italy) boasts a sleek exterior that features wraparound surface construction, a prominent stylized front grille and an upswept greenhouse that helps the ''ute live up to Nissan''s stated aim of creating a "sculpture in motion." Vertically stacked headlights with HID bulbs are offered to shed light on the road ahead; in back, a lightweight cargo door -- made from an advanced steel-reinforced plastic -- is, says Nissan, easy to manipulate. A chin and rear spoiler add aerodynamic sportiness to the ''ute''s lines, with the whole kit-and-caboodle riding on large 18-inch wheels and tires. The Murano''s spacious, cleanly styled interior provides seating for five. Aluminum trim graces the instrument panel, which features a monitor with integrated climate and audio controls. The driver seat boasts 10-way adjustability; throttle and brake pedals are also adjustable, as is the tilt steering wheel. Interior temperature is managed via front dual-zone climate controls and individual pillar-located rear air conditioning vents. The Murano shares its platform with the Altima and Maxima sedans and, as such, boasts a four-wheel independent suspension (which includes an advanced multilink rear suspension and high-stiffness stabilizer bars). Antilock disc brakes with, BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, help to bring the Murano to a stop. Handling characteristics are excellent, particularly for a utility vehicle. The Murano''s sharp reflexes are complemented by Nissan''s award-winning 3.5-liter V6, this time paired with a continuously variable transmissions (CVT). While the CVT has noticeable benefits on fuel economy, its sluggish response in traffic detracts from an otherwise enjoyable driving experience. Even so, the Murano has a lot to recommend it for anyone seeking a spacious and stylish transport through the urban maze. For 2004, this is a vehicle you''ll want to take a look at.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The five-passenger Murano comes in two trim levels: luxury-oriented SL and sporty SE. The SL trim includes 18-inch wheels, cloth seating, a power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, a CD player and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The SE adds a sport-tuned suspension and HID headlamps. The optional Premium Package includes a roof rack, adjustable pedals, a Bose stereo system with a six-disc CD changer, while the Dynamic Control Package adds a tire-pressure monitoring system and stability control. There''s also a Leather Package and a Cold Package with heated front seats and mirrors. Other stand-alone options include a sunroof and a DVD-based navigation system.
Powertrains and Performance:
Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the Murano is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 similar to the one found in the Altima and Maxima. It makes 245 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission choice is a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). Benefits of the CVT include smoother operation and greater fuel efficiency than a traditional automatic. EPA mileage estimates are 20 mpg city/24 mpg highway on AWD models and 20/25 on front-drive models.
Safety:
The Murano comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including front seat-mounted side airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard occupants and active head restraints. Additional safety features include an optional stability control system (dubbed Vehicle Dynamic Control), a traction control system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes supplemented by BrakeAssist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. In government crash tests, the Murano earned four stars (out of five) for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, it earned five stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for the rear.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Immediately noticeable when you climb aboard is the distinctive "floating dash" design, which is complemented by the real aluminum trim liberally sprinkled around the cabin. The gauges glow orange and are clearly marked. Split-folding rear seats are pretty standard these days, but in the Murano, they have a reclining feature and a remote flip-down function, allowing the seats to be easily released from the rear cargo area. For storage, there''s a two-tiered lockable center console box roomy enough to hold a laptop computer, door pockets with a flip-out function, as well as assorted nooks and crannies for items such as cell phones, sunglasses and coins. With the rear seats down, the cargo bay offers a healthy 81.6 cubic feet of space.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Acceleration is lively for the most part, though the CVT can make for sluggish starts in traffic. Handling is sharp, even compared to other car-based crossover SUVS. Buyers can choose between the sport-tuned SE model or the more softly calibrated SL form. Unless you''re really into driving your SUV fast on a curvy road, we''d suggest the SL for you and your family''s comfort.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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