CD Article: 2006 Nissan Murano SL AWD

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

More than three years after it was introduced, the Nissan Murano still looks like nothing else on the road, says Chris Chase.  The Murano's most interesting feature is its continuously variable transmission (CVT) which has some advantages and disadvantages over a regular automatic transmission, he reports.     More...

[Howswedeitis]

A fairly nice mid sized SUV...a friend of mine owns one.
Seems to go well save for what is a brutal ride in the
back seat...the suspension doesnt do a great job of
absorbing potholes etc.

[Shnak]

I still can't get over the exhaust pipes that stick out at least 6" under the vehicle. Terrible design, and they don't appear to be held in place very solidly either.

[wing]

What the heck is wrong with the exhaust pipes?  Do you mean the PIPES or the Tips?  The Tips are sporty looking.

[a4_tom]

Murano remains an excellent crossover with great powerplant and good handling.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

It remains probably my pick for this type of vehicle at this price range.

[stickshift]

What the heck is wrong with the exhaust pipes?  Do you mean the PIPES or the Tips?  The Tips are sporty looking.

I mentioned this in the review; the exhaust pipes hang a good 4-6" below the floorpan. Really cuts into ground clearance. Shnak's right - it does make it look like the exhaust isn't secured properly.

[ovr50]

I came VERY close to buying this vehicle in March 05 but ended up with the Highlander instead. My decision was based mostly on the bad press regarding the CVT (ie. faillures thereof) on the internet. I loved the feel and drivability of the Murano and occasionally I still wonder when I see them on the street. I do like the looks of it (having said those things - I am still extremely pleased with my HL  ). The Murano does ride more stiffly than the HL does, and possibly could be tiresome over a longer time.

In the end, for me it was the bullet-proof reliability of the HL over the slightly spottier record of the Murano that did it for me.

The Murano is a very good vehicle, IMO. 

[Giant Dwarf]

I mentioned this in the review; the exhaust pipes hang a good 4-6" below the floorpan. Really cuts into ground clearance. Shnak's right - it does make it look like the exhaust isn't secured properly.

Yeah, but they're still fairly high up.  The Murano isn't intended to be an off-roader the way an Xterra is... will the tailpipes really be limitation of this machine off-road?

[Loudpedal]

It remains probably my pick for this type of vehicle at this price range.

I agree.  Great style, good size, good performance...less of a good deal though considering the new offerings from other manufacturers. 

[Shnak]

What the heck is wrong with the exhaust pipes?  Do you mean the PIPES or the Tips?  The Tips are sporty looking.

I mean the whole pipes that are so low that they seem to be dragging down on the asphalt... that's f'ing ugly!

[wing]

Can't see it from the pics, I thought you meant the tips, that sucks then, going around the drivetrain or something?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I never notice the pipes on Muranos low, but definitely wonder what Toyota's smoking every time I see a Corolla or Camry.

[a4_tom]

Xtronic CVT actually pretty reliable last time I heard. Otherwise, Nissan won't put it into the Versa.

[BJB]

I'm very happy with my Murano SL AWD, haven't really had any problems in the 9 months that I've had...what I am unhappy about is that I brought it in for a recall last week so they could put skid plates on the gas tanks and they put these ugly plastic things on the car that hang fairly low (it's not a big deal, but still ugly)

I've never heard a complaint from anyone sitting in the backseat (but not many people have sat back there), don't know what you're talking about with the tailpipes

Overall I'm very happy with my purchase and would do it all over

[Benhaze]

I never notice the pipes on Muranos low, but definitely wonder what Toyota's smoking every time I see a Corolla or Camry.

I also agree with Shnak and Stickshift. The Murano is about just as bad as the Camry as far as the low ground clearance and vulnerability of the exhaust system. Not only esthetically speaking, it is a serious mishaps (once you notice it), and even for a soft off-roader SUV you'd expect to be able to go to your fishing spot of ski resort without fearing loosing your exhaust on the first rock/pothole/snow drift you encounter.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Murano's ride and friendly interior. There are lots of storage areas, very good cargo capacity, that makes it an interesting family hauler or home depot shopping vehicle. My concerns with the CVT trans, mainly on the performance aspect and somewhat questionable reliability, simplistic AWD system (despite the 4-wheel lock which is a nice feature) and high price of the SE model which is the only offering stability control convinced me to look somewhere else. And the low hanging exhaust system too  ...

One last note. The Murano is manufactured in Japan and the interior quality is light yeas ahead (IMO) of the vehicles made in Tennessee though the new Altima may finally fare better on this subject.