Nissan Murano test drive
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-HOW IT LOOKS
When the 1st generation Murano came out, for the 2003 model year, I thought is was one of the best looking and modern design on the road.
And I think it still is. the new one, like almost all current Nissan designs, looks like a more complicated version of the previous model.
The front end is way o busy for my taste. And the rest of the car still has too many lines.
It till looks really modern and stands out in a the sea of mostly boring looking cars we live in.
It’s just not as “pure” as before.
It actually now looks like a big Rogue. And that’s not good.
-HOW IT IS INSIDE.
The same thing goes for the interior. The quality of the plastics is up. But now it looks pretty much like a Maxima or Infiniti.
Even a little bit more boring. it is very nicely put together, but now it has zero personality. Unlike the previous one.
It is very roomy. Tons of space in the back etc… But even though it isn’t much larger than before, it feels larger to drive.
The worse thing about the interior is the lack of iPod connectivity when you order the Premium Package.
The standard iPod USB plug is replaced by a stereo/video jack behind the console.
Who was the idiot who thought of that??!! The the car I had was a $36 000 model with no iPod plug. When the base model for $10 000 less has one…. Amazing.
Even though the car feels pretty solid, I noticed a few little squeaks here and there. They could become rattles down the line. Or not…
And the “dual panel sunroof” was also a bit disappointing. Offering nothing better than a regular sunroof from the driver’s point of view.
-HOW IT DRIVES.
-Ride.
The ride is mostly comfortable, but sometimes has a hard time absorbing the smallest bumps at low speed. So it can be pretty rough on a bad street.
I would never call is sporty. But it’s also not as cushy as a Lexus RX.
-Steering.
The steering feels great. Very light but very precise at the same time.
But the car in general doesn’t inspire anyone to drive fast when turning. Handling is just OK. The seating position is always pretty high. Just like in the Rogue.
-Engine.
The Nissan V6 is always a great engine. Powerful and refined all the time.
In any car they use it. So it is the same thing here. And there is always plenty of power.
-Transmission.
After being hugely disappointed by the CVT in the Rogue, I was ready to hate it as well in the Murano.
Instead, the transmission turned out to be a revelation. It works perfectly with the V6.
There is always plenty of power when taking off. And it even feels like it’s downshifting when you push it.
There was almost no way to tell this was a CVT. It was pretty amazing.
The Murano is rated at 18City and 23 HWY. I did get about 18 in the city, but I reached a bit over 30 on the freeway.
Compare this to the maximum of 23 I got in the Infiniti EX a few weeks ago, and the Murano does make a good case for the CVT/V6 combo.
-SO???
I thought the Murano was a fine crossover, but no better than most. Nothing really stands out anymore. It used to look so much better than any other crossovers out there.
The interior especially, has no personality at all.
It does everything well. But doesn’t stand out in any way.
And the design now looks too complicated, almost vulgar from some angles.
It also feels larger than it is when you drive it. It feels really wide and high. The larger Buick Enclave was much easier to drive around, for some reason.
I guess it comes down to a matter of taste. I would still pick the Murano over the horrific looking Highlander and 2010 RX.
For now, the Venza looks to me like the main modern looking alternative. But watch out for the rock hard ride from the huge 20 inch wheels.
I just think they should have never redesigned the Murano. But that’s just me….
It doesn’t look that bad…Ok it looks bad in the rear end.
Vince, thanks for the review. Murano is not a very exciting looking SUV. So, I would not be surprised to see minimum blogging. And I am disappointed at Nissan’s recent reliability record. After they started production on our soil, quality went down quickly.
Vince, thanks for the review. Murano is not a very exciting looking SUV. So, I would not be surprised to see minimum blogging. And I am disappointed at Nissan’s recent reliability record. After they started production on our soil, quality went down quickly.
Acura’s ugly face has company in Murano’s hideous grille.
It’s funny that cars that NEED to be redesigned never are, and those that don’t need it, get them too early. They could have gone easily past 2010 with the design of the last gen Murano, but it’s overall shape is still there, just a front and rear tweak. I do dislike those Rogue tail lights as well. I feel like the rear designs of all the Nissans are trying to catch up with the 2004 Maxima….ESPECIALLY with those tail lights. It’s good to see family resemblence though, with the exception of the Maxima that really isn’t needed anymore. Who is going to get a Maxima over a G or an M? It cost just as much these days! I see them, but I don’t understand it. I do think it’s cleaver that each infiniti model has SOME sort of shadow rwd version resemblemce to a Nissan model.
I drove a venza and it was real bad. I would rather have the chevy traverse.
Having owned a 2003 Murano – I was absolutely captivated by it’s design. There was really nothing wrong with it. I waited anxiously for the redesign – and remember seeing the early pictures on Vinces site – I was shocked. What a bitterly poor design.
The ‘new’ Murano was never a contender for replacement though. Dismal quality (on everything except the CVT – go figure) coupled with easily the worst service department(s) I’ve ever been to and zero response from Nissan HO to my concerns pushed to to a CX7 (which is a great car).
The funny thing is that Nissan clearly got my note back to them as it indicated I was going to buy soon…they never responded to my concerns – but also never miss an opportunity to tell me about sales / etc. They missed the point completely on why I will never own a Nissan again….
“Anonymous said…
Having owned a 2003 Murano – I was absolutely captivated by it’s design. There was really nothing wrong with it. I waited anxiously for the redesign – and remember seeing the early pictures on Vinces site – I was shocked. What a bitterly poor design.
The ‘new’ Murano was never a contender for replacement though. Dismal quality (on everything except the CVT – go figure) coupled with easily the worst service department(s) I’ve ever been to and zero response from Nissan HO to my concerns pushed to to a CX7 (which is a great car).
The funny thing is that Nissan clearly got my note back to them as it indicated I was going to buy soon…they never responded to my concerns – but also never miss an opportunity to tell me about sales / etc. They missed the point completely on why I will never own a Nissan again….”
I have a co-worker who had a Murano and HATES it.
It squeaks and rattles like a late 80’s Chevy. She has had numerous problems with the CVT, and the interior quality is not there for a $35,000 vehcile. Nissan Corporate did nothing for her with all of the CVT problems she experienced, and she had called several times. Her vehicle had about 80,000 miles on it when she sold it and bought a Honda Pilot which now has 80K now and not a single problem.
I, too, would never own a Nissan. I think you are making a mistake buying a CX-7. Mazdas dealer network just isn’t there and you should check CRs reliability ratings. It has a low owner satisfaction rating and poor reliability.
I was somewhat interested in a Venza until I realized that it has less cargo space behind both 1st and 2nd rows than a RAV4 or CRV.
murano and venza aren’t in same category. that’s obviuos. murano is like a lexus. venza is a cheap crappy riding plasticky toyota. something you would never see toyota build 10 years ago, but today, hey they don’t give a shit.
Murano and Venza are both about the same price, and they both carry 5 people.
The Murano is in no way like a Lexus.
Vince, it’s time you take that comment back. Many automotive experts believe the murano is a lexus equal, if not better. Did You know that the Murano has Infiniti underpinnings and is built in Japan alongside Infinitis. By the same people that build infinitis, with the same parts. Just as toyota builds lexus on Parity with Highlander. “In no Way”?????? what a shame that you would say such an insulting statement. Tell me in what ways does the Lexus beat the Murano? Name one. Hard facts please.
I owned a highlander and had horrible service and it was very unreliable. I would never buy another toyota, especially this watered down Venza. I now have had a trouble free NISSAN Murano for 3 years. venza is a camry wagon…it doesn’t touch any Nissan , especially the Infiniti based Murano.
The Murano has nothing to do with Infiniti. It is based on the same FWD platform as the Altima.
Infinitis are RWD.
Drive both and the difference is obvious.
“For Shame said…
Vince, it’s time you take that comment back. Many automotive experts believe the murano is a lexus equal, if not better. Did You know that the Murano has Infiniti underpinnings and is built in Japan alongside Infinitis. By the same people that build infinitis, with the same parts. Just as toyota builds lexus on Parity with Highlander. “In no Way”?????? what a shame that you would say such an insulting statement. Tell me in what ways does the Lexus beat the Murano? Name one. Hard facts please.”
You own one, or you are a Nissan fanboy, that is obvious.
I’ll start with a few reason why the Lexus is better and I HATE anything Lexus. Resale value, reliability, dealer experience, interior materials, refinement, the list could go on.
How in the hell does the Murano have ANYTHING to do with an Infiniti?
IT DOES NOT!
Many vehicles are built right alongside or on the same line as the luxury marquee vehicles. That is not a big surprise, it cuts costs so they don’t have to retrofit another line or build another plant. Lexus/Toyota does it, Acura/Honda does it.
It has Infiniti underpinnings??? The Murano is based on the Altima you IDIOT! It has the same engine and same transmission as many Nissan models.
Please do some research, you really are making yourself look silly.
” Hey Read This said… “
Are you a used car salesman for Nissan?
“Anonymous said…
” Hey Read This said… “
Are you a used car salesman for Nissan?”
That or a Nissan fanboy.
I bet he was really pissed when Consumer Reports nominated Honda as pretty much the best manufacturer that you can buy from this year.
That guy above just schooled “For Shame”.
hahaha
vince, many strong arguments have been sent to you that show Nissan (prove) is better than the toyota company. Why are they not shown here???? Hmmmmm
“Give both sides said…
vince, many strong arguments have been sent to you that show Nissan (prove) is better than the toyota company. Why are they not shown here???? Hmmmmm”
Vince, why do you allow trash like this to be posted?
No one has proven anything, what hard facts have been given? NONE.
All these posts are from the same Nissan fanboy. This person just so happens to be uneducated and very biased. If you have restricted any of his posts it is because of poor grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
” If you have restricted any of his posts it is because of poor grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure”
Careful now. That may include Vince as well….
🙂
I’d much rather have a Pilot or even a Highlander. I’ve never owned a Nissan but my friends who have had late model Nissans haven’t had great luck with them.
My 2003 Pilot has almost 200,000 miles on it and I haven’t ever had a problem. It has had a hard life in the Pacific Northwest and spent a majority of its life off of paved roads. Still no rattles, squeaks, or mechanical failures to speak of.
To be honest, you hear a lot more positive stories about Honda and Toyota than you do about Nissan. All you have to do is go buy a copy of Consumer Reports car guide and read through it to prove my point.
are you kidding, you have a high mileage honda ( haha) and your friends haven’t had luck with Nissans. Are you for real? or do you work at a Honda Dealership. Nissan is the best Baby!actually for the last 2 years, the consumer reports I read, the real one, rates the altima ahead of both accord and camry.( in both 4 cyl. and v6. The toyota truck was moved to the non recommended list. What are you smoking honda fan boy?
“Nissfan said…
are you kidding, you have a high mileage honda ( haha) and your friends haven’t had luck with Nissans. Are you for real? or do you work at a Honda Dealership. Nissan is the best Baby!actually for the last 2 years, the consumer reports I read, the real one, rates the altima ahead of both accord and camry.( in both 4 cyl. and v6. The toyota truck was moved to the non recommended list. What are you smoking honda fan boy?”
Hey Fanboy,
Maybe you should read CR again since they have two categories for family sedans, and you obviously misread it. The ACCORD WON for the four cylinder family sedan and the Accord lost by ONE point to the Alitma on the six cylinder family sedans.
You are an absolute idiot, and you have proved so with your reading comprehension.
By the way, your coveted Consumer Reports has rated HONDA the highest rated car manufacturer, what do you have to say about that
???? Honda won, so they are the best, not Nissan. Also, Honda has never even come close to bankruptcy and Nissan has (90’s).
That must sting.
Oh, by the way, I own a BMW and not either of the brands we are discussing. I just wanted to make you feel like an uneducated, biased, little kid.
“Nissfan said…
are you kidding, you have a high mileage honda ( haha) and your friends haven’t had luck with Nissans. Are you for real? or do you work at a Honda Dealership. Nissan is the best Baby!actually for the last 2 years, the consumer reports I read, the real one, rates the altima ahead of both accord and camry.( in both 4 cyl. and v6. The toyota truck was moved to the non recommended list. What are you smoking honda fan boy?”
No, I don’t work for a Honda or a Honda dealership. I work for a division of General Electric.
As of this morning I am at 198,200 miles on the Pilot, still no problems to speak of. I will echo what the poster above said. Maybe you should go read your coveted Consumer Reports and see who just won manufacturer of the year.
general electric, that explains it. hey weren’t your stocks just downgraded like you?
“He won’t post negative toyota stuff said…
general electric, that explains it. hey weren’t your stocks just downgraded like you?”
What company do you know right now who has stocks that are NOT suffering?
My division is hiring and growing in size and especially engineers, even during tough economic times and giving Americans more jobs. We aren’t laying off like everyone else. I work for a fantastic company that has a lot of benefits.
What do you have to say about that, chief?
To Nissanfan:
Go read the latest copy of Consumer Reports, tell us what is on the cover. Who just won?
I’ll give you a clue, they start with a H and end with an A. Nissan was not even mentioned.
Nissan’s quality shot up ever since Renault acquired them and ever since it expanded its operations in the U.S.
As for the Murano, the last one looked a lot better. It looks like Nissan had too many designers working on this latest one.