2007 Nissan Murano Review

The Murano is a near-luxury crossover SUV that debuted for 2003. It was Nissan’s first crossover, and at the time, its top-of-the-line SUV (later usurped by the Nissan Armada. The Murano was refreshed for 2006 with new exterior trim, LCD display, and improved instruments. It was nominated for “North American Truck of the Year” and was named AutoPacific’s “Best Premium Midsize SUV” in 2003.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Nissan Murano is a solid overall family vehicle. With good fuel mileage, perfect government crash test scores, and mature reliability, the Murano will get you where you need to go in style. Our only caveat is that stability control, a must have feature in our opinion, is not standard.

What’s New For 2007:

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gave the Murano 3 stars for overall mechanical quality. Problems that affected the Murano until 2005 include squealing brakes and suspension noise in cold weather. The 2003-05 Muranos were recalled three times for breaking alternator wires, possible seatbelt cuts, and loose fuel tank fittings. Expect above-average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Murano made perfect scores in government crash tests. The IIHS gave it a “Good” rating in frontal tests and “Poor” in rear tests. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and active head restraints come standard. Stability control and adjustable pedals are optional on the SL and SE. A backup camera is standard on the SE, but unavailable on other models.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Attractive styling
+ Comfortable ride
+ Good reliability

Cons
– Stability and traction control not standard
– Boring ride
– Mediocre value

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Chevrolet Trailblazer LS2 costs $600 more, but adds a larger engine, 4WD, 50 more horsepower, and more payload capacity. However, it gets around five fewer miles to the gallon and lacks side airbags. The Honda Pilot LX, also for $600 more, includes traction control, 4WD, and more payload capacity. The new Hyundai Veracruz GLS, at the same price, offers standard traction control and AWD.

What Others Are Saying:

“As for the Murano, the bottom line is if you need a family car for five but don’t have the scratch for the status model — and don’t want to buy something that, like station wagons of yore, screams ‘child seat with four wheels’ — the Murano is a big-time winner.” – Forbes

“I’ve been driving a new Murano SE for the past week, and, with the first serious rainstorm of the season, it was the perfect week to showcase the Murano’s abilities. It was as comfortable as an entry-luxury sedan, with ride and handling nearly comparable. And there was plenty of space for friends, stuff, and even a bicycle, inside. OK, not all at once. Best of all, when the rain hit, hard, the Murano was surefooted and unperturbed by several inches of standing water at up to 40 mph.” – The Auto Channel

“Once you get the Murano up to speed, Nissan’s two-ton CUV is not so light on its feet. The Murano’s front strut and multilink rear suspenders keep the machine reasonably level through corners and during emergency stops. In SE trim, the Murano gets “sport-tuned” springs, and firmer struts and shock absorbers. Even in this guise, the Murano’s narcolepsy-inducing ride and handling have been tailored for the comfort-oriented driver.” – The Truth About Cars

Read more about the 2007 Nissan Murano at the Nissan manufacturer web site.