2003 Nissan Murano

[Thai]

Hey all,

Nissan is coming out with a new SUV by next year. It looks like a Highlander/Pilot competitor...to replace the Pathfinder??

Check it out at:

http://www.nissandriven.com/Murano

Highlights include: 3.5 L V6 (from Maxima), 4-wheel independent suspension, CVT transmission with 7-speed manual shift mode (very cool!), AWD with stability control, memory seats and pedals, and BOSE audio system.

Thanks.

 

[Thai]

Hey all,

Here are some more pics of the Murano:

http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars.../spy/home.shtml

Thanks.

 

[Thai]

Car & Driver Preview

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Cara...view_murano.xml

 

[Thai]

Hey all,

From NISSANMURANrg website, here are the MSRPs:

SL AWD $29,799
SE AWD $30,599

SL 2WD $28,199
SL 2WD $28,999

Not too bad. I guess it competes with Highlander & Pilot...i think?!

Thanks.

 

[Thai]

From Edmunds.com:

First Drive: 2003 Nissan Murano

The "Maxima" of SUVs

Despite howling from environmentalists, car lovers and safety advocates, the American public seems to be as enamored as ever with SUVs, whose sales remain stratospheric. One can see the allure. With the vast quantity of tall vehicles on the road, it's frustrating to be stuck behind one and not be able to see your path; you might as well join the crowd. Plus the cargo space comes in ever so handy when you've overspent once again at Target; buying that six-feet-tall bookcase becomes a nonissue, whereas you'd have to give it some hard thought before threading it through the trunk and split-fold seats of a Hyundai Elantra.

However, the public has grown savvier in articulating its demands, and the carmakers have increased their savoir faire in meeting them. Give us the view of the road and the load-carrying capacity of an SUV, consumers cajole, but lose the lethargic steering, harsh ride quality, tippy center of gravity and the gas-quaffing qualities of a truck. The answer was to create an SUV-looking vehicle that's based on a car platform, and make it into what is essentially a tall station wagon, or a minivan, but without the frumpy domestic connotations. The introduction of the Subaru Forester in the late 1990s was one of the first modern manifestations of this concept, and other manufacturers quickly followed suit, from the higher-end BMW X5 to the more humble Mitsubishi Outlander.

Nissan saw the potential in this market, and green-lighted a crossover vehicle of its own, seeking to fill the gap that existed between its trucks and cars. The result is the 2003 Murano. Although it was created and built in Japan, it was exclusively designed for the North American consumer. Positioned to compete against the Honda Pilot (based on the Odyssey) and Toyota Highlander (built on the Camry platform), the Murano is based on the company's rip-roaring Altima.

Like the Altima, it features Nissan's exceptional 3.5-liter V6 engine. With minor structural modifications, it produces 245 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 246 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. As in the Altima, thrust is plentiful and smooth throughout the rev range. With a polished exhaust note and refined operation, the VQ-series engine has proven to be one of the best performers in any vehicle it's called on to motivate.

Managing the power is a five-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) which benefits the driver in fuel economy and smooth operation. Originally, Nissan made a big deal out of a possible seven-speed unit, but has decided that it would be unnecessary with an engine possessing such a broad power band; such a novelty would prove to be more advantageous with a peaky engine. In any case, no one will miss it; the CVT operates smoothly and manages ratios efficiently, especially notable when going up a hill. Upshifts and downshifts occurred with no problems, and unlike most CVTs the Murano retains the option of a low or second gear mode. We do think that an automanual function would be helpful in the event that drivers prefer to choose their own gears, however.

Buyers can choose between a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. We drove both models and found little difference, although the AWD model did have a slight advantage in surefootedness around corners. This system uses a single coupling in the rear to distribute up to 50 percent of the power when it senses that the front wheels are losing traction. We've previously found that front-wheel-drive vehicles equipped with a good set of winter tires are almost as effective as AWD models in proving to be adroit at handling slick, ice-covered roads, so it's a matter of preference and about $1,600 if you choose the latter.

Arresting the Murano are four-wheel vented disc brakes aided by ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist. Other standard safety features include front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, three-point locking retractor seatbelts for all five seating positions and LATCH anchors to help install child seats correctly. Optional if you get the Dynamic Control Package are stability and traction control systems and a tire pressure monitor system to help you avoid sticky situations in the first place.

The Murano also shares its suspension design with the Altima, as it rides on a four-wheel independent suspension with struts up front and a multilink setup in the rear. You can choose between two trim levels, a comfort-oriented SL and the sporty SE. The SL established itself as the more sensible drive, allowing for a friendly, jostle-free ride over bumps and uneven pavement. Nissan expects about 90 percent of sales to be biased toward the SL. Although it's harsh and allows a lot of vibration into the cabin, the SE rewards drivers with more responsive handling and considerably less body roll, which makes for a much more entertaining drive on twisty roads.

The whole point of a crossover vehicle is to emphasize comfort over a traditional SUV, and the interior of the Murano continues this trend. Many of the soothing features in the Murano are standard, and they helped to give us a high level of contentment in the driver seat during our brief introductory test drive. Among them is a power driver seat, a center console that slides fore and aft for resting your elbow and automatic climate control. Immediately noticeable is the "floating dash" design of the center console, in which the panel is canted outwards for a futuristic visual effect. It also allows for a large storage bin underneath it. You'll also appreciate the real aluminum trim that graces the center console, shifter area and doors and the Audi-esque "themed" interior with three color choices: Cabernet (get only if you really like red), Charcoal and Caf

 

[Thai]

From CanadianDriver:

First Drive: Nissan Murano

by Ted Laturnus

I guess the big question here is: does the world need another sport utility vehicle? They already own 27 percent of the North American vehicle market according to the latest R.L. Polk survey, with at least 50 different models out there. Not to mention consuming more than their fair share of gasoline, hogging the parking lots, and discharging more pollutants into the atmosphere than anything else.

But car manufacturers just give the people what they want, and they want sport utes. And, I suppose, on the scale of things, the new Nissan Murano is less intrusive than some other full-size utes I can think of.

The Murano, which was named after an island near Venice, Italy, famous for its glassware, has been developed specifically for the North American market and is Nissan's idea of a "crossover" vehicle....in other words, the comfort of a conventional passenger sedan combined with the functionality of a sport ute. It's based on the new Altima platform and is officially classed as a mid-size sports utility vehicle.

According to Hugh Wickham, Nissan Canada's corporate manager for marketing and planning, the Murano will appeal to those buyers who are a little too old for the no-frills Nissan Xterra and want a more upscale image than the Pathfinder. The Murano, and I quote, is aimed at "consumers who set their own standards and maximize life."

Power is delivered by Nissan's ubiquitous 3.5 litre VQ series V6 engine, which, in this configuration, develops 245 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 246 foot-pounds of torque at 4400 rpm. There is only one drivetrain choice: a constantly variable transmission (CVT), and the Murano is the first V6-powered vehicle to employ this unconventional gearbox.

Why this transmission? According to Nissan, it was a combination of reducing manufacturing costs and achieving higher fuel consumption ratings. The CVT unit is much lighter than a conventional gear-driven transmission and, on paper at least, will give better fuel consumption. The 2003 Murano delivers 11.9 L/100 km (24 mpg) in the city and 8.9 L/100 km (32 mpg) on the highway, which for a sport ute, is decent. If you want comparable gas mileage, you'll have to look to the likes of the four cylinder Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

Briefly, for those who don't know, a CVT transmission utilizes an expandable belt for motivation, rather than gears. There are no shift points, and the belt stretches or contracts, according to engine rpms and load. Bruce Crick, Nissan's manager for product information training, claims that the advantages include no transmission "hunting" as the vehicle climbs inclines, and better engine braking during descents. In this case, the belt is made out of segmented steel and is mated to an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that directs engine power to the appropriate wheels when it's needed. The Murano is not a down-and-dirty off-road rig, in other words.

On the road, the CVT does its job well. When reserve power is needed - passing an eighteen-wheeler, for example - it's delivered promptly and smoothly. Behind the wheel, most people probably couldn't tell the difference between the Murano's CVT and a well-engineered conventional gearbox, and Nissan will not be highlighting the CVT in their marketing strategy. According to Hugh Wickham, if people want more details about the CVT, they will be happy to provide them, but there are no plans to make a big deal about it. Incidentally, Nissan has been working with CVT transmissions for over 30 years, and sell about 180,000 vehicles a year with this technology.....mainly in Asia.

OK, enough about the transmission. The Murano is definitely an unusual looking vehicle. From the front, its grille treatment reminds me of the smiling Blue Meanies from the Beatles' Yellow Submarine animated movie. Unlike many SUVs, there isn't a straight line on the Murano anywhere....it's probably the most contemporary-looking model of its kind on the market right now and very easy on the eyes, with about the same exterior dimensions as the Acura MDX. In terms of cargo space, Nissan is claiming 81.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is almost exactly the same as the MDX and Toyota Highlander.

Inside, Nissan have loaded the Murano with convenience goodies like an automatic climate control system, air conditioning, six-disc CD player, heated seats, power up and down windows, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Options include leather interior, power sunroof, a GPS navigation system, and a really neat feature in the form of power adjustable pedals. There are also front and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags, and front and rear vented disc brakes with ABS.

The Murano will have competitive but not bargain basement pricing. The base SL starts at $39,500, and the top-of-the-line SE, $46,500. It should be available in dealerships by the middle of this month.

 

[Thai]

TheCarConnection.com Review

Filling the final niches in the SUV ecosystem.
by Bob Hall 11/7/2002

How

 

[Thai]

Link:

Detroit News Review

Nissan Murano is traffic stopper

2003 Nissan Murano SE
Anita’s rating: (above average)
Paul’s rating: (above average)

Likes: Stunning, leading-edge design, inside and out. A sexy alternative to the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Seems to appeal to a multitude of age groups. Powerful V-6 engine. Smooth, state-of-the-art automatic transmission. Comfortable, car-like ride. Roomy cabin. Dual-zone climate controls and optional adjustable pedals. Clever use of cargo space and interior lighting. Handsome brushed-aluminum and leather trim with optional two-tone color scheme. Good safety features, including standard side air bags and curtains and optional stability control.

Dislikes: Top versions are extremely pricey. No third-row seating. Massive “shelf” above dash imparts a minivan feel. Higher beltline will make shorter persons feel slightly claustrophobic. Extra-wide turning circle makes parking a bit difficult. Thick rear pillars create a blind spot. Navigation system and gauges are difficult to read in direct sunlight.

Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger utility vehicle.

Price: Base, $28,199; as tested, $37,885 (inc. $540 destination charge).

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6; 245-hp; 246 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 18 mpg city/22 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,728. (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Japan

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Many consumers let out a collective gasp last spring when they saw the newly unveiled 2003 Nissan Murano for the first time at the New York auto show.

Now that the Japanese automaker’s new crossover utility vehicle is just beginning to reach showrooms, the reaction on the street to this edgy design is pretty much the same: Awe, disbelief and, ultimately, delight.

In this case, we have to agree. The new Nissan Murano, priced from $28,199, is one unusual and entertaining people mover. But the price for a fully equipped model, like the $37,885 Murano SE that we tested, may take your breath away.

She: Nissan could have fallen flat on its face by naming its newest baby Murano, after the expensive and highly prized Italian art glass. Nissan executives like to say the Murano is “sculpture in motion.” In this case, it’s no public-relations cliche. The Murano is a traffic stopper. We drove a pre-production prototype in southern California in mid-November. When we pulled into our hotel, three people from Ohio immediately materialized by our side and begged for a look. The 72-year-old woman in the group told me, “I’m old, but I still want to be hip” as she sat in the driver’s seat. And the young valets were all over it. One crawled inside the cabin as we were leaving and stroked the two-tone trim. That’s amazing, considering valets in general are just about the most jaded automotive audience on the planet — even worse than us.

He: I don’t know how comfortable I feel endorsing a vehicle that’s been embraced by young California valets and septuagenarian women from Ohio. I guess that speaks not only to the Murano’s eclecticism, but to its broad appeal.

She: And when was the last time we really liked the same car? What’s wrong with THAT picture?

He: Hey, if the Murano were just a sexy-looking new vehicle without the mechanicals to back up the good looks, I wouldn’t be so impressed. But Nissan picked a strong chassis — from its mid-size Altima sedan — as the base for the Murano, which is built in Japan. The crossover also borrows the Altima’s terrific twin-cam 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which makes 245 horsepower and is matched to a high-tech gearbox — a continuously variable transmission with seven shift points that is one of the smoother units we’ve tested. You can order the Murano in either front- or all-wheel drive, but regardless of the configuration, you’ll always feel like you’re driving a tall car, rather than a truck.

She: I finally understand what a crossover is, thanks to the Murano. It’s not just a bloated station wagon. The Murano takes the best elements of SUVs and sedans. Like an SUV, it has strong exterior lines and a command seating position. Unlike an SUV, though, the Murano is graceful to enter and exit. You won’t be fighting to climb into the cabin like you will with more truck-like vehicles. Inside, there are sensible cubbyholes for things like your laptop, small purse and cellphone, plus smart lighting underneath the center console. And levers to flip the rear seats flat with ease. And cool features like an adjustable instrument cluster that moves with the steering wheel. On the downside, the gauges could be easier to read. And the navigation system tends to disappear in direct sunlight. The windows are slightly higher and narrower than you’d be used to on a traditional sedan and make the cabin feel slightly closed in.

He: When I drove the Murano, it almost felt more like a minivan than a traditional SUV, especially with that higher beltline and that big “shelf” above the dash. But, I should add, a very cool minivan. Interestingly, Nissan also will use this platform next spring on the next-generation Quest, which will be built at the new Mississippi plant. That will be aimed more at families with several children. The Murano works for families and singles, of just about any age, although be advised that it only comes with seating for five.

She: Well, Nissan said it’s really designed for two couples — not the carpool set. But if you’ve got precious cargo to haul, the Murano is a good choice. It feels firmly planted on the road, even in tight turns. And this Nissan is decked out with solid safety features, including side curtain air bags and optional adjustable pedals. Expect to pay $749 extra for dynamic control package that includes such necessities as stability and traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. Overall, the basic Murano is an excellent value in the under-$30,000 category, especially for buyers searching for the next big automotive thing. However, if you want all the bells and whistles, be prepared to spend closer to $40,000.

 

[Thai]

AWD System

Here is a link to the NissanMurano.org website thread on this topic:

http://www.nissanmurano.org/murano/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=13

Thanks.

 

[Thai]

Link:

New Car Test Drive Review

Note: 4 pages of reading!

Summary:
The Nissan Murano is a tall and roomy wagon that drives like a sport sedan. Performance is tops, returning as much fun to the driver as a BMW X5 and likely the coming non-turbo Porsche Cayenne.

Its pricing and luxurious ambience make us wonder if the Murano should have been an Infiniti model. It feels more like a second-channel luxury car, and a fully loaded Murano approaches the price of an entry level Lexus RX 300. Murano's price compares well with the Toyota Highlander's, however, especially when compared feature by feature.

The best part about the Murano is its capability on the road: It handles with precision, speed, and more grace than most other SUVs.

 

[Thai]

Link:

USA Today Review

Nissan's Murano crosses over nicely

Nissan is launching Murano to join one of the industry's biggest parties — so-called crossover sport-utility vehicles. Those are based on car chassis for comfortable ride and agile handling, but they have the jacked-up look, high seating position and generally roomy cargo areas that mark an SUV.

Murano — $33,000 to $37,000 with popular options — went on sale earlier this month. It's smaller than Acura MDX and has no third-row seat as MDX does, and it's bigger than Lexus RX 300.

Murano is built on a modified version of the car platform that Nissan introduced in the latest Altima. Named after fancy Italian glass, it's available with front-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Marquee features are oddball styling and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All Muranos come with CVT; neither conventional automatic nor manual transmission is available.

CVT is a type of heavy-duty belt drive. A reinforced steel belt runs between two pulleys. One is hooked to the engine. As the engine turns that pulley, the belt transfers power to the other pulley that powers the drive wheels.

The pulleys vary their diameters according to driver demands and other conditions. Varying the diameters is the same as changing the gear ratios, but it happens in a flow, instead of in four or five or six steps.

The obvious benefit is smoothness because there's no shifting. But CVTs are more efficient, too, and thus save a little fuel.

A typical CVT's performance is mildly marred by reluctance to get going. Step on the gas, and there's a sluggish response for a moment, then things wake up nicely. Nissan's seems to be the least sluggish.

The other quirk is that CVTs can keep the engine revved longer than usual. Nail the gas, and the engine zooms to near its red line and stays there until the vehicle picks up quite a bit of speed. Once a CVT vehicle is rolling along briskly, the CVT ratios begin to change and the engine speed eases back.

You get used to a CVT's personality quickly, but you might never come to like it.

Murano's styling is unusual because there are so many crossover SUVs and "we wanted to stand out from the get-go," says Mitch Davis, senior marketing manager for SUVs at Nissan North America. One nice touch: 18-inch-diameter wheels and tires are standard, rather than 16-inchers.

Compared with the two vehicles it most resembles in appearance and philosophy — MDX and RX 300 — Murano comes out reasonably well. Its biggest weakness is price. While the $29,000 base number sounds alluring, almost everything you want is extra. It's easy to boot the sticker price past $37,000. At that point, you could buy an MDX or RX 300. The Lexus, especially, is more nicely furnished and seems far classier than the Murano.

But the Nissan is more fun to drive than others, having a sportier-feeling suspension and agreeable chemistry with brisk driving on curvy roads. That's supposed to be the beauty of crossover SUVs — car-like handling. Murano is unusual in keeping that promise as well as it does.

Other notables from the test drive of a preproduction model in the daily grind:

Sprightliness. It's hard to dislike a machine that gets right to work when you ask it to. Murano uses Nissan's lively 3.5-liter V-6 that's rated 245 horsepower (vs. 220 hp in RX 300, 260 hp in the MDX).

It seems a good match with the CVT. The transmission is well-tuned to keep the engine zipping along. The powertrain also gets you up to safe speed on the big roads without stress.

Details. Murano uses the same unattractive, watered-down orange color for instrument panel lighting. Easy enough to read, but so are the better-looking greens and blues that rivals favor.

One of the cupholders can be modified for taller or shorter beverage containers, but can't be adjusted to hold fat ones.

Affectation. Murano has a faux feel inside. Metallic-finish plastic trim is supposed to look modern and expensive, but it just looks like silvered plastic.

The stack of stereo and climate controls are in a center pod. They seem a contrivance, done for fashion, not convenience. The controls work fine and are handy enough, but the pod is a gimmick.

Styling. Conservative colors such as silver look better than bold ones. The copper-tone test machine was jarring, like a jumble of mismatched styling details.

The styling is not just a taste issue. It actually interferes with the vehicle's usefulness. Upswept rear panels reduce outward visibility by slicing the rear-most side windows into small triangles. Those overdone pillars also creep into the driver's periphery enough to give the false impression that a big vehicle is lurking close to your blind spot. You find yourself turning your head to the side to double-check.

The hood bulges at the center, then falls forward, making it hard to know when the pointy front end is about to get bent.

Nevertheless, attributes outweigh disappointments — except for that troubling issue of price. Is Murano best? No. Is it a fresh and welcome alternative among crossover SUVs? You bet. It's a rare blend among such machines: fun, feisty and distinctive.

2003 Nissan Murano

What is it? Midsize, four-door, five-passenger sport-utility vehicle based on Nissan Altima sedan; available in front-wheel drive (fwd) or four-wheel (4x4) drive; manufactured in Japan.

How soon? On sale just now at most Nissan dealerships.

How much? SL fwd model starts at $28,739, including $540 destination charge. SE fwd is $29,539. SL 4x4 is $30,399. SE 4x4 is $31,139. Edmunds.com says typical Murano would be an SE 4x4 priced at $34,638 — and expect to pay full window-sticker price.

What's the powertrain? 3.5-liter V-6 rated 245 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, 246 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm; continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

4x4 system is front drive until front wheels slip, then sends up to 50% of power to the rears. Driver can lock the system so that, at low speed, half the power goes to each end, regardless of wheelspin.

What's the safety gear? Front-seat, side-impact air bags and side-curtain, head-protection bags; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

What's the rest? SL comes with dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ducts; power steering, brakes, driver's seats, windows, locks, mirrors; AM/FM/CD stereo; steering wheel audio controls; trip computer; cruise control; leather-covered steering wheel; tilt-adjustable steering column; rear-window defroster; auto on-off headlights; auto-dimming inside mirror; fog lights; HomeLink remote control; three 12-volt outlets; 235/65R-18 tires on five-spoke alloy wheels; mini spare tire.

SE adds or substitutes high-intensity-discharge headlights; six-spoke alloy wheels; different bumper trim and interior trim.

How big? Longer, taller, wider than Lexus RX 300; shorter, narrower and lower than Acura MDX. Murano is 187.6 inches long, 74 inches wide, 66.5 inches tall on a 111.2-inch wheelbase. Passenger compartment is listed as 109.9 cubic feet. Cargo space is listed as 32.6 cubic feet behind rear seat, 81.6 cubic feet when seat's folded. Weight ranges from 3,801 to 3,960 pounds, depending on model. Rated to carry 1,057 to 1,098 pounds of people and cargo, depending on model. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds.

How thirsty? Rated 20 miles per gallon in town, 24 (4x4) or 25 (fwd) on the highway, on premium fuel. Regular is OK but causes slight power loss. Test model's trip computer showed an average of only 13.5 mpg in vigorous, short-trip, suburban driving.

Overall: Surprisingly sporty and expensive.

 

[Thai]

Link:

Another CanadianDriver.com Review
First Drive:
2003 Nissan Murano
by Laurance Yap

Sometimes a car or truck comes along and suddenly everything else seems old. It happened to me last year when I drove a BMW 7-series, and it happened to me again recently when I got into this $39,500 (for the SL model; almost $50,000 as-tested for my SE) Nissan Murano. It was a car - or is that a truck? - that had me asking myself numerous times: "why haven't things always been done like this?"

First question: who said that an SUV had to be boxy? Nissan, purveyor of one of the boxiest in the form of the Xterra, has given us a tall wagon/crossover/thingymadoo that puts any other on the trailer in terms of style. From its cheshire-cat grin, to its signature stacked headlights, its dark silver trim, and the clamshell rear hatch, it looks more like a spaceship than an SUV. Even the detailing is futuristic: check out the little two-piece antenna, the elegantly beveled surfaces on the grille, the almost organic shapes comprising the spokes of the standard 18-inch wheels.

Yet this is not an SUV that sacrifices style for space, at least in the passenger compartment. Both front- and rear-seat riders have lots of space to stretch out, and all of the seats slide and tilt. Storage compartments are as numerous as they are voluminous: a bin in the console big enough to hold a laptop, expanding map pockets, an elastic strap for your sunglass case under the armrest, and lidded compartments for your cell phone, change, and cupholders. That's not even mentioning the huge upper surface of the instrument panel, which has been turned into a sort of tray for all your detritus, nor the way most of the controls have been consigned to a "floating" panel that simultaneously creates more knee room and moves those controls closer to hand.

The pieces inside the Murano's interior are as dramatically shaped as those on the outside, which has forced a few compromises. Though the cabin feels positively airy in front - on my tester, this was largely thanks to a unique colour scheme of "cabernet" copper and light gray - the sweeping window line means the back feels claustrophobic, though it isn't. And the short rear overhang and curving rear glass mean that though the cargo area is large, it isn't very usefully-shaped, and won't swallow boxes that look like they might fit.

The interior fit and finish, while a definite improvement over recent Nissans, still showed some rough edges on my tester: the panel the sliding armrest was fastened to was bent, and the leather-and-metal shifter came off in my hand. Some passengers likened the flat pieces of real aluminum trim inside to the finish on late-eighties scientific calculators, but I kind of liked it.

Perhaps what's most impressive, though, about the Murano, is how it drives as futuristic as it looks. Those big-bore exhaust pipes poking out the back are telling: with 245 horses from Nissan's understandably-ubiquitous 3.5-litre V6, the Murano is livelier than most midsize SUVs. The snarly engine is abetted by an "Xtronic" continuously-variable transmission, which gives acceleration a smooth, turbine-like feel that's out of this world. There are no "fake" gears programmed into the system for manual-shift capability, but "sport" and "low" modes hold the engine at higher revs if you wish.

There's an "all-wheel-drive" system, of course, but like most of this ilk, it's a reactive system that sends all the power to the front wheels unless one of them starts slipping, at which point power is shuttled (pretty seamlessly) towards the rears. It works well, for the most part, but that split-second of reaction time might be all you need to get stuck. Then again, if you're in such a situation, you'd likely have already pushed the console-mounted button to lock the torque distribution at 50/50.

Murano's handling is more secure and composed than its competitors, thanks to big 18-inch Goodyears and a multi-link suspension based on the Altima's, but there's still a fair amount of body roll. Around town, the longish front overhang and heavy steering give the Murano a slightly nose-heavy feel that makes it seem less agile than it is, but that's really my only complaint. The brakes are smooth and powerful, throttle response is sharp, and the steering's weight at least gives it an extra sense of accuracy.

Nissan's on a bit of a roll right now, and you just need to look at this Murano to see why. While other car manufacturers are busy mining their past for good ideas, Nissan is one of only a handful of companies pushing hard and fast into the future; only BMW is trying comparably hard with new styling, packaging, and technology ideas. So while there are aspects of the Murano that aren't quite perfect - the packaging sacrificed at the altar of style, the disjointed radio controls and display - I'm still smitten by it because it's like no other SUV I've ever experienced.

And hey, how could you not love a truck that comes in orange?

 

[Thai]

Link:

Cars.com Detailed Review

Good
- Fresh styling
- Excellent application of
continuously variable
transmission
- Lots of power
- Accommodating
backseat that practically
folds itself
- Modern interior

Bad
- Not cheap
- Options tied up in costly
packages
- Ride quality a bit firm
- No third seat row

Bottom Line
An SUV whose execution and individuality may justify its premium price

Test Vehicle
2003 Murano SL FWD: $35,783 MSRP as tested with destination charge and options including SL Premium Package, navigation system, Leather Package, Dynamic Control Package, moonroof and Cold Package

 

[Thai]

Pics from review above

 

[Thai]

More pics!

Adjustable pedals

 

[Thai]

Subwoofer in spare tire: (similar to Acura RSX)

 

[Thai]

Link:

MSN.com Auto Review of Murano

2003 Nissan Murano
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PROS
Rakish styling
Roomy
Solid performance
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CONS
No third-row seat
Pricey with desirable options
Rear blind spots
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Bottom Line:
Plenty of style, room, comfort and performance make this a top sport-utility.
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Nissan continues to enhance its lineup with its new midsize Murano sport-utility vehicle, which looks more rakish than rivals and has plenty of power, comfort and roominess.

With the sport-utility craze, it seems that nearly every week brings a new sport-ute. But few offer as good a blend of style, performance and innovation as the $28,199-$30,599 Murano.

The Murano's styling features rounded contours, steeply raked windshield, sloping hoodline and upswept rear roof pillars. It comes in base SL and higher-line SE versions, and both are offered with front- or all-wheel drive.

The SE has a firmer suspension, sportier looking 6-spoke alloy wheels and High Intensity Discharge headlights with manual headlight levelizer.

Vehicle Strategy
The strategy of once-faltering Nissan is to offer distinctive vehicles instead of copying ones from more conservative rivals such as Toyota and Honda. That's why Nissan has introduced a new version of its legendary "Z" sports car

 

[Thai]

Link:

TruckWorld.com Review of Murano

Torrey Pines, California: Located on a rise just outside of the hub of bustling San Diego, this upscale community is home to the world's rarest pine tree-the Torrey Pine. Taking a morning walk among the pines and looking out over the Pacific coast, I reflected that the all-new Nissan Murano is far from rare. In fact, it now joins the ever-growing list of small-sized multi-utility vehicles in a forest of many offerings. And yet, just like the highly-regarded glass it is designated for -as well as the Torrey Pine- the Murano is a rare breed.

Named for the colorful glass traditionally made in Venice, Murano is Nissan's artistic interpretation of a crossover utility vehicle, a prism-like market that reflects an entire spectrum of vehicle designs, from small wagons to boxy off-roaders. This segment includes models of all shades, from the luxurious Audi allroad to the mid-range Toyota Matrix and economy-priced Pontiac Vibe and Mazda Prot

 

[Thai]

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TheCarConnection.com Review of Murano

2003 Nissan Murano SE

Nissan repackages form and function into a people pod of the future.

I think of pollen as these little pods that hibernate for the winter only to explode into a riot of irritation on the first warm day leading to spring. I literally wept through last weekend — not from joy, not from sorrow, but from pollen. Of course, it didn’t help that I had the windows down and the sunroof open in the new Nissan Murano that I was driving.

As one of the classy new “unclassifiables” that automakers are introducing to deflect anti-SUV rants, the Murano offers much to set itself apart from the madding crowd. For all its charms, however, there were moments during my week with the Murano when I would have traded it for a bottle of eye-drying Murine and called it even. On the other hand, there is much about Nissan’s heralded new “urban SUV” that opened my eyes to the direction in which commuter transport is heading.

If you’re curious about the name, Nissan’s got a quick-draw explanation: “Murano,” says the press release, “is named after the elegantly sculpted glass art that comes from the islands near Venice.” The obligatory reference to “cutting-edge design” thereby takes on the not entirely reassuring connotations of shattered glass and sharp splinters.

Better left unsaid

It’s what’s not said about the Murano, however, that I find more titillating yet. Regular readers of this space may recall my summer 2000 review of the Euro-only Renault Megane Sc

 

[Thai]

Link:

Forbes.com Review of Murano

HIGHS:
Well-made interior; sharp exterior; sports sedan-like handling, engine and braking.

LOWS:
Somewhat pricy versus competition; no seating for seven.

Should You Buy This Car?

If you did your level best to just get the stuff you needed (and a few things you wanted, like leather seats) and a few safety items (for $749 you get stability control, traction control and an onboard tire-pressure monitor), you could probably squeak an all-wheel-drive Murano out of a Nissan showroom for under $34,000 or a front-wheel-drive model for about $33,000. Either way, that's not cheap.

The Honda Pilot is slightly more economical at $30,520 with leather, and it also gives you better cargo room. That may be why the Pilot is outselling the Murano more than two to one in first-quarter 2003, and the less expensive Honda Element (average price is a little under $20,000) also outsells the Murano by a wide margin. Or it could just be that the Pilot's offering of third-row seating is a big appeal for moms and dads who need to carry their own kids and, at times, the neighbor's as well.

However, because the Murano is more luxurious, out-handles and out-brakes the Pilot, it's somewhat smarter to compare the Murano to more upscale competition like the aforementioned BMW X5, the new Lexus RX330 and the Volvo XC90. In that arena the Murano is out of its league only in status (and in the case of the Volvo, isn't available with third-row seating), but it is more fun than both the Lexus and Volvo and as sharp in corners as the BMW.

And of course if you really do want something for crawling up fire roads or towing an 8,000-pound horse trailer, you need a real SUV with true body-on-frame construction. But since most SUVs see very little of that duty, Honda, Nissan and Toyota as well as Lexus, Volvo and BMW are all running hard toward the crossover niche.

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.