We just got back from a 2 week vacation at Aruba and Curacao, and it keeps on snowing here in Michigan. I know I could live somewhere where the climate is in the 80's all year round and no threat of hurricanes, but that's not practical at this stage of life, so I think I have to find a vehicle that I'm comfortable driving in the snow here. I was looking at the Murano brochure. I know it's another one of those cars with a style that you either love or hate, kind of like the XF, but I think I kind of like it. Even more than the Infinity. It has some neat features on it like the fwd that's also awd when you need it, it has the cvt that is a 6 speed that can be shifted automatically or manually, and lots of grocery space. All the cool toys like nav system, Bose stereo system that also reads mp3's, 6 cd changer, satellite radio, back-up monitor (7": a good size ), so I can see what I'm running over, heated seats - a must here in winter, the intelligent key system where I just have to have it in my pocket or purse and I can get into the car and start it with no key, and a 5 star side impact safety rating (very important).
I'm going to try to find one to test drive tomorrow since it's going to be snowing all day to see if I like it. I just wondered if anyone had any input about it. I think I remember a couple people saying that their wives had one.

Thanks in advance.

 

i'd recommend the volvo xc90. my mom has one and it works great in all climates, is good looking, powerful and there is nothing safer out there.

 

Get a g35x. Performance, luxury and all wheel. But if you want a suv, why not a dodge or jeep?

 

Gee, My mother-in-law has a Pacifica, she's 74. I don't want an old lady's car! And I'm not a soccer mom. The kids are gone. And we had a jeep before. I guess no one knows about a Murano. I didn't ask for alternatives, just wondered about this one.
We have a 300 C and this is it's 2nd winter. Last year it was fine for my husband, today there is a lot of snow and it wouldn't get out of it's own way, had to be pushed out of the snow twice. Glad I didn't tell him I wanted THAT one for my winter driver. Could be it just needs snow tires. I just don't care for rear wheel drive in bad winters (which seems like most of them, lately).

 

I test drove a Murano a couple of years back (or so it seems that long). I thought it was a nice crossover SUV. It drove and handled fine.

I do remember that there was something about the seats that I didn't like...maybe the way they sat off of the floor??? With the FWD (or AWD) it should be superior to any RWD in the snow and ice. The Murano also has decent ground clearance.

Anyhow, I looked at a black Murano with chrome wheels and it was really sharp. Personally, I believe it looks nicer than the Infinity clone.

 

Great SUV and has the BEST V6 engine ever made on this planet. BTW that engine is the great VQ35DE. I also like the CVT used in them.

 

Thank-you. I think the Infinity kind of looks like a running shoe with a giant arch in it. It just doesn't rub me the right way. I know it's supposed to be a little "higher in the food chain, snobbier" whatever. I like the looks and features of the Murano on paper, I'm declining the test drive today since there's a winter storm warning. Maybe I'll drive it and hate it, I don't know. I will keep in mind what you said about the seats. Guess I'll have to wait and see.
Thanks for your comments. VQ35DE too.

 

You are welcome. As i remember the second row seats sat pretty high off of the ground. Maybe they are designed to use the space under the seats for storage? The front buckets are great by SUV standards.

The dash layout and gauges are attractive. It is a nice vehicle. The Infinity just misses the mark (as does the equivalent competitor Lexus). Just my opinion, but I would go with the Murano of the Japanese vehicles. I do like the Cadillac SRX, but you didn't ask about that model. :-)

Good luck in your decision making...and the black with the chrome wheels is a knock-out.

 

Here's something you may not know. The platform under the Murano is shared with the 350Z and G35. So is the 3.5L VQ engine.

For an SUV, a nice choice. Dodge Durangos and Jeeps are nice, but the Murano actually puts a dab of "sport" in the phrase "Sport Utility Vehicle". It's a good choice for people who enjoy driving. Good alternatives IMO would include the base Caddy SRX and Acura MDX. From experience, I've also been impressed with the Lexus RX. It's as smooth as butter in every way, and is built finer than a grandfather clock. I enjoyed driving it at a modest pace around town. Alas, the Acura, Caddy, and Lexus all command a price premium. But if you are talking about a loaded Murano, it might just overlap some dressed down luxury SUV's.

As a fellow Michigander, my advice is to drive slow and leave early on snowy days. Your Murano might have better traction in the snow than say, a BMW 3 series, but it won't get you through "the Mixing Bowl" (I-696) any quicker. Sure, Michigan winters suck. But it sure is a nice place to spend the other three seasons.

 

I drove a Murano once. Color me not impressed. I'd fork up the cash for the FX45, or X'ed had an excellent choice.

The Murano also holds its value as well as the Crossfire. Always something to keep in mind.

If I wanted to keep costs low, I would buy a Forester 2.5XT.

 

I own a Murano... and its hands down the best bang for the buck. At under 28 thousand, its fast, comfortable, sporty looking, and has everything we wanted. We investigated several others in the same price range and nothing was quite like it.

 

The Murano was also on our shortlist. My wife thinks the FX looks like a shoe as well (though I personally love it). She was set on the Lexus RX330 Thunder Cloud. I couldn't argue anymore, I was trying to be more practical with Murano. I like the Murano, though I think i'd replace that front grille, it just keeps smiling at you!

 

My wife and I drove a used '03 Murano and didn't like the handling. Steering wheel felt very stiff. I also did not like the CVT transmission (prefer a regular transmission).

We probably going with the new 2006 RAV-4 (270 hp awd, $23k), which comes out in February.