Monday, October 17, 2011

2007 Nissan Murano

2007 Nissan Murano brings only minor revisions. Crafted to shine on pavement, haulers like the 2007 Nissan Murano provide the impressive power and sizable dimensions of their ancestors, but offer the sort of car like handling that suburban drivers crave. Third-row seating isn't available, however. Nissan's midsize crossover SUV has a tight suspension and quick, well-weighted steering, giving it a more athletic feel than most competitors. More troubling, though, is the Murano's power-sapping CVT, which dulls the charms of its 240-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
A five-passenger car-based SUV, the 2007 Nissan Murano comes in three trim levels: base S, luxury-oriented SL and sporty SE. The Murano SL adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar, an upgraded six-speaker stereo and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. In the Murano's case, though, this setup tends to take the shine off power delivery. Murano S and SL models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Murano SE is AWD only. Properly equipped, the Murano can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
2007 Nissan Murano

Safety
Nissan's midsize crossover SUV comes with antilock disc brakes, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. A stability control system (called Vehicle Dynamic Control) is optional on the SL and SE, as are adjustable pedals (as part of the Touring or Premium Package). In government crash tests, the 2007 Nissan Murano earned a perfect five-star score for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. Immediately noticeable when you climb aboard the 2007 Nissan Murano is the distinctive floating dash design, complemented by the real aluminum trim liberally sprinkled around the cabin. Split-folding rear seats are pretty standard these days, but in the Nissan Murano, they have a reclining feature and a remote flip-down function, allowing the seats to be easily released from the rear cargo area. With the rear seats down, the Murano's cargo bay offers a healthy 81.6 cubic feet of space.
Driving Impressions
The Nissan Murano's handling is sharp compared to most other car-based crossover SUVs. Buyers can choose from the sport-tuned SE model and the more softly calibrated S and SL forms.
The Murano delivers one of the best combinations of impressive handling, interior comfort and engine performance in its class. Nissan introduced the Murano in 2003 and redesigned the exterior in 2006 Murano , 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. The Nissan Murano has three available trims: the base S, the SL, and the top-of-the-line SE. The SE comes standard with AWD.

A new 225-watt Bose premium audio system is available, and there's a redesigned pod for the optional DVD navigation system. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force distribution are standard; an available Dynamic Control Package includes stability and traction control and a tire pressure monitor. Illuminated steering wheel controls, MP3 audio capability and a standard seven-inch LCD display are among the Murano's interior amenities.