Used 2003 Nissan Murano Consumer Reviews
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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!
- SL 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,990242 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999644 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,998724 mi away
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.
New Urban SUV
Owned all types of cars, 4Runners, Trucks, PT Cruiser and Subarus. This by far is the best I have driveen. Don't need three seats nor a minivan type of vehicle. Want smooth performance and excellent seating for 2. This delivers all and more for the price. Glad someone got it right. Wont drive it off road either that what I hve my truck for so back off on off road ability. This will go anywhere I want to do.
glacier pearl w/ cabernet leather
had the SUV about two weeks. very nice, I get alot of comments and questions about it. very good performance. like the CVT- it's very smooth. interior ergonomics are nice. I finally got cupholder that is where my hand naturally grabs for. BOSE stereo is excellent. slightly hard ride, but it is much better than the standard SUV drive. Test drove Highlander, Pilot, X5 and chose the Murano.
We love our Murano!!
We've had our Murano for just a week now and our absolutely loving it. The ride is smooth and car-like. The CVT transmission is awesome...still getting used to not feeling the shifting. We used our Murano to pick up a piece of furniture the first day and found the seats very easy to fold flat, and the cargo area spacious. We also considered the Highlander, the Pilot, the Pathfinder and the Sorrento. After seeing and then driving the Murano, though, the decision was easy. This is the SUV to buy if you want to turn some heads!
ripped off
I had my murano for four years now and I had it. I considered all the problems it cost me...alternator, replaced battery TWICE, replaced door locks, replaced gas door, NOW they are telling me that I need to replace my engine mount because it's cracked. I drive my cars cautiously, and I need something reliable. Did I add that it left me stranded TWICE and I had to call for help. Thats when I had the alternator changed. Now that I have a family, I cannot be wasting my extra cash on repairs/replacement. I will NEVER purchase another Nissan. This will be my first and last.
Expensive at 45000 miles
In the last 6 months we have spent nearly$1700 on repairs to this Murano. It would have been more if we had paid the $900 for new motor mounts when the car had done 45,000 miles. The dealer got Nissan to pay for it after a lot of complaining from me. The car has done 51080 miles and 2 months ago we paid $900 for front struts and now $457 dollars for an electric window motor, 50$ for a rear stop light change and $43 for an inspection and oil change. The dealer claims the muffler needs replacing for another $914 and the car need brakes and rotors for another $600. If this is typical, at this mileage, of Nissan products, then they are producing lemons.
2003 Murano SL
Bought our gold Murano new in 2003 and use it for long long road trips. We've put over 75000 miles on her and she's going strong. We checked out the Mercedes and Lexus SUVs at the time, and they were noisier. We enjoy the quiet ride of the Murano. We can carry on a conversation without yelling. There's lots of room for the two of us and our dog. The ride is great; there's power to spare. Gas mileage is so-so (20 mpg), but we have only used regular gas and the engine runs great.
Original owner
Owned 7 years with 50k mi. Still looks good compared to newer cars. Only problems have been gas cap actuator, driver power window motor, garage door opener in rear view mirror and intermittent hesitation problem during stop/start. After dealer performed last recall to replace intake fasteners hesitation problem was cured. Glad it was not transmission. I believe someone posted that Nissan extended the CVT transmission warranty to 10yrs/100k mi. Overall it has gotten me from A to B without any problems but I would have not expected to have these little things break down with such low miles.
Love it
I have had it only for about two weeks but its great. I'm looking for any reason to get out and drive it. I also purchased the navigation system which is really pretty slick. Its has hotels,atms,airports and hundred of other preprogramed points of interest. The car ride is really nice. Only complaint I have is that the XM radio option that is advertised is not yet available.
Looked them all over - this is the one
My wife and I have tried many 2003 SUVs and cars - from the GMC Envoy, to the Infinity G35, from the Bonneville to the Cadillac CTV, from the Jeep Legend to the Toyota Highlander. True, we're not "off roaders" and we like our creature comforts. By far, the Murano SL with Leather and Premium packages and Traction control, was the best ride, the best feel of quality, and the best overall match of "THE vehicle" we wanted. Not to mention it looks great. Highly recommended. And contrary to some other posters views on economics, we consider even MSRP list as cheap for this vehicle. Thanks Nissan! We love it.
new car
new, but very good so far.
When Can I Afford One?
C'mon, Someone make a SUV like this for an affordable price. 30K plus? for a small SUV. Think I'll get a Seqouia. Atleast there is size with the price
Morano Falls Short
Squeaks, rattles, loose seat, thumping noises, NO satellite radio (but there is a button), exceptionally POOR gas mileage...all adds up to a "faux crossover" for Nissan. Consumers look elsewhere or be forewarned.
It doesn't get any better ...
I bought this magnificent machine "love at first sight". No need for leather, the material is like no other, more of suede feel than anything else. The standard features surpass Lexus and BMW as far as interior comfort, design, and hands on instrumentation. 4-foot daughter to my 6.5-foot son to my full- grown lab, theres room galore. Exterior, it's like no other. It owns the niche between luxury SUV design and ultra sport sedan, revolutionizing this market class. Lastly, who ever heard of an SUV doing 7 sec. 0-60 times, still getting 21-avg. mpg, oh yeah, all under $30K. Me that's who, see ya!
Nissan "Murano"
Has a very smooth ride, even over hard roads. The controls are all with in easy reach. The leg room in the back seats is very roomy.
Sexy Beast
Great alternative to a traditional SUV. Gives you the car like ride with all the features and benefits of a SUV. Nice gas mileage for a 245hp vehicle. I have seen people mistake my Murano for a Porsche Cayenne. Kind of cool to see heads turn around town.
Exellent SUV/crossover
Exellent fuel economy(as for SUV) adjustable Xenon headlights ,spacious (to somebody who don't need 7 seats) powerful engine
So Far, So Good
Purchased new SL 2WD 3 weeks ago, $300 over invoice. So far been an excellent experience. Design and ride are great. Fuel economy seems to be improving (after bad start), on 3rd tank, up to 21mpg, but since mostly highway, should be better. Haven't found many disappointments, its a great vehicle. One complaint is that it does still have a trucklike/SUV ride when cornering (but this is my first SUV after 10 years w a sports car), SE may be tighter suspension. Overall would recommend to any new crossover buyer.
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.
2003 Murano
Great car for the money--not all of us want 3 rows of seats, we are trying to get the mini-van out of lives! I look the look over the square boxes.
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!
Still Loving It
What a great vehicle. It is a joy to drive and ride in.
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.
Mixed Bag -- Ya Love It Or Ya Hate It
Well, its a great substitute for a station wagon. The CVT takes some getting use to. It's a lot peppier in Ds mode. Although, I'd rather have a regular automatic and more road feel. Fits in parking spaces, carries people, has so-so styling and the dealers are a mixed bag. I don't know, I get the feeling they could have done better.
Extremely satisfied
This review is for the SE AWD with Nav. for the first 500 miles. At first I was so mesmerized with the style that I didn't realize the excellence of the fit and finish on this vehicle. My second surprise was finding out how smooth the engine and transmission operate. All features and details are excellent. The only thing that I would modify is softening the suspension a little, because it is a little harsh over pot holes and bumps. I rate this vehicle as a solid "10".
StillLuvMyPath
Had a 2001 Pathfinder for three years. Perfect SUV...no problem at all. Changed to Murano because it was the new car in the block. Drives really well until we hit a pothole! Big or small holes, you can feel the bumps and hear the thumps! Especially in New York City. Nissan should either make the car a little higher with plusher seats and better suspension to soak up the bumps.
Impressive
I test drove virtually every possible performance wagon, crossover, and suv on the market today. All of them had something going for them but the best compromise for the money was the Murano ( bar none). I knew when I test drove it that I had finally found a perfect blend of performance, comfort, practicality, mileage,safety, and affordability. Very nice ride, super comfy seats, nice styling, smooth powerful engine. Mileage has been ~20mpg during the break-in period in very cold weather.
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.
Great Design
Beautiful design, fun to driving, good performance in city or freeway; excellent performance driving in heavy rain conditions. Interesting interior and exterior design, great features. Poor left back and back visibility, Interior seats does not provide with an arm rest.
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!
I love my Murano!
I fell in love with the Murano the minute I took it for a test drive. I had to get it! The Murano is an awesome SUV! And what a great price! I LOVE IT! More than that I love it when people compliment me on my new car and also the way people they look at it! The drive is soo smooth! Best purchase I've made on a vehicle!
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.
Another bad transmission in Murano
I purchased my 2003 Murano AWD used with 24k miles on it. Like other reviewers, my transmission just failed at 88,319 miles, and it is costing me $6000 to have a reconditioned transmission put in. Nissan customer service said that they were not going to help me with the repair. I am very disappointed with Nissan's quality and customer service, and I will not buy another. Also, the CD player stopped functioning at around 75k, and it cost over $450 to fix. The radio shop told me that they saw many Muranos with that problem.
EVEN BETTER THEN BMW325xi
I have been looking to trade in my XTerra for a softer ride.....test drove many cars in the procces, all of which fell in the $30-36k price range, wanted to keep it fair.....the Murano out did all of them, even the Acura MDX, and the BMW 325xi.....its worth paying the 2-3k dealers want over sticker....but shop around, i managed 2 get mine at sticker, fully loaded.
the coolest suv ever
fantastic. so cool, super lux feeling (sl w/ leather package) sunlit copper w/ cabernet leather interior. nice and wide, super smooth, xtra stytlish and a super attention getter. sleeker and more stylish than the x5, lexus, or mdx, with perfect performance.
Goodby annonymity
I gave up my Lincoln LS which was a terrific car for the Murano.Driving over the Colorado mountains convinced me that I had made a good choice...it drives even better than the LS with the best transmission I have ever driven. What a pleasure to drive.
RIDES LIKE A CAR
I like the way that this vehicle rides. It is more like a car then a truck. The gas milege is 18MPG artound town and 23MPG on the highway. I love the AWD, it has helped me
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.
What a joy
I was a loyal jeep owner until my last one started to cost to keep it up/ Went looking for a replacement and the Murano got my intrest. I would like to thank this review board because reading your reviews help me decide on owning a Murano. I enjoy driving my new Murano it has the power i was lacking for passing, the steering is like a sports car and the trans is great
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.
Love It, Love It, Love It!!
We bought our Murano 2 weeks ago and we love it! We had a 2001 Maxima that we really enjoyed, but this is even more fun. The ride is smoother and the engine has more pep. We love the leather interior and the placement of the radio/climate controls closer to the driver. The interior is very roomy and feels bigger than it looks from the outside. The adjustable back seats are also a plus. All around it is a great SUV/car!
This Vehicle is a Blast
This vehicle is incredible. It drives very similarly to a BMW X5. The quality is there. The ride is firm but comfortable and definitely handles very well for a SUV. It drives like a car. I get a thumbs up wherever I drive. The CVT transmission is great. One does get used to it fairly quickly. You never feel any gears changing or jerking like a normal transmission would. I think anyone who gets this vehicle would be very content. I am very impressed with Nissan.
Best Crossover SUV in class
Drove Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, RX300 Lexus, Highlander, and Volvo. For the feature set and the price this vehicle cannot be beat. It sits at par with the Honda and the Acura, shames the Highlander, and comes mighty close to the Volvo. Now, compared to the Honda and MDX I chose the SL Murano AWD because of its newer styling, at par performance, and better interior (less conservative than the Hondas but not crazy-out-there). Compared to the Highlander and the RX300 Lexus, there is no comparing. The Volvo is nice but pricing starts at 40K unless you can live on the vanilla base model...
Very Impressive
I traded in my Pathfinder for a Murano. I have 400 miles and counting, great vehicle. In the Blizzard of 03, it handled very good, but, the pathfinder was better in that type of weather. gas mileage running about 19.5 so far on engine breakin.
A Great Drive
Unlike most SUV's I've driven, the Murano is fun to drive. It has much better acceleration than I anticipated and is very smooth. The exterior has turned quite a few heads in my small city and the interior, though not luxorious, more than meets my needs.
At a Glance
I was driving an ML320 and looking to trade in for better gas mileage. I looked at all the crossovers but nothing compared to my ML. Innitially didn't like the look but test drove Murano anyway. The car is fun to drive, a lot like my ML but smaller stearing wheel. Leather was ok.. but the cloth in the Murano was the best of any of the similar SUV's I'd seen. Even with no options the car had a lot in it. The CVT was a bit strange at first but the SUV moves nicely. I have had it just a week and I don't miss my ML.
THE COMPLETE URBAN SUV
THIS VEHICLE IS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. THE RIDE AND COMFORD OF A LUXURY SEDAN. THE STYLING AND POWER OF A SPORTS SEDAN,YET THE STRENGTH OF A SUV. I CAN'T BELIEVE THE GREAT GAS MILAGE, 23-25 AVERAGE, AND IT'S ALMOST 4,000LBS. SIMPLY THE BEST VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. THERE WERE TWO REVIEWS THAT COME TO MIND, ONE MENTIONED CARDBOARD THE OTHER CLUE ON PARTS. WHAT WERE THEY TALKING ABOUT? I'M CONFUSED, THEY MUST HAVE GOTTEN THERE REVIEWS MIXED UP.