Used 2003 Nissan Murano Consumer Reviews

Nissan & Transmissions

I purchased my Murano after reading numerous Edmunds' reviews. In January of '06 everything I read was positive, yet now I sit with a $5000 estimate to rebuild my transmission on an '03 vehicle that has just tripped 87,000 miles. This is my 2nd Nissan & my 2nd issue with replacing a transmission (the 1st a '92 Maxima with over 150,000 miles). I too have had the issue of putting my foot on the gas and getting no power after a stop in traffic. It's scary, dangerous & frustrating to think I know have to replace a transmission so soon.

Will Never Again Buy A Nissan

Since purchase (Oct 4, 2003--new) the dealer has had the vehicle more than I have. The transmission has failed (had to be completely replaced) and it is now back at the dealer for "drive shaft problems." I can't begin to tell you how unhappy and dissatisfied I am.

stop reading, go buy it

The vehicle is amazing. The transmission has no gears (regardless Camiles review saying it changes gears smoothly)so it always picks the best ratio. Climbing a hill, passing, or cruising. These new 3.5 engines are the best ever built. All aluminum, 100,000 mile EVERYTHING except fluids. They use the 3.5 in all their vehicles now, and tune them accordingly. That's why the 350Z has over 280HP. The Murano's engine can make the same power, they just detune it. Which means it's running in a mild state of tune which means it's not stressed which means it will run forever.

Love My Murano

I LOVE MY MURANO

I DOWN-SIZED FROM A YUKON XL, AND MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. I REALLY ENJOY DRIVING MY NEW SL MURANO. IT IS FUN, PRACTICAL AND BOY DOES IT EVER GET THE LOOKS! GAS IS CHEAP TOO! :)

murano pleases

Acceleration is smooth & effortless. It accelerates & revs with the amount of pressure you put on the pedal with no annoying shifts. Interior is very spacious and comfortable. The leather seats are buttery smooth, soft and cushy, yet enough firmness to prevent fatigue. The rear bottom seat cushions travel forward & back with the reclining of the seats for increased back passenger comfort. The look...impressive! When it drives down the road, it looks like art in motion. Ride & handling are smooth & quiet while also being precise & accurate. Fuel economy, first tank, 20.1mpg (Canadian) 16.7mpg(US Gallon)city.

Numero Uno mid size SUV

I have been looking into mid sized SUV for about 3 years now and I am very glad I waited to 2003 to make it my buying year and bought the Murano. After dreaming about and test driving the RX 300, I am happy to say that the Murano puts it to shame. The drive quality is undescribable and one that needs to be experienced to really believe. The transmission is very smmoth and you can feel the power of the engine from the moment you step on the gas pedal. 245 hp and torque is availble quite readily and the ease of control over so much power is impeccable. This will definitely be a top ten SUV in a very short space of time.

Safe in the Lap of Luxury

Purchased a Murano SE 2 weeks ago and Edmunds.com helped so much in our research...thank you! First made a list of what we needed, the plushness of the Murano was a plus. Graduating from a van we test drove (that I recall) Pilot, CRV, Rav, and Pathfinder and inspected many others. Focused on the Pilot then we drove the Murano and fell in love with fully loaded SE (didn't want DVD or GIS). Pricing (asked to see dealers invoice), mpg, safety & smooth/solid ride of this dream contributed to our purchase decision. It's smooth rounded exterior is a pleasure to run a shammy over, no crevices for grit to settle in.

drive it to believe it!

My new nissan murano is more than expected! I chose this new vehilce over the lexus rx300 and the mercedes ml320. It is truly in the luxury class. The salesperson was so adamant about test driving it and once I drove it, everything he said about it was absolutely correct. Nissan has out done themselves with the Murano!

Fell in love after the test drive...

Shopped Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander before purchasing Murano. The test drive won me over. If your looking for the same old, same old then stick with Honda and Toyota. If your looking for a new stylish design with all the right eronomics, this is the vehicle. Built on the Altima platform, plenty of safety features.

My first SUV

This is my first SUV purchase and I'm glad I went with the Murano.. I test drove other SUV but nothing caught my eyes like the Murano did. Everyone is asking me what kind of SUV it is that it must be very expensive until I tell them how much I paid for it. It's definitely fun to drive and so much ROOM! My newborn baby will have plenty of space in the back =). The remote pull down chair for the back is really great!

SE Murano AWD

Overall very pleased. AWD eliminates tourque steer and seems more stable, but is a tad slower than FWD . This is the SE and the ride is firm but not uncomfortable. Lots of fun on twisty roads with good steering feedback and excellent tracking. Pushed hard, you will get some understeer before the limit. Great Brakes. The CVT tranny takes getting used to, but I am learning to like it, especially going up hills at 70 to 80 MPH. Gas milage has averaged about 20MPG so far with 50/50 city/hiway. This should improve with break-in. Seats are comfortable, lots of room for my German Shephard in the back, good visability, excellent build quality and paint.

New Murano ---

Inspite of Nissan's need to take marketing lessons from Kia, I purchased this Murano for it's uniqueness of styling in the market. Quality and features seems fantastic to this point. Room GALORE! 5 people in total comfort. No complaints to date. Only frustration was lack of info from Nissan. I had no idea what colors/features were available...and dealers were getting shipments! Brochures not yet out. Thank God for Edmunds!

Wonderful

I was in the market for a SUV since my wife will be expecting our first baby. I've searched and checked with a lot of magazines about SUV's and thier reviews, but after taking a test drive and looking in depth on the Murano, I found a perfect SUV that had everything to offer and then some. The ride quality, gas milage, space and don't forget about the desing. Every new technology was put into this SUV and from the exterior design, the Murano will not go out of style even after 6 to 10 years from now.

Nice Sporty Ride

Test drove this SUV twice to make sure it handled and performed as well as I thought the first time. Handling is great and stable. The engine has excellent performance and runs very smooth. I just think it might be priced a little high considering nissan does not have high residual values like Acura or Lexus but it is priced around 38,000 for a loaded SE.

Quiet and smooth

The best car I have ever driven. Quiet, smooth and plenty of power. The Morano looks like one of those concept cars at the auto show inside and out. The transmission is seemless (no feeling of changing gears). Everywhere I go someone has something to say about how great it looks. Once you test drive this car its all over with but writing the check.

A Hot Wheels Car for Adults

Have spent the last month looking at a wide range of vehicles; I test drove the Highlander, RX300, BMW X5, Acura MDX, Honda Pilot and Volvo XC90. This car was really amzingly well put together and the size was really what I was looking for as opposed to the larger vehicles that I had driven. The handling is better than the Lexus and close to the Bimmer in my mind. Havent been in snow but anticipate a good safe ride. Interior is well appointed and seats are very comfortable. DVD navigation system is a hoot and prob more helpful than I initially anticipated. Rear seats are fine. 3 adults would be a bit tight.

Smooth as Glass

As our search narrowed down we had decided on the Audi allroad, But opne day I recieved a copy of Automobile magazine and in there wae a short report on the Murano. We were immediatly struck by its good looks and then and there decided a test drive was in order. Obviously we liked it. Great looking, powerful, sporty handling and about $12,000 LESS than the allroad.

1st Murano Sold in NC

Bought the SE FWD Premimum/Cold Pkg Murano right off the transport. First one believed to be sold in NC. Below MSRP. Great toy.

170,000 in 6 yrs & still going strong!

I was really surprised to read of the problems that others have had with their 2003 Murano. With 170,000+ miles on mine, of course I've had to replace normal wear-out parts, do the brakes, etc, Also had to replace front strut sleeves, but that is the only problem that I have had in 170,000 miles. Love the transmission and I have always done as my salesman advised, "Come to a COMPLETE stop before shifting from reverse to drive - no rolling shifts!" I like mine so much that when I get another 50,000 miles on her (about 1 1/2 years for me), I'm going to get another Murano. I do wish that the back window rolled down, though.

Good Vehicle But Not Great

Pros: Good workmanship, Good steering, Nice size, OK ride Cons: Engine Sound, Vibration through gas pedal, Large expansive dash - like a mini van, Costly by the time you add options.

My First Japnese Vehicle - Wow!

Out of curiosity I test drove the Murano SL and feel in love with it. A week later I drove one home and it rocks! I've always owned Ford vehicles but wanted something new. I've read other reviews complaining about engine noise or poor interior quality. They must be tripping or are talking about some other vehicle because that's not the case with the Murano! It compares to others that sell for $5K to $15K higher. Drive one and see for yourself how fun the Murano is.

Never Thought I Would Own An SUV!!!

In all my life, I never thought I would own an SUV. Whwn I first saw The BMW X, I thought well maybe it is possible to meld the best of the car/ suv worlds but not at that price! Then I see the Murano at the Auto Show in NYC and I don't tell my wife that this Murano seems very different. God ,have I lost my mind???? Well four weeks into ownership, I have to tell you this vehicle is amazing! I think it outperforms my 2000 Maxima in acceleration.It handles well in all aspects. It lloks like a vehicle nobody would ever buils so hats off to nissan!!!

Nissan Murano Review

I've driven nearly all of the vehicles in this class: Mercedes M Class, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, 4Runner, RX300. Pilot, Envoy, Trailblazer, Grand Cherokee, Rover, etc. and rate the Murano the best overall vehicle in this class regardless of cost. You owe it to yourself to drive this one if you are considering a civilized SUV that is beautiful, functional, gets great fuel mileage. It's a roomy as a Pilot, drives more like a car and sets a new standard for this class of vehicle.

Super Fun to Drive!

I have only had my Murano for 10 days, but I absolutely love it! All I can say is that this is ONE GREAT RIDE! I researched SUV's for several months prior to making my purchase and one of the biggest attractions for me was the CVT...it has to be the smoothest transmission I've ever driven. Nissan has a winner in the Murano!

fun driven suv

styling is a eye catcher. performance is very good. and fun to drive

CVT problems

Replaced transmission with 78000 miles,now experiencing problems with second transmission when it snows and only when it snows, the transmission sputters and shuts down, let the car sit for two hours and it is ok very dangerous when driving

Bought Brand New 2003

Hi, I bought this car Brand new few days after came out in the market it was a WOW everywhere. I had some problems but thanks God I got the extended warranty when I first bought. biggest problem is LOSS of Power when taking off or accelerating I told the dealer few times but couldn't find the problem, I took it to another dealer they change the o2 sensor and the catalytic converter. all was under warranty it ran me another 20000 miles but now I am facing the same problem. OIL LEAK from the engine, rattling noises from parts inside cabin. cup holders are easy broken. changed visor clips 3 times, change pedal distance adjuster under warranty. cheap leather cracked everywhere

Awesome Car - A most have!

This is a awesome car. It's a most have for anyone who is looking to purchase a SUV.

Loving It !!!!!!!!!!!

The commercials do not do this vehicle justice. I was skeptical at first, but after the test drive I bought it that same day. The exterior is exotic looking and the interior is spacious (I am 6'1")and fun. I was looking into the volvo XC90, but decided this was the better choice. It is FUN to drive!!!!

Decent outside, poor inside, high price

In person the Murano is a beauty. Inside is a different story. The seats are good but not great. The instrument thing on top of the steering wheel looks cheap and feels cheaper. The center dash looks like a glued on after thought. The plastics are OK but dull. There is huge "ledge" under the windshield. Think minivan inside. The V6 is powerful, the CVT strange but it really works. Power is very good from a stop or when passing. The suspension is decent, a little stiffer over bumps, but better than most SUVs. Steering is somewhat tight, but still feels strange. Brakes are good.

refreshingly fast

0-60 in like 7.5 sec for a SUV that also average like 20 mpg. What's not to like? Concerns: long term reliability with new CVT tranny and price.

we love our murano

We just baught the maurano. Its everything that we wanted. Lots of head and leg room. And so very comfortable. The style is very unique and not of the ordinary blend of vehicles that you see on the road today. We love different! Its a 50,000 dollar car for only in the 30,000 range. Excellent value for the buck. Go for it you will like it.

6.5 great years with my MO

This SUV was a 1st year model, so yes there were a couple of issues. The alternator recall, the rocking chair fixed under warranty and the flopping sun visor coming just this year. The CVT performed flawlessly and the only other items done were battery, tires, wiper blades & oil changes. All things considered, this was a blast to own & drive for 85k miles over 6.5 trouble free years. The styling was cutting edge in '03, it was very sporty for an SUV and it fit me, 6'3" 290lbs with ease. It could also hold my 3 boys in the back seat and 2 of them are 6+ foot. The cargo room was amazing, I have got many a admiring comment at Lowe's.

Murano Test Drive

I test drove a fully loaded Murano and OH BOY!! it was fun to drive...But the build quality of the interior material is not good. and the grill in the front may rattle as the vehicle gets old. Other than that this is a fun "SUV" to drive

A concept car you can own now !!!

I traded in a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee . The Jeep was a fine car. The Murano is poetry in motion. It handles well the transmission is super and has excellent passing power. I went from 5.5 to 20.6 MPG on my first long trip. The seating is supportive and very comfortable for my 6' 4" body. The car is a change from every other car out there. You have to test drive the car to see how well it is put together. My hats off to Nissan.

Fun under the Sun

So far, We have driven it for 3 weeks and we love it. It handles like a real car; yet it is powerfull and fuel efficient. The stereo system is great, and the most stripped model comes with cd and sattellite ready stereo.

Murano Too many frivolous frills

I don't own this car but would like to. I spent a lot of time at IRA Nissan and test drove this vehicle. It's a lot of fun to drive and versatile. I'm not sure what to make of the continously variable transmission, time will tell on that. Also, the 18" tires ought to be a bit of a surprise when they need to be replaced, I would bet that they are expensive. Too bad they don't offer a more bare bones AWD version of this car. It's too expensive for me, I'd be all over it if it was available in AWD for under $28 k

Great Vehicle Fun to Drive

The Murano is a great car. Nissan has outdone itself in quality and looks. This SUV is comfortable, rides quitely and it looks very nice. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone looking for safety, performance and looks

Great Crossover SUV by Nissan, A+

I traded in my 2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE which was a great ride and my new 2003 Z Car for this new Murano. It offers me a single vehicle that has great looks and design coupled with fun to drive performance and comfort in an AWD vehicle. All this plus a vehicle that gets outstanding fuel economy and great room for passengers and the luggage. Nissan and Infiniti are doing a great job coming out with innovative performance products that are exciting to drive.

Oil leaks, cvt, electrical issues.

Have had same issues as other reviews.Hesitation at stop to start has gone away with last recall to replace air tube and clamps. fuel door lock replaced twice, after 2nd time I just broke the lock shaft off and left it at that. I now have oil leaking from oil cooler seal, oil sump pan gasket, and main oil pan gasket. Entire engine has to be removed from bottom of vehicle to repair these items. Parts cost approx. $70.00, labor is $1350.00. Will be replacing wheel seals while the engine is out also since axles have to come out anyway, $40.00 for parts only. Luckily no cvt issues, knock on wood.

Murano - Takes over Highlanders Position

Comparison of the Toyota Highlander Limited vs. Nissan Murano SL with Premium and Leather Package. Murano's benefits: Styling and ride, CVT transmission is awesome, 245 HP vs 220, 18 inch vs 16 inch wheels, Xenon headlights with adjustment switch, Dual climate control for driver and passenger, as well as backseat vents, Bose sound system was superior to the JBL, Memory settings with adjustable seats, mirrors, and pedals for Driver 1 and 2 (great for weekend driver vs. daily driver use), Autodimming mirror, compass, and Homelink vs. Homelink only

Don't miss the Audi

I traded in my Audi A6 Quattro on this car and thought that I would miss the comfort. I don't, the Murano rides great, and is very quiet. I have only driven it 1200 miles, so the gas mileage isn't what I would like, but it isn't much less than the Audi. I sure get lots of people asking me about it, and it is a real hit with my family and friends.

4 days and perfect

I've had my Murano for 4 days now, and I am nothing but impressed. Coming from an 01 Explorer Sport to this is like wearing an Armani suit as compared to someone else's old underwear. It is quite literally a luxury SUV for the price of a loaded compact.

This SUV is a 10!

This is probably the best SUV on the road now! I love it. No one need to look further than the Murano. It has everything anyone could want! Seriously.

You have to give this SUV a look!

We test the Honda Pilot, Toyota Hilander, Acura MDX, and Chevy Tahoe. Then we looked at the Murano, and instantly fell in love. Nissan just took a SUV that could have a third row seat and left it out to give more room for the first and second row. My wife and I are tall, and this SUV has tons of leg room in the front and back seats. If you are in the market for a mid to large SUV, you owe it to yourself to at least give the Murano a look. I am concerned out buying a first generation car, but I have a feeling the price will go up on these. Get one before they get HOT.

Poor choice

We bought our 2003 Murano AWD because it lookes great and we had liked our Maxima. What a mistake - luckily we negotiated a free extended warranty into our deal besause: the motor mounts failed at 35K, the mount control sensor failed as well,TWO different oxygen sensors failed at different times leaving my wife and children stranded, the front strut bearings failed at 60k, the rear lift latch failed at 61K, wiring leading to the mass air flow sensor failed, causing the sensor to also fail - leaving us stranded AGAIN,even the sunshades needed to be replaced as the spring tensioner failed. The total cost of these repairs would have been over $5500 if I had to pay for them!I wont buy another!

Near Perfection

Nissan has really outdone them selves with this one! Excellent build quality and attention to details. The outside design is just a work of art - really draws attention where ever you go. All the options one could ever want in a luxury SUV. The 3.5L 245hp engine teamed with the CVT transmission has got to be one of the smoothest out there - just seamless power! The 18" wheels, xenon headlights, navigation system, Bose stereo system, adjustable pedals, heated seats, etc, etc, just add to the pleasure of driving this beautiful vehicle. I think the Murano deserves to be in a class by its self!

Wow

I received the Murano as a Valentine gift from my husband. I love it! It is luxury, great drive, and the Bose stereo is wonderful. It rides more like a car than an SUV or a truck. It handles great and has "get up and go". I highly recommend it!

Not much better than nothing.

Still drives and rides like a SUV. Needs a better dynamic stability control system. Cheap looking instrumentation panel. No day time running light. Need to lose that chrome grill. The vehicle has a cover underneth, which makes it more difficult to change oil yourself and more costly to get it done at a shop. Obviously Nissan wants us to pay premium for routine maintenance and thinks we are stupid because we don't know "total-ownership- cost". Self-serving companies such as Nissan don't deserve to be around. This will likely be my last Nissan. What a mistake for buying this piece of junk.