2005 Nissan Murano Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The Murano is a likable crossover SUV that blends unique styling with a spacious, comfortable interior and a fun-to-drive character. If it wasn't for the power-sapping CVT transmission, it would get our top recommendation.
Pros
Sharp handling, strong standard engine, comfortable and practical interior.
Cons
Continuously variable transmission detracts from performance, SE model rides harshly, no third-row seat.
What's New for 2005
For 2005, the Murano receives a rollover sensor for the side curtain airbags, and a new S model with fewer features and a lower price. New options packages and an Intelligent Key entry and ignition system are newly available.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love My Murano!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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!
Always buy the extended warrantee!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Nice crossover
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
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.
I LOVE MY MURANO!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
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.
The surprise cute-ute
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
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!
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Nissan Murano
- 2007 Nissan Murano
- 2006 Nissan Murano
- 2005 Nissan Murano
- 2004 Nissan Murano
- 2003 Nissan Murano
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