2005 Nissan Murano
Manufacturer: Nissan USA Part number: 100494683
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The 2005 Nissan Murano SE succeeds as a compact and stylish SUV, but its many tech features are of medium quality.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com |  | | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
2005 Nissan Murano price range: $29,330.00
- Reviewed by: Brian Cooley
- Edited by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 05/26/2005
The good: Birdsview navigation screen; backup camera with distance markings; well-implemented continuously variable transmission.
The bad: No Bluetooth hands-free system; low-end LCD; main control joystick too touchy.
The bottom line: The 2005 Nissan Murano SE succeeds as a compact and stylish SUV, but its many tech features are of medium quality.
Taking center stage in the Murano's front console is a seven-inch information display. It shows you air conditioning settings, outside temperature, and audio system information, among other things, but if you've test-driven a number of LCD-equipped cars, you may think this one looks cheap. The colors and rendering of text and images seem a little crude and unsophisticated. It's a letdown, considering the rest of the vehicle displays the hip Nissan design ethic that has been a hallmark of the company's turnaround over the last five years.
The good news is that the Murano's GPS navigation system retains Nissan's Birdsview mode that we've come to adore in the company's luxury cars. As the name would imply, this perspective shows the terrain ahead as if you are flying above and slightly behind your Murano. It's not unlike the view found on many car-racing video games, and it gives you a natural sense of where you are and where you're going. As with most other vehicles' OEM navigation systems, you are unable to enter a new destination while the car is moving. Once we pulled over to enter a destination, we found its guidance works quite well.
Just below the main LCD is an array of clearly marked and functional buttons for controlling the display. That's more than we can say for other cars that have additional technology and use attendant menu levels, such as the Acura RL 3.5. You'll find smooth interaction with the Murano's information center until you come to the minijoystick control mounted high in the middle of the console. It moves left, right, up, and down just fine, but its "click to enter" function is dicey. The spring-loading is too light and requires conscious thought to make sure you don't tilt the knob in the process. As a result, we never felt confident selecting menu choices by feel alone.
For audio and visual treats, our Murano was equipped with an optional Bose seven-speaker, 225-watt stereo audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer and XM satellite radio ($400). It's nothing remarkable, but the sound quality is clean and loud, and it plays MP3 CDs. Unfortunately, there's no 5.1 surround-sound system available for the Murano.
The optional DVD entertainment system ($1,720) for rear-seat occupants is decent but could use some improvement. The system's LCD swings up from under the front console armrest to face the rear-seat passengers. It's a standard 4:3 ratio, and the 6.4-inch screen isn't very large, all of which contribute to a less-than-stellar experience when viewing a wide-screen movie. Included wireless headphones bring the audio to the rear-seat passengers. The actual DVD player is awkwardly mounted under the front console armrest, as is a set of auxiliary input jacks for connecting audio or video portables to the rear-seat entertainment system. More than that, what absolutely baffled us was the utter absence of a Bluetooth hands-free rig for the Murano, either as standard or optional equipment. We hope Nissan was just caught flat-footed on that one and will rectify this with the 2006 Murano. In the meantime, bring a headset.
Our 2005 Nissan Murano SE was powered by a 245-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unlike conventional gearboxes with four, five, or six gear ratios, a CVT has infinite ratios, thanks to a steel drive belt and variable pulleys in the transmission. The benefits of the CVT include having optimal torque on tap in most driving conditions and improved fuel economy from running the engine in its RPM sweet spot. The highest praise we can pay Nissan's Xtronic CVT is that it took us two days to even notice the Murano had one. Shifting and drivability were just like those of a excellently designed conventional automatic, and that's a major compliment. The Murano SE gets 20mpg and 24mpg, city and highway, respectively.
We were to glad to see that Nissan's solid backup camera system made its way to the Murano as part of the Technology Package ($2,350). It offers a wide view of what's behind the Murano whenever the transmission is in reverse and has color-coded marks along the image to show the distance between your vehicle and objects. Unlike the 2006 Infiniti M45, the Murano's system doesn't include predictive lines that show where you are aimed as you back up and steer.
Other technologies on our Murano included Intelligent Key technology for accessing the vehicle and starting it without physically inserting the key, as well as power-adjustable driver's pedals.
For safety, the 2006 Nissan Murano SE comes with dual-stage front air bags with seat belt sensors that determine the level of air bag inflation based on the severity of the impact. There are also curtain/side air bags. Nissan's warranty includes three-year/36,000-mile coverage and five-year/60,000-mile power train coverage.
User reviews
-
-
Comforable, fun, eye-catching ride
by rickc519 on June 23, 2005
Pros: Comfortable seats, solid construction, good gas mileage, great sound system, great navigation system
Cons: factory dvd player takes up entire console, only comes with one set of headphones
Summary: I LOVE this car, not like, LOVE.
This is an ON-road SUV. The CVT delivers great performance though it took some getting used to, not feeling any shifting is a ...Summary: I LOVE this car, not like, LOVE.
This is an ON-road SUV. The CVT delivers great performance though it took some getting used to, not feeling any shifting is a little weird at first. It has excellent pickup, braking and handling. A joy to drive.
The seating is very comfortable, I've been on two fairly long trips and didn't experience any discomfort.
The factory navigation system, while kind of pricey, is fantastic. The directions thus far have been flawless. I've been from New Jersey to Florida with many stops in between. The birdseye view really works well. The screen is crisp and clear, only the very brightest direct sunlight makes it difficult to view. It's an expensive option but I really like it.
My only real complaint is with the factory DVD player. It performs pretty well but there are issues. First, it takes up nearly the entire center console, that's a lot of valuable storage space. Second, it only comes with one set of wireless headphones. It's part of a $1700 option package, they should throw in another set. Third, the screen is a bit small and it comes out of the center console instead of the ceiling. This requires you to look down while viewing, by the end of a movie your neck can get pretty sore. Fourth, if you want to play the DVD sound out of the speakers it does a transmission to the FM radio instead of being hard wired. This makes for inferior sound.
The only other minor complaint is with the built in satellite radio tuner. It only shows the channel tuned, not the rest of the song information that comes through with a satellite broadcast.
While those are annoying little details the overall experience with this vehicle is spectacular. If you're not in the market for a true off-roader but want an SUV you must test drive a Murano.
Highly recommended.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Smooth ride, good acceleration, great braking, solid performance.
by Kleet on June 25, 2005
Pros: Plenty of shoulder and head room, comfortable ride.
Cons: Gas mileage in the 17 to 18 MPG range. Extras available through Nissan are expensive. To add sattelite radio to existing system (that has a sattelite button) is about $700 (so I use my Ipod instead).
Summary: I just spent two weeks in June driving my Murano SL AWD 3200 miles. The comfort, acceleration, braking were tremendous. With the 6 way drivers seat and the adjustable foot ...
Summary: I just spent two weeks in June driving my Murano SL AWD 3200 miles. The comfort, acceleration, braking were tremendous. With the 6 way drivers seat and the adjustable foot pedals, I never felt stuck in one position. I have driven freeways, highways and dirt roads and felt safe and in control at all times. The Murano is a dream to drive It utilizes an innovative varying speed transmission that never kicks in or out even when driving the Rockies. I am pleased. Since 1980, I have strayed from Nissan (Datsun then)twice and keep coming back. (The Jeep was my biggest mistake.)
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great car would buy it again.
by spjust on June 5, 2005
Pros: Handling, Power, Quiet, roomy, Looks good.
Cons: Ride is a little rough, Gas mileage.
Summary: We have only put about 2000 miles on the car but so far we are very happy. We had an 01' passat before this and this car is much nicer. ...
Summary: We have only put about 2000 miles on the car but so far we are very happy. We had an 01' passat before this and this car is much nicer. A couple complaints, the center armrest which houses the DVD player and screen seems very flimsy, the DVD is nice but the lids and latches feel like they will be the first thing to break. And there is a flapping sound coming from the cargo cover in the back. If you take it off which is very easy it is gone but a little more thought would have made it a nice quiet feature. The gas mileage isn't that great either about 18.0 all around driving. I will say that if you drive speed limits on the freeway that will go up to about 20 or so and at 60-65 it goes up to 22 or so.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great so Far
by ecbrugby on July 22, 2005
Pros: Very good build quality, Interior is very well designed, Navi is great, Keyless Entry,
Cons: CVT is sluggish when you first hit the gas, Climate Control To Rear is not great
Summary: I've had this car for 1 month and I am pleased with it so far. I can not attest to it's reliability, but I find the technology in ...
Summary: I've had this car for 1 month and I am pleased with it so far. I can not attest to it's reliability, but I find the technology in the car quite up to par (despite the cnet review) I was driving a 2004 Acura TL, which had may techie bells an whistles and this is comprable. I love the birdseye view of the Navi as well as the detailed info on the trip computer. The keyless entry works like a charm and is a nice feature. I am very impressed with the quality of the interior. The dash and aluminum trim are high quality, as are the leather trimmed seats. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever been in. The only negetives in the interior are that the Bose stereo is fine, but nothing special. Also, the flow of air to the rear of the car is not great; there are no rear controls to regulate it.
The cnet review makes note that there is no bluetooth, but I had that in the Acura TL and I didn't love it. It was very slick, and I loved the voice dialing and being able to see the caller id on the console, but if you have other people in the car it could be a little uncomfortable holding a conversation for everyone to hear; I actualy prefer using a bluetooth headset
The ride is very smooth over rough pavment and the brakes on the Murano are excellent. The CVT transmission provides very good gas mileage, but there is a definite lack of punch when you step on the acelerator.
I'll give more info when I have had the car longer, but I figured I'd give some feedback now.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
A great car for everyday commute
by gbona on December 6, 2005
Pros: Quiet interior, smooth acceleration, Bose sound system, powerful engine, all the creature comforts one would need
Cons: Unconventional styling of interior
Summary: I've been driving my new Murano for the past 3 months and I am extremely satisfied with it. I enjoy the CVT and the fact that I can keep ...
Summary: I've been driving my new Murano for the past 3 months and I am extremely satisfied with it. I enjoy the CVT and the fact that I can keep the revs in a low range, resulting in a very quiet operation. Acceleration is right where it should be and I have no problem keeping up with the traffic. Honestly, if the acceleration of this vehicle is not adequate for your taste, you should not buy an SUV or Cross-over in the first place, you should be looking for a sports coupe or sedan. Fuel consumption is surprisingly good so far. I average right on the advertised numbers for city and hwy driving. I must say though that I am a pretty relaxed driver, and as I said, I don't enjoy revving any engines, so my car never gets the lead-foot treatment. Doors close with that reassuring thump that you'd expect from a quality vehicle. Cargo volume is huge and I just love the back seat release levers cleverly built into the cargo side panel, so you can conveniently flip the back seat down. The hatch is made of high grade plastic, so it's lightweight and real easy to open and close. Inside all switchgear is soft and operates with precision. One thing I'd probably improve on is the quality of some of the dashboard elements: those could be soft touch higher quality pieces for a car in this price range. Overall though, it is a quality interior with all the comforts I would ever need.
3 months is not a long time of course and it's easy to become biased during the first couple of months of ownership. I'll be interested to see how this great car lives up to long-term expectations.
So far it's excellent.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Totally awesome!
by joyrider on July 3, 2005
Pros: smooth, quiet, fast, great handling, hot looks!
Cons: havent found any yet
Summary: This is a fantastic auto. The ride is
sweet, the CVT is as smooth as a kittens
belly. The sunlit copper is totally
cool. As a former large sedan (audi) ...Summary: This is a fantastic auto. The ride is
sweet, the CVT is as smooth as a kittens
belly. The sunlit copper is totally
cool. As a former large sedan (audi) owner,
this is the perfect suv for someone who is
spoiled for a classy smooth ride. I can also fit three of my dobermans in the back with
the seats down. I LOVE THIS CAR! Its also
quite a head turner!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Murano is a Winner of a SUV . This thing handles,looks great ,drives unreal and turns heads .
by dollarbill1961 on June 27, 2005
Pros: Looks,brains and rips the tanker type SUV's in drags, it feels like a sports car!!
Cons: Stiff ride,a few minor rattles on nasty roads... not too much to complain about
Summary: The Murano is a trip! It is roomy but handles like a smaller type vehicle. It is handsome and unique and fairly good on gas . To park this Murano next ...
Summary: The Murano is a trip! It is roomy but handles like a smaller type vehicle. It is handsome and unique and fairly good on gas . To park this Murano next to other SUV's it looks like a movie star . It handles great and is surprising as to its power when the 3.5 liter sings!! It feels much more spirited than the numbers will tell . I would highly reccomend it for the "on road" type of SUV shopper -it is a WINNER!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Don't buy it
by susanrobb on October 19, 2006
Pros: high clearance
Cons: paint chips, 5 manufacturer's recalls, poor gas mileage
Summary: I have owned my 2005 Murano for 1 1/2 years and wish I had not bought it. The exterior paint immediately started chipping under normal driving conditions and the ...
Summary: I have owned my 2005 Murano for 1 1/2 years and wish I had not bought it. The exterior paint immediately started chipping under normal driving conditions and the dealership said must have been caused by flying rocks. It was just a poor quality paint job... probably not enough coats. The interior painted symbols have worn off of the buttons. I have taken it in for 5 recall notices to fix engineering defects that should have been researched before building and selling it. The best gas mileage I have ever received was 17 mpg when on a long road trip. It typically averages 14 - 16 mpg. The seats are already discolored just from normal use.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Sylish, Zippy, beautiful interior. An Awesome vehicle!
by PIleen on November 17, 2009
Pros: This SUV has brakes like I have NEVER had on ANY SUV! It has saved my life at least 4 times. I had to break and swerve to miss cars and it handeled like a sports car...got out of the way !! It is fun to drive and I love the sound system.
Cons: It has had a few recalls that were very minor. they just added a 100,000 mile warranty for the CVT if it has any problems they will fix them. It does have a lot of gadgets to learn but once you learn them it was great.
Summary: This is a Wonderful SUV, I bought it to take my 90 year old in-laws to Dr appts, lunches, gambling. They loved the room in the back seat and the ...
Summary: This is a Wonderful SUV, I bought it to take my 90 year old in-laws to Dr appts, lunches, gambling. They loved the room in the back seat and the air conditioning. My Mother-in-Law used to pat the dashboard and say "I LOVE THIE CAR" They always felt safe and it was easy to get in and out for them. The back seats lay down and give you an enormous about of room in the back...I put a full dresser in there...couldn't believe it. I LOVE the STYLE and the Stereo the best. Of course I love the Interior color which is called cabernet but really looks like a dark pumpkin...it startles people when they get in and then they say..."WOW, this car is AWESOME! I just retired this year and thankfully with a beautiful SUV to drive MY Parents around now. I love the 2 settings for drivers....I am one and my husband is two...it only takes the SUV to change all the settings in the seats and mirrors to that driver...that is a great function. I just have to say that this car makes me HAPPY to drive it!! I have over 42,000 miles on it and just had it to the dealer for it;s check up. And it got an ALL Perfect...except for the oil had to be changed. I have had to get new tires and windshield wipers but that is something that needs to be kept up. THANK YOU NISSAN for all the safety features....they have kept me from being in any accidents...I just drive around them when all the other cars are sliding all over the place....You GUYS MADE A GREAT CAR!!
-
Won't disappoint
by jazminv on August 3, 2009
Pros: The Murano is stylish, powerful and very comfortable. We bought a used low mileage SL from a private seller and have had it for 2 years. It drives fast and smoooth. The backseat feels like a couch.
Cons: Our Murano was made in 2005 so it does not have some of the fancy features the newer ones have.
Summary: If you are looking for an affordable option but like a nice, comfortable drive, consider the Murano.
Summary: If you are looking for an affordable option but like a nice, comfortable drive, consider the Murano.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nissan USA
- Part number: 100494683
- Bottom Line: The 2005 Nissan Murano SE succeeds as a compact and stylish SUV, but its many tech features are of medium quality.
Basic car properties
- Body style SUV
- Trim levels S
- Available Engine Gas
Safety Features
- Smart airbags Standard
- Antilock brakes Standard
- Traction control Not available
- Stability control Not available
- Back-up cameras Not available
- Heads-up display Not available
- Collision avoidance Not available
- Steerable headlights Not available
- Roadside assistance Not available
- Adaptive cruise control Standard
- Rain-sensitive wipers Not available
- Lane departure warning Not available
Entertainment
- 5 channel audio Not available
- HD radio Not available
- Satellite radio Optional
- Satellite video Not available
- Video entertainment system Not available
- Multizone entertainment Not available
- Connection for portable MP3 sound system Not available
- MP3 CD-enabled sound system Not available
- Media hard-disk MP3 sound system Not available
- Active noise cancelling Not available
- DIN-compatible bays Not available
- Memory card slot Not available
- USB connection Not available
Climate/convenience
- Multizone climate control Standard
- Smart (set-and-forget) climate control Not available
- Heated/cooled seats Not available
- Integrated interface (iDrive, for example) Not available
- Keyless entry Standard
- Keyless start Not available
- Remote start Not available
- Two-way security system Standard
- 120V power outlet Not available
- 12V power outlet Standard
Drivetrain Technology
- Drivetrain available all-wheel drive
- All-wheel steering Optional
- Steer by wire Not available
- Brake by wire Standard
- Drive by wire Standard
- Active suspension Not available
- Electronically controlled suspension Not available
Navigation
- GPS Navigation system - DVD data Not available
- Trip computer Not available
- Live traffic data Optional
- Touchscreen navigation Not available
- Voice activated navigation Not available
- DVD navigation system (non-GPS) Not available
Communication
- Bluetooth phone interface Not available
- Wi-Fi Not available
- Internet access - cellular Not available
- Internet access - satellite Not available
- OnStar or other roadside assistance system Not available
- Vehicle Web support Not available
- Home automation integration Not available
Manufacturer info
- Nissan USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nissan USA products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.nissanusa.com
- Address:
Nissan Consumer Affairs, Gardena, CA 90248 - Phone: 1-800-647-7261
