The Consumer Reports website has an updated report on the 2004 Murano. CR calls the Murano "one of the better SUVs we've tested" and predicts above average reliability. Individual ratings are excellent, except for Body Integrity and Body Hardware, which are rated above average.
CR ranks mid-sized and large SUVs as follows:
(Audi Allroad)
(BMW XV 4.4i)
Lexus RX330
Honda Pilot EX
(Nissan Murano)
Toyota Highlander
Subarau Outback
Volvo XC70
Acura MDX
I've used parentheses to indicate models that CR does _not_ recommend. The Murano is not recommended because of the low-speed steering problem ("defect" in CR's parlance). If I recall correctly, the Audi is not recommended because of reliability issues, the BMW because of safety/stability concerns.
Here's the CR summary:
The new-for-2003 Murano is one of the better SUVs we've tested. Its refined and powerful 3.5 liter V6 is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering strong performance and respectable fuel economy. Handling is responsive, secure, and forgiving with optional stability control. A stiff and noisy ride is a significant drawback. The front seats are fairly comfortable and the interior is stylishly dressed, but the trim doesn't provide the rich feel one expects in this price class. Although access is easy and the seating is roomy, cargo space is limited. First-year reliability has been above average. Due to a steering defect we don't recommend the Murano.
For reliability, CR rates the following as excellent:
Engine, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Transmission, Electrical, A/C, Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust, Power Equipment, and Paint/Trim/Rust.
CR rates the following as above average: Body integrity, Body hardware.
Regarding safety, CR indicates above average crash results on the government tests for:
front-crash, driver; front-crash, front passenger; and side-crash, rear passenger.
CR indicates an excellent result for side-crash test, driver.
In "other findings," CR rates the Transmission as excellent, Routine Handling as above average, and Emergency Handling as average.
Fuel economy is rated below average: CU's overall mileage, mpg: 19; CU's city/highway, mpg: 14/26; CU's 150-mile trip, mpg: 22.
Ride, noise, and cargo area are rated average.
Driving position, fit and finish, and front-seat comfort are rated above average.
Access, controls and displays, and rear-seat comfort are rated excellent.
David G.
CR ranks mid-sized and large SUVs as follows:
(Audi Allroad)
(BMW XV 4.4i)
Lexus RX330
Honda Pilot EX
(Nissan Murano)
Toyota Highlander
Subarau Outback
Volvo XC70
Acura MDX
I've used parentheses to indicate models that CR does _not_ recommend. The Murano is not recommended because of the low-speed steering problem ("defect" in CR's parlance). If I recall correctly, the Audi is not recommended because of reliability issues, the BMW because of safety/stability concerns.
Here's the CR summary:
The new-for-2003 Murano is one of the better SUVs we've tested. Its refined and powerful 3.5 liter V6 is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering strong performance and respectable fuel economy. Handling is responsive, secure, and forgiving with optional stability control. A stiff and noisy ride is a significant drawback. The front seats are fairly comfortable and the interior is stylishly dressed, but the trim doesn't provide the rich feel one expects in this price class. Although access is easy and the seating is roomy, cargo space is limited. First-year reliability has been above average. Due to a steering defect we don't recommend the Murano.
For reliability, CR rates the following as excellent:
Engine, Cooling, Fuel, Ignition, Transmission, Electrical, A/C, Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust, Power Equipment, and Paint/Trim/Rust.
CR rates the following as above average: Body integrity, Body hardware.
Regarding safety, CR indicates above average crash results on the government tests for:
front-crash, driver; front-crash, front passenger; and side-crash, rear passenger.
CR indicates an excellent result for side-crash test, driver.
In "other findings," CR rates the Transmission as excellent, Routine Handling as above average, and Emergency Handling as average.
Fuel economy is rated below average: CU's overall mileage, mpg: 19; CU's city/highway, mpg: 14/26; CU's 150-mile trip, mpg: 22.
Ride, noise, and cargo area are rated average.
Driving position, fit and finish, and front-seat comfort are rated above average.
Access, controls and displays, and rear-seat comfort are rated excellent.
David G.