2003 Nissan Murano Review
Fuel Economy
20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A stylish melding of form and function. More than just a tall station wagon, the Murano has several unique features to recommend it to the pseudo-SUV buyer.
Pros
Very good use of interior space, unique styling inside and out, smooth and powerful engine.
Cons
No third-row seating, SE model rides harshly, gets pricey with options.
What's New for 2003
Not satisfied with the current crop of crossover SUVs? Nissan rolls out the newest car-based SUV, the Murano. It boasts a powerful V6 engine and distinctive styling.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
170,000 in 6 yrs & still going strong!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Murano SE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
I was really surprised to read of the problems that others have had with their 2003 Murano. With 170,000+ miles on mine, of course I've had to replace normal wear-out parts, do the brakes, etc, Also had to replace front strut sleeves, but that is the only problem that I have had in 170,000 miles. Love the transmission and I have always done as my salesman advised, "Come to a COMPLETE stop before shifting from reverse to drive - no rolling shifts!" I like mine so much that when I get another 50,000 miles on her (about 1 1/2 years for me), I'm going to get another Murano. I do wish that the back window rolled down, though.
Favorite Features
Roominess: legroom, headroom, and wide width. Xenon headlights.
Suggested Improvements
Back window that rolls down, Audio inputs for external players.
Best buy ever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Murano SL Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
I was initially lured by the Murano's design, then fell in love with how it drove. I bought it new in January 2004 and have never regretted it. 170,000 miles later I am still impressed with it's reliability and build. I have only paid for routine maintenance, and continue to enjoy consistent performance. No issues with things falling apart or breaking. Friends comment that it is still "like new". Either I got lucky with a perfect car, or the Murano is just close to perfect.
Favorite Features
Comfortable and roomy seating. Great sound system. Cavernous hauler when back seats are folded down.
Suggested Improvements
If you're thinking of buying one.. DONT!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Murano SE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
We bought a used 2003 Murano trusting there were no problems and less than a month after buying (74K miles)the accelerator would stall for 3-5 seconds and after our research we found the transmission was going out! Even under warranty Murdock Hyundai would NOT work with us in an equal trade or just fixing the transmission! I will never buy again or ever suggest to someone to buy a Murano! They look cool and sporty, but the entire car will break down on you sooner than said. Any bumps you go on etc, it feels like the steering wheel is coming off and that your tires are popping.... It is just overall a HORRIBLE make of a car!!!! DONT BUY ONE.... YOU'LL REGRET IT!!!!
Favorite Features
Im 6'5'' and it fit me just fine! I also loved the dual air conditioning... but thats about it!
Suggested Improvements
TRANSMISSION!!! When something goes wrong with it... stick to your warranty and FIX IT! Also fix the shocks and steering wheel... that is horrible! Basically.... fix the whole damn thing!!!
Loving it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
Bought it 2 months ago after our first kid, and love it. Spacious, quick, and not a minivan.Lots of good features, feels & looks like a luxury vehicle. Great value for the price I paid.
Favorite Features
Style, quick response of acceleration, seating space.
Suggested Improvements
dont like the cvt transmission slowing down the "coasting" at 20 km/h, mileage in city is low (15 mpg), truck space not great but its not a huge vehicle anyway, trunk handle sticks due to rusting of an internal mechanism (a common thing apparently). But all this is stuff I knew about.
Another bad transmission in Murano
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
I purchased my 2003 Murano AWD used with 24k miles on it. Like other reviewers, my transmission just failed at 88,319 miles, and it is costing me $6000 to have a reconditioned transmission put in. Nissan customer service said that they were not going to help me with the repair. I am very disappointed with Nissan's quality and customer service, and I will not buy another. Also, the CD player stopped functioning at around 75k, and it cost over $450 to fix. The radio shop told me that they saw many Muranos with that problem.
Favorite Features
The cab is roomy and is wonderful for tall people. The design lines are clean and stylish.
Suggested Improvements
How about a reliable transmission in such an upscale vehicle?
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