Nissan Murano 2005 and earlier

rlmingo

Has anyone gotten close enough to notice if steering wheel controls include buttons for stereo?

It looks like there are 6 buttons on wheel. 3, I assume, are for cruise control. Maybe the other 3 are for the stereo (like in Pathfinder)?

bpraxis

Nissan will now be using the Z headlights on three vehicles starting with the Murano and then the new Quest minivan to follow.

It would have been nicer to have each vehicle to have their own distinctive headlight configurations.

Would the overuse of the same design cause us to tire of the design faster somewhat like Mercedes front headlights?

Let me say how grateful I am that Nissan took some styling risk with the Murano which looks great to my eye. It makes other sport utilities look very dated IMO.

cookie01

Internet "color" so often depends on your computer. The computer only reads a certain number of colors... The cabernet may very well look burnt orange on some systems. The brochure I got at the dealer makes the cabernet color look very brown. I'm very interested to see what that interior really looks like. My current car has a blue interior that I've really liked, and I've also enjoyed that it's "different" and not everyone has it. It's stayed very clean... but part of that is my nit picking.

edev31

There are stereo controls on the steering wheel, according to the info on Nissannews.com about the Murano.

About the cabernet interior, I definitely agree that it looks brown in the mini brochure. I guess we'll have to wait and see! I think it will be something really different (for a change!)

crashslammer

on nissanmurano.org forums.

"The interior colors are Cafe Latte (beige), Charcoal (black), and Cabernet (reddish-brown).

"Here are the available exterior/interior color combinations:

"Luminous Gold - Cafe Latte interior only
Glacier Pearl - Cafe Latte interior only
Deep Bordeaux - Cabernet interior only
Sunlit Copper - Charcoal or Cabernet
Sheer Silver - Charcoal or Cafe Latte
Midnight Blue - Charcoal or Cafe Latte
Super Black - All 3 interiors available
Polished Pewter - All 3 interiors available."

chadr_11

I live and work in Chandler, AZ. On my way to work at 7:00 a.m. this last Fri. I stopped by Circle K near work to p/u a coffee and four Murano's pulled in ahead of me. One was the copper color like on the website. Each was a different color. The drivers were getting out of the vehicles and talking amongst themselves. I went in and when I came out there was a white one with black tape all over it that had just pulled in. Trying to disguise that one. The rear drivers side of that one looked like it might have had a sliding door. But I couldn't tell because it was covered up so much. They looked pretty sweet, but smaller than I expected. About the size of the small Lexus SUV.

cookie01

Chadr:

Did they seem to more resemble a wagon, or PT cruiser sort of vehicle than an SUV?
Or more like a Forester?

The photos I've seen on the nissanmurano.org site suggests a shorter than normal SUV style.

Very cool to run into an entire "herd" of those cars on your way to work. Very lucky.

Cookie.

hairong

Cookie, Murano is about the same size as Lexus RX300/Toyota Highlander, much taller, longer and wider than PT Cruiser. Proportionally, it does look like a sport wagon, just bigger.

cookie01

I know that the dimensions tend toward the Highlander and the Escape (Really very close in all areas) but from the Chadr post and from photos I've seen on other boards it seems it looks very little like a traditional SUV, which the Highlander and Escape are.
A "sports wagon" ... interesting. I guess I'll just have to wait.
I'm glad it won't look like a PT. The shape of those things just yells "pretendo, retro"

xterra48

chadr:
Did the disguised murano have any mismatched wheels or exhaust pipes. If so it might be a test mule for the next-gen Quest, there is no reason for a Murano to be in disguise now.

dklanecky

I thought I had read that Nissan was getting out of the mini-van business completely when they discontinued the Quest.

I recall reading a story from another source that said something to the effect that anyone who wanted a mini-van already had one and that no new market share would be gained, only eventually lost to "crossover" SUV's like the Murano, etc?

I just assumed that the Murano was designed to fill the mini-van void in Nissan's product line?

(Sorry I can't quote the source(s) but it was something I read quite a while ago.)

stever

Sounds like the new Canton MS plant will be building 04 Quests (and other stuff). Conversation here:

"Nissan Quest 2004"

Steve, Host

miamicrv1

Our local Nissan dealer here in little old Victoria BC has a new AWD, SE Murano with black leather, Nav system and sunroof already for my test ride tomorrow. I stopped by to see it today. It looks great, the interior is even richer looking then the pictures, the rear even cooler and perhaps the only suprise was the grill which is a bit more pronounced then I expected.

The cooler is that deep copper color we've seen. It's definately not burnt orange.

I think once you see it, they'll be nothing else plus or minus $10K that you'll consider

sean48

Wow! Please post your reaction and details, details, details after you have driven the Murano. I'm jealous.

I'd be particularly interested in the passenger room...and how much cargo room there really is behind the rear seat (with seat in "up" position). Your first reaction to the interior is a really good sign. It looks great in the photographs, and if it's better in person, that's a real bonus.

Looking forward to your feedback...

vmaturo

The Murano was getting lots of attention. People seemed to be impressed. It was much nicer than I expected. Lot's of nice features. Especially the release for the rear seats. WOW, never seen anything like that.

And speaking of the back seat....truely the best second row seat in any SUV. It was incredibly comfortable. Not designed like any other. More like a seats in luxury sedan. Big,wonderful contour and when you recline the back....the bottom moves foward. So nice.

I bet it's going to be one of the best driving SUVs out there.

cookie01

Yes PLEASE let us know how it went. I'll be checking back all day.

jr26

I agree with miamicrv1. I saw the same copper/charcoal leather Murano SE last night (Thursday) in the showroom as well as another pewter/cabernet cloth SL out on the lot. Victoria Nissan mailed an invitation to its customers to see the Murano because the Murano product launch in Canada is this Sunday, November 17 so I started watching their lot. I drive by Victoria Nissan on my way to work, and yesterday morning they were prepping one in their back lot, so I knew they had arrived.

My impressions:

As others have said, it looks completely different on the ground compared to all the posted pictures. The pictures make it look like a stubby PT Cruiser. It is actually very sleek. The only part I would have to get used to is the bulging round rear liftgate, but whoever is following me can deal with that. It is also bigger than the photographs would make you believe.

The interior seems to be amazingly wide, both in the cargo area and the seating. My '90 Pathfinder which I sold and am looking to replace, and the new model Pathfinders all feel tall and narrow as if you would be constantly bumping elbows with your passenger. Murano's interior gives a real feeling of space. The front seats are also wide and very comfortable.

The interior is really well designed and very high quality, with a kind of art deco feel.

I was concerned that the D pillar would restrict right rear vision, but the view back is better than Pathfinder.

A 2003 Pathfinder was about 15 feet away in the showroom. It looked pretty dated compared to the Murano.

Neat stuff:

The fold down rear seat release is great, although if the seat belts are slung over the seatbacks the seats don't drop down. Putting the seats down was always a chore in my PF.

Full size spare in the floor of the cargo area, with a stereo speaker in the well.

Daytime running lights are also fog lights.

The showroom was pretty busy with people wanting to see the Murano.

I almost bought a Highlander last June because Nissan couldn't tell me if the '03 Pathfinder would have VSC/Traction control. Luckily I heard about the Murano. I've been watching this board since post #6. It was worth waiting for and I'll be interested to hear test drive opinions.

chadr_11

Cookie:

Definitely similar to the Lexus RX300 as far as size goes. I didn't get a chance to look inside the vehicle, just a quick glimpse, cause I was late getting to work. I really wanted to talk with the drivers, but just didn't have the time. I was lucky to run into them. There's a racetrack nearby called Firebird, and I think they may have been testing them there. Alot of the manufacturers, and pros take vehicles over there due to the good weather we have here in the winter.

chadr_11

The vehicle in disguise was def. a Murano. Same front and rear ends, just with the cloak and dagger stuff on.

stever

Now you have me curious - there's a Firebird racetrack near me and we have lots of sunny winter days. I'm going to start watching out for funny looking conveys. Maybe I'll spot a new Quest.

Steve, Host

miamicrv1

We took out a Pewter SL with cabernet interior. Everything inside is very tactile more like an Infiniti than a Nissan. The SL doesn't come with the navigation system but the screen is used for time, radio display,temperature inside (dual zones) and out and a host of mileage and fuel economy readings. The mirror has a built in compass display. The seats are great. The back seats are perhaps the most comfortable I've sat in. The pedals are adjustable with a flick of a switch next to the seat controls. With the rear seats down (with a pull of a lever) you almost have enough room to lay down and take a nap. The alternative to the leather interior is a once again very tactile suede/leather like material I liked alot. Warranty...if I got this right is 5 years!
The SUV starts with a marvelous subdued growl and no matter what speed you're going you have the sense it just wants to go faster. It's a high performance SUV! No wind noise and extremely quiet at least compared to our Honda. The transmission allows you to shift from from the normal drive setting to "Sport" which bumps the RPMs by about 1500. The brakes are firm and well modulated, feels like a BMW. The steering is responsive with plenty of road feel. The AWD is completely under your control by locking it in with a switch.
The SL here in Canada costs $CND39500, add $1000 and for $CND40500 you have a fully loaded SL with Sunroof. Of course we have a 15% combined tax up here....but for in essense $30,000 US...you got what feels like a vehicle that costs $10 or 15K more.It's alot of car for the money.

jess1983

How did you like the cabernet interior? It is on the only sl I can get. I saw one picture and boy was it a lotof red. Is a deep rich cabernet wine colour or is it more red? Thanks

miamicrv1

Actually... I liked the cabernet with the Pewter exterior. It wasn't overwhelming in any way. Frankly if I had glass of cabernet that color I'd probably not drink it. It was more of a copper color then a red. There is also a Latte and charcoal interior available pretty much across the exterior color spectrum.

As to interior space. Because the overall shape is roundish as opposed to squared of like most SUVs I'd characterize the interior as comfortable but not very roomy. Clearly comfortable for 4 or 5 adults. With the rear seats down there is at least as much room as in our CRV ...but cubic foot to cubic I'm not sure if I'm completely accurate.

edev31

miamicrv1,
Thanks for all of the info on the Murano! I can't wait until it arrives near me (not until end of Dec. according to my salesman)
Would you say the Sunlit Copper exterior is a bright color? I keep picturing it as the orange color that I've seen on the Cadillac CTS, which is a little too bright for me. Does the Cabernet interior look like it would go with the Sunlit Copper? That would be my first choice for color combos if the Sunlit Copper is nice and deep. Thanks! I appreciate it!

miamicrv1

I would call the sunlit copper rich rather than bright. I don't think it will strike you as orange, it's more a bronze tone.... however I think the cabernet which is also a copper tone but with a bit more orange in it might be to much. I think the latte or charcoal might work better. The interior color, which ever you choose is smartly accented by the aluminum trim and and the three pod dash itself which has a nicer look than the electro-luminescence you see everywhere now.

93fsu1

It looks much better than in the pictures. That bronze color is not bad at all. It is really a cool looking car. Nissan and Infinity have some great designs. I found that I like the G35 coupe better than the Z. And its a tossup between that and a Murano.

fsmmcsi

Nissan has another hit, perhaps their best yet, in the Murano. The 350Z, the Infiniti cars, the Murano, and the upcoming Maxima, all carry through on a modern styling theme different than what others are doing. It contrasts sharply with the highly angled, and I think much less attractive, designs from Cadillac.

miamicrv1

I agree with you about the Cadillacs though there are some some suprising similarities between the the G35 and the CTS at least to my eye. I've always thought GM designers had been locked in a closet sometime around 1955 and only allowed to watch reruns of pre-1960 SciFi movies for inspiration. I think with Lutz on board you can already see the change.

edev31

That's great news! I'm psyched about a color that's unique without going overboard! From all that I've read, I think the Murano is for me...except for maybe the 2004 Lexus RX330, but I really don't want to wait until April! Plus the Murano seems like a lot of car for the money. Thanks again for all of your helpful information!

feliz

Went to the dealer yesterday to take a look and they had three Muranos in. I liked the copper color best, they also had pewter and a dark brown color.

Our local paper ran a very favorable article on the Murano Friday so a lot of people were looking and from the comments I heard most folks liked it. I'm going for a test drive on Tuesday. The price seems right and I like the design, it's the reliability of the CVT I'm thinking about. With so many great SUVs out and more coming it's a fun time for shopping.

gooroo

Does anyone know what the differences are between the option packages between the Canadian and US versions of the Murano?

The following pricing information from Nissan spells out the prices of the different models and options for the US market pretty clearly.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021101/laf082_1.html

The following is the only article I've seen for prices in the Canadian market.

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/021106/11/q2pe.html

From the above link, it looks like you can get a fully loaded SE (Minus the GPS Nav System) for $46,500 Canadian.

Is that correct? If so, the price difference between the US and Canadian versions of a fully loaded Murano is close to $7000 US dollars! If that isn't correct, does anyone have detailed option pricing for the Canadian models?

feliz

I looked at a SE with NAV, inluding freight it was $50,450 CAD. The SE without NAV is $46,500 not including freight. My dealer gave me a price list.

cookie01

How long should it take for Nissan to update their web site with option packages, colors, interiors and a "build-your-own" function for the Murano?
Seems that in Vancouver, BC you can buy a Murano off the lot today. And most of the Nissan dealers in the Northwestern US will be getting the vehicles in by Dec. 5-15...
It just seems very odd to me that the company would hold back information on a model you can purchase within a month! Yesterday I received a "preview" brochure from Nissan (one I'd already picked up at the dealer) but nothing else.

Very odd...

hairong

Here's the link for Murano info. Product Guide, 2003 Murano

Here's a direct link to the Murano Price Sheet

cookie01

Thanks Hairong.

I don't know why I couldn't find it. Probably because if you click on Murano basically what you get is the movie, music and slide show. Very nice... but not very helpful.

Thank you.!

andrews928

Back in July I put a deposit on a Murano. At that point in time I was 99% certain that would be my next vehicle. Delivery was September, than October,November, first week of December and now the last week of December. Besides the delivery problem Nissan comes up with their option package which basically dictates if you want one option you have to purchase three, cost approx $ 3,500 and you know its unlikely any "base" models will be available in the next few months. And now they think they are doing me a favor by only charging MSRP. Why would anyone pay MSRP for the Murano when Nissan only has an average quality rating, its not Lexus or Toyota. Its not that hot of a vehicle(at least from the message boards I've been on) and there are some obvious problems with the vehicle because of the numerous delays. Bottom line, I'm down from 99% to 20% that I'll pickup my Murano in December. I'm starting to believe some other posters to wait a year and have someone else "work the bugs out".

bpraxis

With the 350Z headlights and similar dramatic curves the Murano captures the styling essence of the Z.

Albeit with a much nicer interior and functionality. I only hope that Nissan decides to upgrade the Z and Infiniti G35 with the same quality interior.

The new Quest minivan will also use the headlight configuration of the Z and will be the most stylish minivan. Yes I guess we can now call a minivan stylish with the Quest.

My concern is overuse of similar styling ques leading to boredom on these vehicles. Lexus is doing the same thing with the Celica headlights now on the Lexus ES300 and the RAV4, etc. Mercedes does it with many of its Models.

Refering to previous posts the Murano is approximately 187 inches long, 7 inches longer than the Lexus RX300. Although the new Lexus will be increasing in size. The standard 18 inch wheels on the Murano is impressive.

I am seriously considering the purchase of the new Z or Murano and appreciate all of your great insightful posts.

sbbinau

I hear ya...I am a *long* time and dedicated Nissan buyer. A Maxima, an Altima, a Pathfinder...and I am only 28 years old! My 1990 Pathfinder (tough as nails) needs to be replaced next spring and I really want to look at the Murano. I visit Nissan.com every day...send for the brochures...etc., but cannot seem to get any solid info on it. Dealers seem as lost as we are. Same vague brochures...same pictures. I visit the links posted on here...but I want something more than the standard burnt copper pics and MSRP pricing!

And then to hear that we will be "privileged" to buy at MSRP. BUNK!! The economy stinks...NOBODY should be buying ANYTHING at MSRP! If these hit the lot LATE and they are unwilling to budge off MSRP...I will bid adieu to Nissan. Which shakes my inner being cuz I love Nissan and their product line. This whole Murano thing has kinda peeved me.

Nissan _really_ needs to address the way they offer option packages. Here in MN...the heated seats and mirrors are essential...but to get them...you have to order EVERY stinkin' option. Adds 4-5K for most Nissan proucts. I'm getting disgruntled.

aleksd1

Went to my local Nissan dealer to have my J30 checked and they had a new copper Murano SL 2wd with no option. They got it yesterday and I guess I was the first on here in Santa Barbara to test drive it. It drives nicely, very smooth. I really wanted to like it, but a couple of things were a bit dissapointing. First, the front grill looks really unattractive, too much chrome and ruins the look of the car. Second, when inside, I've noticed that the aread between the instrument panel and windshield is just huge. It made me feel like I'm driving a minivan, rather then SUV.
The car sits higher then my Infiniti,but maybe because of that space between the steering wheel and windshield and short hood, it feels like a minivan. I would like to hear from others that drove the car if you got similar feeling. Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.
BTW, the sticker on this one was about 29500 or so. It had literally no options. No leather, no sunroof.

cookie01

As folks who have driven this vehicle trickle in.. I have a question. Anyone tall? How was the headroom in the vehicle? I need a 6 ft. 4 inch guy to fit in this thing (he tall from the waist, only a 31 inch inseam!) Did it feel like there was plenty of headroom??

Also, alesk1, how was the handling on a stripped version? (no AWD, no traction control)

andrews928

Good to see someone is just as pissed off on this Murano pricing as I am. To make the situation even worse, I received my lease numbers today. 3 year lease over $ 600/month. One reason for the high number is the residual rate stinks. Somewhere around 55% in 3 years. My Lexus RX300 and SC430 are somewhere between 65-67%. It looks like I'll wait for the new Lexus RX330 which will be more vehicle with a smaller lease payment.

aleksd1

Handling was pretty good. I only had about 10 min to test drive it though. It felt very stable on sharp turns, braking was superb too. I drove 2003 4 runner yesterday and it was much worse then Murano. I'm 5'11 and it felt like there was enought space. But as interior goes, it was very plain. I did not feel like it was a luxury vehicle(which I guess it is not) Maybe the one with more options will feel better.

onboost91

I can understand the aggravation some of you have had over the late delivery and now the pricing of the Murano. I was in the market for a new SUV and really wanted one but when they kept pushing the release date back (and were keeping everything else secret about it) I finally gave up and bought a loaded Pathfinder (with a deep discount). It may be more trucky and "old-school" but I really like it. Anyhow my point is that I'm really not happy with Nissan and Infiniti's new secrecy policies.

andy1961

Since the Murano is brand new, with limited initial availability, I'm not surprised with the tight pricing as Nissan and their dealers are "cream skimming" buyers willing to pay top dollar to have the first one on the block.

I expect retail pricing to much more competitive as more vehicles start to accumulate at dealer lots.

AW

crikey

Somewhere around 55% in 3 years

This does not sound very good...it would indicate that resale for this vehicle would be very low. 45% drop in 3 years, Wow! If it were for 4 years, it's OK.

sean48

Can you tell us what the cargo room behind the rear seat was like? Large, medium, small? Any other impressions regarding the quality of the interior design/materials?

Also, do you know why your dealer happened to have a Murano so "early"? The dealer I am talking to (Rochester, NY area) is estimating the first arrivals at the end of December.

Any other comments or impressions are greatly appreciated as info on the Murano is really hard to come by.

Thanks!

carquest2002

I just got went to a dealership in Toronto, Canada area and they just received three Muranos. They will be available tomorrow for test drives and more are available for delivery by the end of next week.

I am 6'2 with long legs and was able to sit very comfortably in the front on both the SE and SL models. The seats had 8 way adjustments and the pedals could be moved back and forth as well. With the seat all the way back it was harder to sit behind me although I could get in. The rear trunk seemed adequate but not overly large.

There was lots of room for storage. The trunk held a full size spare and I did not see the storage compartments that they advertise on the website.

I hope to take a ride over the next couple of days.

clpurnell

I got a call from a dealer today that they had one but it was at there other store. Fully loaded maroon SE MSRP he said was 37+ at that price it is a very bad deal as the MDX, XC90, RX330 and more should come in cheaper. I would not be an early adopter wait a few months when the volvo and new lexus are readily available and these things will be at 500 over invoice.

sbbinau

Yeah...that is what I feel like doing when I replace my Pathfinder. I will probably just go get a new PF. Deep discounts on the PF's don't surprise me. You guys see the sales numbers on PF? Way down. BIG! Will hope the "mania" on Murano calms...but they won't sucker me into MSRP pricing. I hope I am wrong...

onboost91

Agreed. When I got my Pathfinder LE I got it for just shy of a full $5k under MSRP. With the release of the Murano, the prices may go even lower.