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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#24 of 43 MPG by jmpage2 Dec 20, 2007 (3:03 pm)
The mileage I'm getting is from the article which states; fuel economy has improved slightly to 18 city/23 highway, a one mpg increase to both city and highway ratings. Since they test drove the AWD version I assumed that the mileage of 18/23 is correct. My wife and I have test driven most cross overs including the Veracruz (but not the Santa Fe). I still find the Hyndai vehicles to be lacking a bit in the fit and finish department, more road noise, etc, when compared to their Japanese competition. Also I believe that Toyota/Honda/Nissan still show better long term reliability than Hyundai/Veracruz. Out of the vehicles that we've tested, we like the MDX best, but it's also the most expensive on our list. I think that the new Murano with its upscale interior and peppier engine might really fit the bill, as we don't need 3rd row seating at this time. Also the Murano will get notably better gas mileage than the MDX and will probably cost less to insure. All things are relative. For me, spending an extra $5K or so on a car to get a higher level of refinement and sportiness is well worth it. For others who view cars as devices that get them from point A to point B such an extra expense is unthinkable. Replies to this message: cruiser69 (Dec 24, 2007 2:28 pm) qs933 (Dec 24, 2007 5:38 pm) cruiser69 (Dec 26, 2007 6:47 am) and 6 more...
#25 of 43 MURANO OWNER by forman350 Dec 20, 2007 (6:07 pm)
I have the 07 Murano SL and its an amazing car for the $. A loaded SL with touring package can be had for 32-33k. For a lease, you can get it for under 400 a month with 3k down. This car is mechanically and more reliable than the EDGE. While the EDGE is nice looking, it still falls short of the Murano in terms of fit, finish, engeineering, and interior room. The truth of the matter is that most Imports are still better in long term reliability and resale value against american made SUVS. It comes down to paying basically the same price for a car/suv that is way more reliable. The commerical showing the EDGE being better than the Murano is a total joke. Everywhere you go, there is a Murano on the road. Sales are strong for Nissan overall in all models and the Murano is no exception. The EDGE has to give big rebates to move those vehicles because the imports are all over the road and taking away market share. Test drive a Murano and then test drive the EDGe or even the Grand Cherokee and see the difference. Replies to this message: jmpage2 (Dec 20, 2007 6:28 pm)
#26 of 43 Re: MURANO OWNER [forman350] by jmpage2 Dec 20, 2007 (6:28 pm)
Replying to: forman350 (Dec 20, 2007 6:07 pm) Thanks for the comments. My wife and I were already interested in Murano but felt that the interior and options packages (iPod interface, bluetooth, etc) were getting dated and were hoping for a major refresh which the 2009 brings. We will definitely be test driving one in the next month or so when dealers begin getting allocations. Price wise I suspect Nissan will try to avoid substantial price increases, however, the new LE trim level is going to have a LOT of standard features and I suspect that it will be priced at about $35K base. Since nearly all of them will be ordered by dealers with the moonroof package, I expect list price to be closer to $37K. With my VPP discount I do expect I will be able to get an LE with sunroof for in the $33-34K range.
#27 of 43 Re: MPG [jmpage2] by cruiser69 Dec 24, 2007 (2:28 pm)
Replying to: jmpage2 (Dec 20, 2007 3:03 pm) Yes, i agree with the road noise issue on some models. Refinement can be an issue as well on some of the vehicles. I see the article you were reading was for the new Murano when i was referring to the Santa Fe, sorry for the mix up. If money is not an object, then of course the choice would be to go with what works for you and your wife. We have owned many Nissans and were very pleased with all of them. We thought we would give Hyundai a try. You have to admit though, for a car company that has been in this country only 20 years, it has come further than any other auto company in that time frame in the last 80 years. To make a brand new vehicle such as the Veracruz that beats Lexus the first time around, well, thats something any company can be proud of. Of course, thats one magazines opinion, but the consumer will decide with sales. I look forward to driving the new Murano. Replies to this message: qs933 (Dec 24, 2007 5:38 pm) cruiser69 (Dec 26, 2007 6:47 am) qs933 (Dec 26, 2007 10:53 am) and 5 more...
#28 of 43 Re: MPG [cruiser69] by qs933 Dec 24, 2007 (5:38 pm)
Replying to: cruiser69 (Dec 24, 2007 2:28 pm) To make a brand new vehicle such as the Veracruz that beats Lexus the first time around, well, thats something any company can be proud of. I agree that the win in the (was it C&D) comparison test was impressive -- I mean just the fact that the Hyundai is a serious competitor in the competitive mid-size SUV class is very impressive given the brand's relatively short history. I would be curious in a comparison between the '09 Murano and the RX, given that both are 5-passenger SUVs. There is supposed to be a new RX for 2010 too. My main concern with the Veracruz or Santa Fe is their projected resale value. That's one area where Hyundai still trails the others. I also think the Veracruz's dash has too much silver (plastic?) trim, but that's just a subjective issue. Replies to this message: cruiser69 (Dec 26, 2007 6:47 am) qs933 (Dec 26, 2007 10:53 am) bkansky (Feb 12, 2008 3:10 pm) and 4 more...
#29 of 43 Re: MPG [qs933] by cruiser69 Dec 26, 2007 (6:47 am)
Replying to: qs933 (Dec 24, 2007 5:38 pm) I agree about the resale value gs933. I wonder why they still depreciate so much considering their improvements over the last few years? Do you happen to know how the companies who provide the data reach these conclusions? I would think we would start to see a shift happening by now to favor them a little more. Maybe it just takes a while for the data to adjust to the public perception of value and market conditions? Just a guess though. What do you think? BTW, i like the RX as well. Great styling and will be interested in driving the new one as well! Replies to this message: qs933 (Dec 26, 2007 10:53 am) bkansky (Feb 12, 2008 3:10 pm) vbhoo (Feb 12, 2008 9:01 pm) qs933 (Feb 12, 2008 10:45 pm) and 2 more...
#30 of 43 Re: MPG [cruiser69] by qs933 Dec 26, 2007 (10:53 am)
Replying to: cruiser69 (Dec 26, 2007 6:47 am) Maybe it just takes a while for the data to adjust to the public perception of value and market conditions? I think Hyundai learned the hard way: if you earn a reputation for producing shoddy cars (i.e. the original Excel), the stigma will stick with you, even if the data and stats show you've come a long way. I guess the other problem I have with the Santa Fe and Veracruz is that Hyundai seems to be following the Toyota model of designing cars: make them extremely competent in all areas, but not real exciting in any one category. That works great for Toyota (I have a 4Runner now and a Highlander previous). With Hyundai, neither the Santa Fe or the Veracruz has a single standout quality that makes me want to make that leap to Hyundai. If I want all-around competent, I'd rather get a new Highlander. On the other hand, the Murano has caught my attention because of its stand-out styling and the new interior. It has several features -- iPod integration, large 7" monitor, reportedly high-quality interior materials, etc. -- that have made me consider leaping from the "safe bet" Toyota to a little more risky Nissan. Several months ago, I had an '08 Highlander Limited spec'd out and all but ordered one. But other unrelated factors caused a delay and I'm actually happy that I waited, because I really want to see and drive the new Murano. Replies to this message: bkansky (Feb 12, 2008 3:10 pm) vbhoo (Feb 12, 2008 9:01 pm) qs933 (Feb 12, 2008 10:45 pm)
#31 of 43 New Murano by hschultz Dec 28, 2007 (6:31 pm)
In the past few days, I've driven a CRV EXL, Highlander Limited, Pilot EXL, and EX35. I've never cared for Muranos because their interior/dash is so fugly and cheap. Clearly Nissas has addressed this shortcoming with the new Murano due out in January, and I look forward to driving it. If I can get a well equipped AWD Murano for $35k sticker, it will be right in the thick of things. As much as we like the CRV (this will primarily be my wife's car, replacing her current '03 Ody), it just seems to fall a tad short in the engine/acceleration department (clearly a result of Honda's attempt to maximize mileage). I liked the Highlander, but we probably don't need the 3rd row or extra space, and the mileage is pretty bad (although not so much for a 2 ton vehicle). The EX is very refined, but soooooo small in the back seat. Didn't drive the Rav4 because the interior/dash is junk. BTW, the 2/08 C&D has a review of mini-SUV's/crossovers ability to go off-road. The Rav4 finished 1st, CRV 2nd, I forget after that...
#32 of 43 Sticker by jmpage2 Dec 28, 2007 (7:00 pm)
I just talked to local Nissan dealers today and they all said be prepared for a "bump" in sticker price on the '09 Murano. They said in communication from Nissan they were told to expect a "noticeable" increase in 2009 Murano pricing, probably due to the weakness of the dollar (my guess). Replies to this message: qs933 (Dec 28, 2007 8:52 pm) bkansky (Jan 31, 2008 12:31 pm)
#33 of 43 Re: Sticker [jmpage2] by qs933 Dec 28, 2007 (8:52 pm)
Replying to: jmpage2 (Dec 28, 2007 7:00 pm) I just talked to local Nissan dealers today and they all said be prepared for a "bump" in sticker price on the '09 Murano. Maybe that's the reason why pricing hasn't been announced, even though the release date is supposedly on 1/4/2008 (one week away). Price it too high and they end up with lower-than-expected sales in a very competitive segment and may be forced to offer a rebate (which will be viewed as a sign of defeat -- just look at Chrysler's incentives on its just-redesigned minivans). Price it too low and they become very vulnerable if the dollar continues to slip. I'm hoping for an LE AWD with no options to start at around $34K. That would be in line with the Infiniti EX35 Journey AWD ($36K) and the FX35 AWD ($39.5K). The Lexus RX350 AWD runs around $40K with the Premium Plus package. On a separate-but-related note, Nissan announced an across-the-board price increase on all 2008 models today (the press release is on www.nissannews.com). Replies to this message: bkansky (Jan 31, 2008 12:31 pm)