Article Comments - 2009 Nissan Murano LE Full Test

43 messages, Last post on Feb 23, 2008 at 6:03 PM

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What is this discussion about? Nissan Murano, SUV

Full Test: 2009 Nissan Murano LE - Now that the Murano has developed a loyal following, Nissan has been careful to evolve, improve and upgrade the all-new 2009 Murano without compromising the things responsible for its success. As we see it, these things have been the Murano's untraditional exterior style, its ample second-row accommodations and its engaging driving dynamics. (more)

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#13 of 43 Ugly by jmpage2 Dec 13, 2007 (12:00 pm)
I hope more people think that it's ugly. Should keep sales depressed initially. Until people realize that the car looks pretty good and offers far, FAR more bang for the buck than alternatives. If you don't need 3rd row seating this Nissan is going to be very very hard to beat for what it offers, especially if you get the luxo interior. It prices about $10K less than the Lexus and appears to be very close to it in ride/interior comfort.
#14 of 43 Bang for the Buck, Please by cx7lover Dec 15, 2007 (5:51 am)
This thing will start at 35K for the BASE top shelf trim line? The EDGE AWD tops out at about 37K and thats STICKER, you can get that at 32K/31K for sure. The Murano is not value and it's not generally attractive. Replies to this message: jmpage2 (Dec 15, 2007 8:12 am) qs933 (Dec 15, 2007 12:30 pm)
#15 of 43 Re: Bang for the Buck, Please [cx7lover] by jmpage2 Dec 15, 2007 (8:12 am)
Replying to: cx7lover (Dec 15, 2007 5:51 am) Ya, the Murano is not a value and it's not attractive. That's why sales of the Murano have been growing steadily every single year since its release. The only problem that my wife had with the Murano was the cheap plasticky interior that lacked any of the newer technology amenities found on premium rides. It looks like Nissan has fixed that for the 2009 model year with a complete interior overhaul that looks to be on par with Lexus. Technology features appear to be best in class with the SE edition sporting a touch screen with ipod interface and backup camera, bluetooth integrated 10 speaker stereo system, keyless entry with push button starting, power rear seats, power rear lift gate, new LED lit gauges, driver side seat memory, heated REAR seats, heated steering wheel, etc. They went all out, and the sales numbers will likely reflect this. We don't know if the AWD LE Murano will START at $35K. All we know is that with navigation, dual pane moonroof, navigation system with music box, etc, it's supposed to be around $40K. If you assume the typical $2,000 for the Navigation, $2,000 for the moonroof and $1,800 for rear seat DVD then the pricing would actually be closer to $34K for the LE. The Ford Edge is "ok" but when we test drove one we weren't impressed one bit with the interior feel, the transmission wasn't too impressive either... and all of this in a car that's pushing into $36K territory. No thanks. We'd rather spend MORE if necessary to get something with better gas mileage, better AWD system and better resale value. As far as the looks of the car, it's subjective. One of the chief criticisms of the original Murano styling was that it looked like a minivan, it appears that a lot of the changes Nissan made to the styling was to squash that criticism.
#16 of 43 Re: Bang for the Buck, Please [cx7lover] by qs933 Dec 15, 2007 (12:30 pm)
Replying to: cx7lover (Dec 15, 2007 5:51 am) The EDGE AWD tops out at about 37K and thats STICKER, you can get that at 32K/31K for sure. Some people see that (huge discounts off MSRP) as a good thing. I see it as an indication that people have determined a loaded $37K MSRP Edge to only be worth around $32K. Until 09 Murano final pricing comes out, we can only speculate on its pricing. Also, if demand is high (which it usually is when a new model first arrives), it'll probably sell closer to its MSRP. Personally, I'll be looking for an LE AWD (I wish it was offered with just FWD) with no options -- no moonroof, navigation, or rear entertainment system.
#17 of 43 kj by cx7lover Dec 15, 2007 (12:49 pm)
I was talking about the new Murano(it's fugly and everyone I ask agrees), the old one I don't care for, and as for the sales on that old one, they've been on the decrease from last year, they're not going up. The fact that the MSRP is not what you pay for an Edge means nothing, if you're paying MSRP for a car you're not a smart buyer, unless you're buying one around the time of a major model redesign, you certainly don't pay MSRP for the Murano currently, the EDGE, if you wanted one around the release you we're going to pay MSRP or near it, same for the Murano. The Murano will be selling for invoice next year around. The sales numbers for the EDGE (100K+ sales this year) show people will buy something attractive, and this new Murano just isn't, maybe for some, but the general response I've gotten on lots of different forums is "ew". Replies to this message: qs933 (Dec 15, 2007 5:24 pm)
#18 of 43 Re: kj [cx7lover] by qs933 Dec 15, 2007 (5:24 pm)
Replying to: cx7lover (Dec 15, 2007 12:49 pm) as for the sales on that old one, they've been on the decrease from last year, they're not going up. Considering that supplies of the 2007 model have thinned out as production stopped and sales of the '09 don't start till January 2008, a 3.5% drop as of November YTD is hardly an indication of a drop in demand. In fact, up to August, sales were actually slightly up over 2006. That's pretty good for a design that's in its final year. I'm sure Ford will be pleased if the Edge can duplicate the Murano's long-term sales success beyond the Edge's first year. The Murano's appearance is subjective. I can't wait to see it in person. I thought the Edge also looked nice in photos, but was disappointed when I started seeing them in person (I see a lot of them in my area being used as rental vehicles). It looked bloated and its rear is really bland.
#19 of 43 Re: Article Comments - 2009 Nissan Murano LE Full Test [KarenS] by cruiser69 Dec 18, 2007 (3:20 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Dec 07, 2007 7:05 am) Well, i do love the Murano and do give Nissan credit with continuing a unique design, although the Infinity FX series still looks much better. I do have to agree with some on here that it is not really value priced but it does start out in about the same price range as the competition. Now i know the vehicle i am going to mention is not in the same class but its dimensions are comparable and its only about 25 horsepower off, but you can get a fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe for about 29,000 by the current market prices for it and have everything including 7 passenger seating, all wheel drive, leather, nav, sunroof and everything else under the sun including a 3,500 pound towing capacity which is more than enough for pulling a pop up or small watercraft. Plus is gets better MPG and better warranty. I just dont see the sense in buying this vehicle when you can get so much more for less money. But as i said, different segment but the size of the two are so close it does pay to give it a look. Still, nice job Nissan on a fine vehicle.
#20 of 43 .. by jmpage2 Dec 18, 2007 (9:00 pm)
You're absolutely right. The Santa Fe is not in the same class. Not even close. And for the record, the 4WD Santa Fe gets 17/23 MPG under the 2008 revised EPA rating system. New Murano gets 18/23 so actually better fuel economy. Replies to this message: cruiser69 (Dec 20, 2007 2:50 pm)
#21 of 43 I can't figure by dardson1 Dec 19, 2007 (8:03 pm)
why they can't put a good looking nose on this otherwise handsome vehicle. The new one appears somewhat better than the smiley face current model, but it is less handsome than complicated looking. Murano needs an aggressive nose. This is supposed to be the cross-over for the person who'd rather be driving a sport sedan. This car has always been a little mixed up. They compromised ride for handling from the start (my 07 rides on the rough side), then put a CVT in it that does just the opposite (it takes some effort to drive this car aggressively). Replies to this message: tidester (Dec 19, 2007 11:13 pm)
#22 of 43 Re: I can't figure [dardson1] by tidester HOST Dec 19, 2007 (11:13 pm)
Replying to: dardson1 (Dec 19, 2007 8:03 pm) why they can't put a good looking nose on this otherwise handsome vehicle Do you suppose the shape cuts down air drag a bit so it improves gas mileage? tidester, host SUVs and Smart Shopper