2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD from North America

Summary:

Disaster

Faults:

We have been left stranded with electrical issues twice, we have had all regularly scheduled maintenance done.

Most recently the SLR Transmission blew. The local Infinity Nissan Dealership offered zero assistance in working with Nissan Canada to find a reasonable way to replace the transmission. The repair cost me $5000.00 and absolutely no warranty extended on the repair. Labour costs were inflated in the initial quote by nearly 40% of what the Nissan book suggests (15 hours labour - they charge $95/hr).

Got the car back with the check engine light on, front windshield washer not working - took a look myself and found both hoses to the jet detached, these were functioning when taken in.

Less than a week after picking the vehicle up there is a yellow puddle under the car, called the dealership and it is either coolant or transmission fluid. Will be getting rid of this for another reliable Volvo (XC90) ASAP. I bought Nissan because they typically are a decent car - if anything goes wrong you are on your own. I have been treated better at Chrysler as a student with a clunker.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th December, 2008

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD from North America

Summary:

Would never buy another and tell others to stay away!

Faults:

Squeal in wheel after a rain.

Exterior paint very thin and scratches easily.

Interior black plastic scratches very easily.

Worst suspension and comfort ride I have ever experienced.

Washers do not squirt water high enough.

Headlights do not align.

Terrible service.

General Comments:

The suspension is terrible and the worst I have ever had in any car.

I have owned over 20 cars and I am 61 years old.

My passengers actually groan and make comments like "Ouch!" and "O my God" when the car goes over the slightest bump or hole.

If the car goes over a large road imperfection the car feels like it has no shocks at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th February, 2008

2005 Nissan Murano SL AWD from North America

Summary:

Excellent all around vehicle

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong with it.

General Comments:

Very roomy, comfortable, and plenty of power.

I keep seeing Murano owners complaining of having to use premium fuel. This is NOT true. The inside of the gas cap may recommend that you use premium; however, if you read the owners manual it actually recommends an octane rating of 87. Buying premium fuel for this vehicle is a total waste of money. Contrary to popular belief, premium fuel will not increase your performance or gas mileage. In some vehicles, using premium fuel when it isnt specifically recommended(in the owners manual) can actually hinder performance and cause other problems. It is also not true that ONLY premium gasoline has cleaning agents mixed into it which help clean up engine deposits. All gas, regardless of its octane rating is required to contain the same cleaning agents. It is amazing to me to see how many articles there are, all over the internet about this car requiring premium gas. Does no one read their owners manual?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2006

22nd Mar 2006, 09:48

I'm not sure I agree with your assessment of premium vs. 87 octane. The reason that vehicles typically need premium is if they have a high compression ratio engine. This vehicle definitely has a high compression ratio engine which is partly how it's able to produce so much horsepower with a relatively small displacement (only 3.5L). If you use low octane gas in a high compression engine, you can get premature combustion in the cylinders which causes a knocking noise and can damage the pistons and/or valves.

However, if the manual says that 87 is OK, then it should be. I would definitely recommend keeping your ears open and listen for the telltale knocking sound that probably means you need to use a higher octane gas.

30th May 2006, 21:09

I have had my 2006 Murano for 2 months and absolutely love it. I also carefully read the owner's manual and it clearly states that 87 octane gas is permissible to use. Upon double checking with the service department at the dealership from where I purchased my Murano, the only caution given in using 87 octane was that there could be a performance reduction of 20 hp; however, they also said it was possible to pick up 1 mile per gallon by using 87 octane due to the lower HP. Not sure about you, but I don't feel the need for 20 extra hp, and would rather have the extra 1 MPG...

If the owner's manual states that 87 octane is okay to use, then there had better be no resultant engine pinging, knocking, or damage, as the reputation of Nissan would be on the line for listing erroneous information, and there is no known benefit for an auto manufacturer to miss-state such an integral issue.

So far, my Murano is wonderful; it has 1800 miles and it's as smooth as butter... Can't think of a car I'd rather be driving...

5th Aug 2006, 05:30

My Murano is junk, I bought it 3 mos. ago and it's a HUGE JUNK!!!

10th Feb 2007, 02:34

Most modern cars have a "knock-sensor" that automatically retards ignition timing to prevent this knock, called "pinking" or pre-ignition, by English people and "pinging" by Americans.

Unless you absolutely need the higher power at all times, then yes, you can safely use the 87 octane fuel.

2005 Nissan Murano SL from North America

Summary:

In my eyes, it is nearly the perfect car

Faults:

The navigation system was not able to find my home address even though my neighborhood is actually fully mapped in the system.

There is a throbbing sound that results from rolling down the back windows. Fortunately I don't often roll them down.

General Comments:

The car is beautiful, bold color (I got the Sunlit Copper which is basically metallic orange... with orange leather interior).

It is luxurious, comfortable, and easy to figure out despite all of its bells and whistles.

The drive is smooth and powerful.

The car feels sturdy and substantial.

Wonderful organizational areas inside the car that help to keep it neat.

This is my 2nd Nissan and so far I am in love with this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2005

28th Mar 2006, 18:46

I'm glad you're satisfied, but I got rid of my 2004 Murano after only a year and a half, it was nice looking, but lousy in the snow after having driven an Xterra. Also, terrible visibility, poor gas mileage, lousy radio.

9th May 2006, 00:35

The throbbing noise you are hearing is normal. It happens with all cars. It is the wind entering the car. If you put the front windows down as well the noise will minimize.