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2003 Nissan Murano Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Nissan Murano Review:
2003 Nissan Murano Review
Nissan's first "crossover" SUV is a 5-passenger V6 wagon built on its Altima sedan platform. Murano aims at the car-based likes of the Toyota Highlander, which it matches in general size except for standing as much as 4 inches lower despite standard 18-inch wheels. The only engine is a 3.5-liter V6 shared with various Nissan cars. The sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic, which, like other CVTs, provides a near-infinite range of gear ratios. Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive are offered. Leaving off-road duty to its truck-based Pathfinder SUV, Nissan does not fit Murano with low-range gearing, though a console button locks its AWD into a 50-50 power split for extra traction up to 30 mph. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are front torso side airbags and front and rear curtain side airbags.
Offered in SL and uplevel SE trim, Murano has a liftgate without separate opening glass. The SE adds a firmer suspension and 6-spoke alloy wheels vs. 5 spoke. Xenon headlamps are standard on SE and optional on SL. An antiskid/traction-control system is optional on both. A tilt steering wheel and dual-zone climate control are standard. Options include power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and rear DVD entertainment. No 3rd-row seating is offered. Nissan says AWD is ordered on 65 percent of Muranos and that SLs account for 85 percent of sales. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
Offered in SL and uplevel SE trim, Murano has a liftgate without separate opening glass. The SE adds a firmer suspension and 6-spoke alloy wheels vs. 5 spoke. Xenon headlamps are standard on SE and optional on SL. An antiskid/traction-control system is optional on both. A tilt steering wheel and dual-zone climate control are standard. Options include power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and rear DVD entertainment. No 3rd-row seating is offered. Nissan says AWD is ordered on 65 percent of Muranos and that SLs account for 85 percent of sales. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Murano's paint is barely dry, but there's already one bit of news to report. Starting with the '04 models, production shifts from Japan to Nissan's new truck factory in Canton, Mississippi. That plant will also be home to a new full-size pickup and SUV that are unrelated to Murano--and a 2004 Quest minivan that is.
Yet another spinoff on the Altima sedan platform, the new Quest is visibly larger than the old, riding a 124-inch wheelbase and claiming 197 cubic feet of interior volume. Adding size adds weight, so there's a larger engine too--predictably, Nissan's duz-all 3.5-liter V6, here tuned for some 230 hp. Transmissions are 4- or 5-speed automatic depending on whether the model is S, SL, or top-line SE. Nissan says all the '04 Quests come with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front side airbags, full-length curtain side airbags, and traction control for the front-wheel drive. An antiskid/traction system should be available except on the entry-level S. Other linewide standards include flush-fold 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, tire-pressure monitor, and a dashboard information screen that serves an optional navigation system. Among other extras are leather upholstery, power sliding doors, rear DVD entertainment, and a "Skyview" roof with four separate fixed glass panels over the two rear rows. We'll soon be getting our first drives in the new Quests, so keep checking back with us.
Yet another spinoff on the Altima sedan platform, the new Quest is visibly larger than the old, riding a 124-inch wheelbase and claiming 197 cubic feet of interior volume. Adding size adds weight, so there's a larger engine too--predictably, Nissan's duz-all 3.5-liter V6, here tuned for some 230 hp. Transmissions are 4- or 5-speed automatic depending on whether the model is S, SL, or top-line SE. Nissan says all the '04 Quests come with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, front side airbags, full-length curtain side airbags, and traction control for the front-wheel drive. An antiskid/traction system should be available except on the entry-level S. Other linewide standards include flush-fold 2nd- and 3rd-row seats, tire-pressure monitor, and a dashboard information screen that serves an optional navigation system. Among other extras are leather upholstery, power sliding doors, rear DVD entertainment, and a "Skyview" roof with four separate fixed glass panels over the two rear rows. We'll soon be getting our first drives in the new Quests, so keep checking back with us.
2003 Nissan Murano Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| CVT performance | Instruments/controls |
| Passenger and cargo room | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
At 7.5 sec 0-60 mph for AWD SL, Murano is among the quickest 6-cyl midsize SUVs we've tested. It is without peer for smooth, around-town throttle response. Credit the CVT, which seamlessly matches engine's power delivery to driver's around-town needs. No gear-selection indecision or downshift delays, as with some conventional automatic transmissions. In highway-speed passing situations, CVT allows engine to speed up quicker than vehicle is actually accelerating.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
At 7.5 sec 0-60 mph for AWD SL, Murano is among the quickest 6-cyl midsize SUVs we've tested. It is without peer for smooth, around-town throttle response. Credit the CVT, which seamlessly matches engine's power delivery to driver's around-town needs. No gear-selection indecision or downshift delays, as with some conventional automatic transmissions. In highway-speed passing situations, CVT allows engine to speed up quicker than vehicle is actually accelerating.
Fuel Economy
Test 2WD Muranos averaged 19.6-20.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving--quite good for a V6 midsize SUV. AWD SL averaged 16.4, including gas-eating performance runs. Nissan recommends 91-octane fuel.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.7 |
Test 2WD Muranos averaged 19.6-20.1 mpg in a mix of city/highway driving--quite good for a V6 midsize SUV. AWD SL averaged 16.4, including gas-eating performance runs. Nissan recommends 91-octane fuel.
Ride Quality
Abrupt only on sharp potholes and protruding tar strips. Minor shuddering on washboard surfaces. Nicely settled on larger pavement waves and at highway speed. Little discernible difference with SE sport-tuned suspension.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
Abrupt only on sharp potholes and protruding tar strips. Minor shuddering on washboard surfaces. Nicely settled on larger pavement waves and at highway speed. Little discernible difference with SE sport-tuned suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking
SE gives slightly sharper initial response in quick changes of direction, but no notable difference in overall handling. Both models have accurate, natural steering feel, though some testers found steering too heavy at low speeds. No undue lean or noseplow in turns, but slight tendency to skip sideways in corners on rough surfaces.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
SE gives slightly sharper initial response in quick changes of direction, but no notable difference in overall handling. Both models have accurate, natural steering feel, though some testers found steering too heavy at low speeds. No undue lean or noseplow in turns, but slight tendency to skip sideways in corners on rough surfaces.
Quietness
Engine subdued unless CVT has it revving ahead of acceleration in full-throttle work. Road noise unobtrusive. Models tested had uneven suppression of wind noise, and some interior squeaks and rattles. All tested suffered loud buffeting above 50 mph with sunroof open.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
Engine subdued unless CVT has it revving ahead of acceleration in full-throttle work. Road noise unobtrusive. Models tested had uneven suppression of wind noise, and some interior squeaks and rattles. All tested suffered loud buffeting above 50 mph with sunroof open.
Controls
Audio, trip-computer readouts display on dashtop screen removed by several inches from systems' actual controls. Not all testers like this layout or find the main gauges' amber background best for legibility. Trip-computer and navigation-system buttons mounted on horizontal dashboard shelf, a location not all testers like. Other controls easy to reach, use. Navigation option suffers the usual steep learning curve, though has advantage of not incorporating audio or climate functions. Grade of most interior materials feels cut-rate, despite genuine aluminum trim on console and dashboard. Doors close with hollow clang.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Audio, trip-computer readouts display on dashtop screen removed by several inches from systems' actual controls. Not all testers like this layout or find the main gauges' amber background best for legibility. Trip-computer and navigation-system buttons mounted on horizontal dashboard shelf, a location not all testers like. Other controls easy to reach, use. Navigation option suffers the usual steep learning curve, though has advantage of not incorporating audio or climate functions. Grade of most interior materials feels cut-rate, despite genuine aluminum trim on console and dashboard. Doors close with hollow clang.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Large-adult comfort, but wide seatbacks have subpar side bolstering, so grippy fabric upholstery holds better in turns than leather. Power-pedal control conveniently positioned on seat-cushion side, but power-seat controls mounted inboard at thigh level, an awkward location for some. Nicely elevated field of vision to front and sides, and large mirrors aid lane changes, but upswept rear roof pillars block view astern.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Large-adult comfort, but wide seatbacks have subpar side bolstering, so grippy fabric upholstery holds better in turns than leather. Power-pedal control conveniently positioned on seat-cushion side, but power-seat controls mounted inboard at thigh level, an awkward location for some. Nicely elevated field of vision to front and sides, and large mirrors aid lane changes, but upswept rear roof pillars block view astern.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Great leg, toe room, good head clearance. Nicely padded, chair-height seating. Seatback reclines. Nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort, though three adults across is a squeeze. Hard-to-reach floor-level cupholders slide from bottom of front console. Wallet-sized door map pockets. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle step-in through wide doors front and rear.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Great leg, toe room, good head clearance. Nicely padded, chair-height seating. Seatback reclines. Nearly flat floor helps center-position comfort, though three adults across is a squeeze. Hard-to-reach floor-level cupholders slide from bottom of front console. Wallet-sized door map pockets. Modest ground clearance means no-hassle step-in through wide doors front and rear.
Cargo Room
Tailgate easy to open and close. Flat passage from bumper into cargo bay. Fastback roof cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up. But no need to remove rear headrests to drop seatbacks, which fold in a jiff via levers at rear of cargo bay, though they can't be raised from there. Nearly flat load floor with rear seatbacks folded. Added storage under floor in shallow bin and deeper cubbies. Center console has cell-phone slot and bilevel storage. Wide front cupholders allow all but large beverages to wobble.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Tailgate easy to open and close. Flat passage from bumper into cargo bay. Fastback roof cuts into cargo volume with rear seatbacks up. But no need to remove rear headrests to drop seatbacks, which fold in a jiff via levers at rear of cargo bay, though they can't be raised from there. Nearly flat load floor with rear seatbacks folded. Added storage under floor in shallow bin and deeper cubbies. Center console has cell-phone slot and bilevel storage. Wide front cupholders allow all but large beverages to wobble.
Value within Class
The debatable quality of Murano's interior materials isn't likely to drive away as many buyers as are attracted by an exterior design that stands out in this segment. And secure handling, fine utility, and CVT advantages are tangible assets that add value beneath the skin. It's no threat to unseat Highlander or Honda's Pilot for broad appeal, but Nissan's newest SUV cuts a fine figure nonetheless.
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
The debatable quality of Murano's interior materials isn't likely to drive away as many buyers as are attracted by an exterior design that stands out in this segment. And secure handling, fine utility, and CVT advantages are tangible assets that add value beneath the skin. It's no threat to unseat Highlander or Honda's Pilot for broad appeal, but Nissan's newest SUV cuts a fine figure nonetheless.
Total Score
| AWD SL | 2WD SE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 60 | 59 | 51.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Nissan Murano Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/05/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD SL 4-door wagon | $28,199 | $25,490 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| AWD SL 4-door wagon | $29,799 | $26,936 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $28,999 | $26,213 | $540 |
|
|
|||
| AWD SE 4-door wagon | $30,599 | $27,659 | $540 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SL
Powertrain
3.5-liter dohc V6 engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, remote fuel-door/liftgate release, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
SE adds to:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
High-intensity-discharge headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
SL
|
$1,499
|
$1,300
|
|
Power-adjustable pedals, Bose sound system, cargo cover and net.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
SL
|
$1,299
|
$1,126
|
|
Leather upholstery, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-adjustable pedals, 4-way passenger seat, high-intensity-discharge headlights, unique bumpers. Requires Premium Pkg., power sunroof.
|
||
|
Popular Pkg.
|
||
|
SE
|
$3,499
|
$3,035
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus leather upholstery, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-adjustable pedals, 4-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, cargo cover and net.
|
||
|
Dynamic Control Pkg.
|
||
|
SE, SL
|
$749
|
$650
|
|
Antiskid system, traction control, tire-pressure monitor. SL requires Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., power sunroof. SE requires Popular Pkg.
|
||
|
Cold Pkg.
|
||
|
SE, SL
|
$499
|
$432
|
|
Heated front seats and mirrors. SL requires Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., power sunroof. SE requires Popular Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
SE, SL
|
$1,999
|
$1,734
|
|
SL requires Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., Dynamic Control Pkg., power sunroof.
|
||
|
Rear-seat DVD player
|
||
|
SE, SL
|
$1,549
|
$1,226
|
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
SL
|
$999
|
$866
|
|
Requires Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
Floormats
|
||
|
SE, SL
|
$79
|
$61
|
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
SL
|
$1,199
|
$877
|
|
SE
|
$1,199
|
$966
|
|
SL requires Premium Pkg., Leather Pkg., power sunroof.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Nissan Murano Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Murano 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3955 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 81.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 245 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 246 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| CVT automatic | 20/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Murano 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Nissan Murano Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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