2005 Nissan Murano Consumer Reviews

Not a long term car - too bad

Written by: KLBliss on 12/14/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Loved my Murano from day 1 but am learning the hard way it won't go long term without some heavy costs. Currently @53,000 miles. Driver's seat rail collapsed just after warranty expired. Nissan USA forced dealership to cover the repair without cost - it clearly wasn't normal wear & tear. Now electrical systems are acting up - even when not it in use the Bose 6 disc CD player shuffles discs when the ignition is turned off. Front windows roll down when the remote is used to unlock the car. Occasionally, a motor under the passenger seat triggers and whines when I turn the ignition off.

Favorite Features

The style, size and power. Mileage is okay but less than promised...even when driven optimally and well maintained. At $1.35/gal - who cares. At $4.00/gal - it makes a BIG difference!

Suggested Improvements

Plastic interiors scratch and mar easily especially the door panels.

Report inappropriate post

Poor Build Quality Means Failing Parts

Written by: Disapointed on 12/03/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Good mechanicals and style have been offset by lots of design and quality problems. Defective power passenger window, power outlet in front, broken drivers seat motor (big $1,000 problem, Nissan wants to replace full seat for plastic gear in motor, universal failure), grille chrome plating bubbling off, lots of squeaks and rattles. I'm only putting 2,800 miles a year on a $40,000+ car, and is already showing lots of problems. What will happen at 15,000 or 20,000 miles?

Favorite Features

Exterior style, handling, front visibility, interior room

Suggested Improvements

Rear visibility is awful, must have a backup camera to safely park. Poor design choices like the plastic seat gear need to be replaced

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love/Hate Relationship

Written by: Skeptical in GA on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SL Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I loved the Murano when they came out and it was a clear choice when I downsized from my Chevy Tahoe. I wanted a smaller SUV but with a lot of interior space, especially in the back seat, and I loved the sporty style. I purchased an '05 the first week they came out. It rode very smooth and was quiet, had good pickup and much better gas mileage (21 mpg avg) compared to 14mpg in my Tahoe. Everything was great until this 4th year. My power seat has broken ($900), driver door lock is broken ($600), I need to replace my tires for the second time, and now my engine is making a knocking noise. I'm told it's probably the motor mounts (another $900). This car is getting expensive!

Favorite Features

Styling, comfort, size

Suggested Improvements

I don't like the design of the console. I'm disappointed with everything "breaking" at once. The car still looks good after 4 years but it draining my bank account. I've also had a shimmy in my steering around 60-65mph that has never been able to be corrected.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love My Murano!

Written by: piper on 08/01/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I owned an XTerra previously and traded it in due to fuel mileage. I love the reliability of Nissan and still wanted AWD for Colorado winters. The Murano was a perfect fit! Should have bought one in the first place! Rides amazing (like a luxury car) and so much room in the back seat for my teenage son! It's so quiet also. Very fun to drive. Gas mileage is great for an SUV! We are getting around 26-30 on the hwy compared to 17 in my XTerra! Love it!

Favorite Features

Smooth ride, gas mileage, room, AWD, dual climate, everything!

Suggested Improvements

None!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Always buy the extended warrantee!!

Written by: m0mzilla on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SE Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I'm heartbroken at the collapse of this car after owning it for just over a year! I LOVED it, but out of the blue, with no warnings or dash lights, I'm told that my transmission has failed with only 68k miles on the car! The important info is: Nissan does not repair transmissions - they only replace them at a more than $5k cost! Also, no transmission shops can work on them so there are no options. I can't believe this car broke down so quickly and buyer beware - Nissan repairs are insanely expensive!! I wish someone had told me this. I would have bought the extended warrantee.

Favorite Features

Body style, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Don't break down so quickly. Incredibly expensive to repair. Dealership repair is only option.

14 out 16 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Nice crossover

Written by: Mr. Kevin Dude on 07/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SE AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

Smooth riding and great pick-up. Love the style and how it doesn't blend in. The standard and optional features are great. There really isn't much one could ask for that isn't already available.

Favorite Features

Navigation, Sirius radio, Intelligent Key and heated seats tops the list. CVT is awesome, not feeling the shifts and the fuel economy are great. Like the fact it runs on regular fuel.

Suggested Improvements

Would really like to have a built in port for iPods or other mp3 players. Increase in fuel economy and power would also be appreciated. Would really like a flip-up rear window.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I LOVE MY MURANO!

Written by: Joana on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano S Fwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

As a previous Chevrolet Suburban owner (for about eleven years) this Nissan took me by surprise. I can't ride in smaller vehicles without feeling carsick and unsafe. When I started to think about down-sizing, I drove all sorts of styles and models. And I came across a Murano, drove it and loved it! But I wasn't sure I could drive a smaller vehicle ALL the time. I kept my sub. for a little longer, but kept looking at other vehicle, always going back to the Murano. Then I found one that had ALL of the options of an SL, but was an S. I traded in my sub. for it, had a panic attack 9 days later, and got over that about 3 days later. I made the right choice! I absolutely LOVE MY MURANO!!!

Favorite Features

I love the way the seats feel and compare them to my suburban. It drives awesome, handles well, feels sporty, is smooth riding, looks classy, is stylish, has great sound and features. Plenty of cargo room for me (esp. after I was use to my sub.) I have had so many compliments on it. I'm sold on it!!

Suggested Improvements

It would be awesome if it would get better gas mileage, it doesn't get what sticker says. Mine gets about 15 to 18 in town. I haven't had the chance for a road trip yet, but I will soon. I will wait for the gas mileage to improve on the newer models then I'll trade up.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The surprise cute-ute

Written by: Dan on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I started searching for a small SUV to replace my wife's old 03 Outback. I had narrowed my choices down between the rav4 & crv. After finding that the rav4 equipped the way we wanted wasn't a good deal, I was sure the crv would be the car. We happened to checkout the new rogue, but we weren't impressed with it. My wife however, liked the Murano. After realizing it was MUCH bigger than it looks, we took one for a spin, and liked the overall feel. We went to look at the crv, and did not like it, so we went back and got a murano. MPG is good IMO for a V6 SUV. We've had the car for over 2 weeks now, and consistently avg about 20-21 mpg with mostly "city" (stop lights) driving. Great car!

Favorite Features

Fold flat seats from handle in rear. Comfy seats. Good but a bit dated nav/stereo system. Heated seats. reclining back seats.

Suggested Improvements

As others have mentioned, CVT really needs some adjustments. It doesn't feel natural at all. Ride could be a lot smoother, you really do feel every crack in the road. Stop making ppl pay $180/yr for nav updates!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

CVT

Written by: Amanda on 06/11/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano S AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

We bought this car brand new in 2005, I loved it. The drive was amazing and smooth, I just loved every feature of the car. We have had no issues with the car and it has been very well maintained. I took it in to have the brakes replaced, which didn't need to be done until 65,000 miles. After I picked up the car I noticed it was making this fluttering sound so I took it to the dealer and the dream car became a nightmare. They told me it had internal failure to the transmission and they recommend replacement. $4500.00!! There were metal shavings in my fluid and besides the noise I wouldn't have noticed because it still drove fine. Please be cautious with this tranny it is costly to replace!

Favorite Features

The feel of the drive, the look of the overall vehicle. I loved the room inside. Also love the storage compartments!

Suggested Improvements

Warranties that go beyond 60K especially when working with a CVT that hasn't yet broken into the market that well.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good for what it is

Written by: Nissan2 on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

Review

I own a 2002 Altima with 143000 miles. I gave it to my wife to drive. She eagerly drove the car. Found this car on the used car lot. The SUV drives like a sports car but loves premium fuel to get the best performance. This SUV is very solid and quite. The CVT is very smooth and I love the way it accelerates. If you drive this car aggressively your mileage will suffer. I consistently get 21 to 24 MPG. I knew the mileage potential before I bought it. I wasn't sure if I would like the different styling of the dash but it perfect for placing my Garmin Nuvi760 on. I used the bean bag (friction) mount.

Favorite Features

Keyless ignition is great. I do enjoy the 8-way adjustable seating and the leather interior. The short wheelbase allows you to make very tight turns. Many people have admired the SUV and commented on the quality of the ride. The black leather interior is the best color of the Murano choices.

Suggested Improvements

The gauges and the yellow monochrome display are probably the two features I am not wild about. Being a used car it is still a very good vehicle.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post