2007 Nissan Murano [ 2009 ]
Nissan Murano
Overall Score - 9.0 (Excellent)
The Murano delivers one of the best combinations of impressive handling, interior comfort and engine performance in its class.
Reviewers generally see the 2007 Nissan Murano as just the right blend of comfort, spaciousness, bold styling and sporty performance -- all for a reasonable cost. "The bottom line is if you need a family car for five but don't have the scratch for the status model -- and don't want to buy something that, like station wagons of yore, screams 'child seat with four wheels' -- the Murano is a big-time winner," says Forbes. Nissan introduced the Murano in 2003 and redesigned the exterior in 2006, so the 2007 model is relatively unchanged.
Most reviewers feel the 2007 Nissan Murano is competitively priced without add-ons, but a fully loaded all-wheel-drive SE can top out at $42,000. Kelley Blue Book feels the suggested retail price is justified because the "Murano is loaded with standard features." But the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel cautions buyers to pick options sparingly, noting, "All told, Murano provides a splashy sleigh ride and a good value if you can avoid all the baubles and such that push its price into fantasyland." Buyers can take solace in the fact that Kelley Blue Book "expects the Murano to retain a good share of its value, with front-wheel-drive models falling a few percentage points behind their all-wheel-drive counterparts." And IntelliChoice gives the 2007 base model a value rating of "better than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.
The Nissan Murano has three available trims: the base S, the SL, and the top-of-the-line SE. The S and the SL come standard with 2WD but are also available in AWD. The SE comes standard with AWD.
Murano Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2007 Nissan Murano receives good reviews for performance based on its enjoyable sedan-like ride, smooth handling and excellent braking capabilities. Reviewers praise the 3.5-liter engine, which Kelley Blue Book calls "one of the best V6 engines in the industry." However, some feel engine power is suppressed by the Murano's gearless transmission. continue
Murano Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)
The 2007 Nissan Murano receives praise for its exterior based on its bold styling, first implemented as part of the 2006 redesign. "We applaud Nissan's effort to try something new for the 21st century," says Edmunds. "... Of all the vehicles in the comparison test, the Murano certainly cut the most rakish profile and drew the most looks." continue
Murano Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)
Reviewers offer compliments to the Nissan Murano's interior based on emphasis for comfort and functionality. Road and Track calls the four-door, five-seat SUV crossover "a very practical place," noting, "There's plenty of head room, front and rear." continue
Murano Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2007 Nissan Murano receives exceptional crash test scores and comes with abundant safety measures, though a rear blind spot hampers visibility. All Murano models feature the Nissan Safety Shield, which includes rigorous crash testing and over 50 standard safety features. continue
Murano Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Nissan Murano reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Nissan backs up the 2007 Murano with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
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