Like Mitsubishi with its crossover titled 'Outlander', Nissan is extremely late in the scene; deciding to join the world of crossover vehicles for the 2003 model year. The new Murano (if you guessed the name to be Italian, you're right; Murano is a type of sculptured glass made in Italy) has been advertised recently as if it is going out of style, from being featured in magazines to pop-up ads on the computer, the new Murano seems to be everywhere. The big question is, does the Murano really have what it takes to compete in this tough, already overpopulated market?

For the 2003 model year the Nissan Murano is available in 4 trim levels; SL 2-wheel drive, SE 2-wheel drive, SL AWD (tester), and SE AWD. One engine is available, Nissan's VQ DOHC 3.5 24 valve V6 (also found in the Nissan 350Z /G35/Altima/Maxima) boasting an impressive spec of 245 horsepower with this particular version. Two transmissions are available; a CVT automatic transmission (equipped in tester), and (according to Cars.com) a seven-speed manual offered on the SE trim levels only. One should note that I have not heard anything about this seven-speed manual from any other source, so you might want to check it out with your local Nissan dealer.

Driving Impressions:

Even though the Murano weighs in at a hefty 4,000lbs, this vehicle is quite quick, blowing much of the competition away in off-the-line acceleration ( many popular specs have the Murano SL AWD accomplishing 0-60 MPH in less than 8 seconds). The Murano exhibits an attitude like no other sport utility/crossover vehicle I have driven to date. Unlike many crossover vehicles we have come to know, i.e. the Mitsubishi Outlander/Toyota Matrix, the Murano actually feels fast from the start to finish, there is no waiting for engine RPM to skyrocket before you see some serious giddy-up. While accelerating there is that typical Nissan VQ V6 husky exhaust note, however it's kept at a perfect decibel level which should be music to most owner's ears.

In SL AWD trim the Nissan Murano, thanks to all-wheel-drive, shows no signs of torque steer or the front wheels losing traction during hard acceleration. The CVT automatic (also found in cars like the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid) transmission also compliments acceleration. Unlike your run of the mill 4 or 5-speed automatic, the CVT (continuous variable transmission) in the Murano does not have to go through the hub jub of automatically jumping from gear to gear, instead slides over a broad range of gear ratios keeping the Nissan Murano in a perfect power band when accelerating. If you are used to driving a vehicle equipped with a conventional automatic transmission, a CVT might feel a bit strange at first due to the fact that you simply can't feel the transmission shift, though this strange feeling should be short lived. A major gripe I have about many conventional automatic transmissions are the sudden jumps from 1st to second gears when accelerating under full throttle, with the Murano you don't get this dramatic gear jumping. (Nissan claims that the CVT helps fuel economy by 10%)

So the Murano is both fast and smooth, but also can claim above average handling manners for a vehicle in this class . While I wouldn't go as far as to say the Murano handles like a car, it does handle better than many crossovers I have driven in the past. Even though the Murano gives surprisingly capable handling and responsive steering, you are positioned about as high as you would be in a mid-sized SUV, so there is a definite difference than tackling the twisties in a sports sedan. Nevertheless, through the curves the 2003 Murano feels safe, secure, and body lean/roll is well controlled. P235/65R/18 tires come as standard equipment which help aid in plenty of grip.

The Murano also shows favorable attributes at high speeds. The cabin stays devoid of almost all outside noises while cruising, something rarely found in an SUV/crossover. The Murano, when cruising, actually is as smooth as a refined sedan. A major positive is the Murano's ability to absorb bumps. Thanks to the refined suspension the Murano absorbs bumps more like a Cadillac Seville than your typical SUV. The Murano, like all vehicles I have driven with this particular V6 makes very light work of passing huge semi trucks and tackles hills with no problem; the added weight of the Murano does not seem to be that big of an issue. The CVT does an excellent job keeping the engine RPM in a range where the engine has plenty of hill climbing power. When driving up 7% grades the Murano shows no signs of stress, in-fact it can accelerate up these inclines almost undaunted. One will especially appreciate the CVT when it comes to mountain climbing. Instead of that sudden jump from 4th to 3rd gear which can be startling at times, the engine RPM simply rises to accommodate throttle pressure.

Note #1: The SE trims come with a sport tuned suspension, so there will probably be a slight difference in both handling and overall ride quality.

Note #2: If you want a more sporty driving experience, you can shift the auto shifter from D over to S (sport), or if you want to keep the Murano in AWD at all times you can push the AWD lock button, otherwise AWD will automatically turn off at around 30 MPH.

Braking in the Murano is great. Many SUV's can go much better than they can stop, though this is not the case with the Murano. 4-wheel vented disc brakes coupled with 4-wheel ABS are standard on all trim levels which help this heavy weight come to a complete stop with no fuss.

Fuel Economy is a bit low, although considering we are talking about a 245 horsepower SUV/crossover, it's not so bad. The EPA rates the Murano SL AWD at 20/24, this is about what the 4-cylinder powered PT Cruiser receives. Premium unleaded fuel in required.

Interior Accommodation:

Nissan has come up with a very unique interior for the Murano. Possibly the most innovative interior offered in a Nissan product for the 2003 model year. The main instrument cluster is similar to the 350Z's, only it doesn't tilt with the leather wrapped steering wheel. Why Nissan didn't give the Murano the same tilt treatment is a mystery to me. If not ordered with the navigation system ($2,000) a very cool trip computer comes in its place as standard equipment, offering a temperature display, a compass, etc. Many might find the dash shelf to be a bit too deep, however I did not find this a problem whatsoever; not effecting outward visibility at all. Ergonomics are good, other than the heated seat buttons being a little hard to reach, all other gadgets are easily accessed. Nissan has used a tasteful amount of titanium accents around the HVAC controls, auto shifter etc. As with the 350Z, the amount of titanium accents used in the Murano looks surprisingly handsome.

Nissan did a excellent job constructing the Murano's interior, however it's far from perfect. To start, the map pockets pop out about 3" giving you more space, which is a great idea, although the plastic used for these map pockets feels extremely cheap, as does all the plastics on the doors; ala Nissan Altima. The glove box is tiny, in fact it's basically useless, perhaps good for a few cosmetics, or unpaid parking tickets. Nissan did make up for this small glove box with the large center console, though I would still like to see much more room offered in the glove compartment. A slight rant is the interior lighting. From the analog gauges to the trip computer, the lights are all bright orange. I feel a softer color would be easier on the eyes at night.

One of the Nissan Murano's strongest assets is its ability to cater to the most picky amenity fanatics. Despite not being available with goodies like telescoping steering, the Murano has just about everything else as standard or optional equipment. Some noteworthy standard amenities on my SL AWD trim level include dual zone climate controls, cup holders, power everything, audio controls on the steering wheel, 6 air bags, cruise control, a garage door transmitter, and 3 12V power outlets. Optional on my tester came the SL premium package ($1,500), and the SL leather package ($1,300). These packages add a decent sounding, 6-disc in dash, 225 watt Bose sound system with 7 speakers, power adjustable pedals, roof rails, and power leather seats with driver seat memory. A power sunroof also came as optional equipment ($1,000). For more info on standard and optional amenities I highly suggest visiting NissanMotors.com.

Seating in the Murano is both comfortable and adequately supportive. The leather buckets seats could benefit from a bit more bolstering in both the upper and lower portions of the seats, though this is not a major gripe. Head, leg, and shoulder room are more than adequate in both the front and rear of the Murano (seating a total of 5 adults). The rear seat is 60/40 split, which helps further stowage. One should note that 3rd row seating is not offered, and interior color schemes include black, an orangish color (best avoided), and tan. Stowage is also a huge asset, and will undoubtedly be the reason why many will purchase this vehicle. Not only do the rear sets fold flat, but there is also under the floor storage.

Exterior Innovation:

Compared to the majority of crossovers on the market, the Nissan Murano actually looks like a futuristic SUV. The Murano's wide stance, and rugged, yet sleek appearance helps steer this vehicle from looking like every other crossover on the market. One thing is definite, the Murano will not get lost in traffic. Dressed up in sunlit copper metallic paint, I had not received as much attention while driving the Nissan Murano since my test drive with the Subaru Baja. Unlike many negative reactions/comments I got with the Baja, people seemed to really like the way the Murano looked. Many people gave me an approving thumbs up, while others were interested in how much it cost, and the occasional "nice car" was said from admiring car passengers. It's amazing how much conversation can be created by just having a cool/interesting vehicle.

Surprisingly the plastics/body treatment Nissan uses on the outside of this vehicle feels solid, i.e. the simulated chrome grille. Unlike many more expensive vehicles such as the Cadillac Escalade, the plastic grille on the Murano feels like it could actually withstand a slight impact. The Murano SL AWD comes standard with fog lights, chrome door handles, dual exhaust with chrome exhaust tips, a small rear spoiler, roof rails, dark tinted windows, and HID headlamps. The only major complaint I have with the Murano's exterior is the cheap looking 5-spoke alloy rims, the SE gets an attractive 6-spoke set-up, however the SL AWD is left with wheels that should have been left at the factory.

Price/Warranty:

The Nissan Murano starts out in non AWD SL trim at about $27,000, while the top of the line SE AWD starts at about $31,000. These prices may sound a bit high, but you are paying for a well equipped, high quality product. With all options on my Murano SL AWD, the price came to a whopping $34,000. Nissan offers an average 3 year, 60,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty, and a 5 year 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Final Verdict:

Even though the price is a little steep, the Murano definitely gets my approval, and is recommended to anyone who wants an SUV/crossover, but doesn't want the rough ride, or the blase looks of your typical sport UTE. The Murano SL AWD not only is an excellent performer, it is loaded with embellishments, and has looks to die for. How often do we see those big 3 factors from an SUV/crossover? If I was going to rate by performance alone, the Murano would definitely receive 5 stars, however the relatively high price, and some slight quality control issues have me giving the 2003 Nissan Murano 4 well deserved stars.

Did you find this review to be helpful? If so, you also might like to read my review on the cheaper 2003 Honda Pilot


-Happy Car shopping!



Amount Paid (US$): 34,000
Condition: New
Model and Options: SL, AWD, CVT automatic