When in the early 2000s the company Nissan introduced its first crossover, the world of automotive design froze in anticipation. Nissan Murano The first generation (Z51 body) became a real challenge to established norms, offering drivers something more than just a utilitarian SUV. It was a car with flowing lines, reminiscent of a drop of water, and a character that cannot be confused with any other.
Today, this crossover has become the object of close attention in the secondary market. Many buyers are looking for a balance between comfort, cost of maintenance and unique style. To make the right choice, you need to dive deep into the technical features, historical context and real-life problems that owners of this model face.
History of creation and design philosophy
The project, which later received the name Murano, was originally intended as a concept car for the Detroit Auto Show. The designers wanted to move away from the angular shapes that dominated the time and create a car that would look natural in an urban environment. The result exceeded all expectations: the smooth curves of the roof, huge wheel arches and the characteristic radiator grille became the hallmark of the brand.
In serial production, which began in 2002, it was possible to preserve almost 90% of the aesthetic appearance of the concept. It was a bold decision for the Japanese auto giant, accustomed to conservatism. Unique design allowed the model to immediately occupy a niche between classic SUVs and passenger crossovers. Owners often note that even after years the car does not look outdated.
It is important to understand that Nissan Murano was designed on the platform Nissan D-Platform, which was also used for the sedan Maxima and hatchback Altima. This meant that under the hood there was not a frame structure, but a monocoque body, focused on comfort and handling on asphalt.
Technical characteristics and engine range
The heart of the first generation Nissan Murano became the legendary 3.5-liter V6 engine under the index VQ35DE. This power unit was famous for its reliability and excellent power delivery. Depending on the year of production and the market, power varied from 245 to 260 horsepower, which was an excellent indicator for a heavy crossover of that time.
All-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4 allowed the driver to choose an operating mode depending on road conditions. You could switch between front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive with fixed torque vectoring, and all-wheel drive with automatic rear axle linkage. This flexibility provided confidence on wet roads or light off-road conditions.
- π Engine: V6 3.5 l, 245 hp. (early versions) or 260 hp (after restyling).
- βοΈ Transmission: automatic variator only Xtronic (CVT).
- π£οΈ Acceleration to 100 km/h: about 7.5β8.0 seconds.
The use of a CVT was the main feature that caused controversy among conservative drivers. Unlike classic torque converter automatic transmissions, a variator provides a smooth ride, but requires special attention to maintenance. Transmission has become the subject of much discussion, as it is sensitive to overheating and oil quality.
For those who planned frequent trips into nature, it is worth noting that the ground clearance is about 200 mm. This is enough to overcome snow drifts in the city or dirt roads, but the car is not a full-fledged SUV. The suspension is set to soft, making the ride comfortable for all passengers.
β οΈ Attention: The variator on this car does not like long slips and sudden starts from a standstill. If you plan to use the Murano in deep snow or muddy conditions, be extremely careful with the gas pedal.
Interior and comfort level
Inside Nissan Murano The first generation has an atmosphere of premium comfort, which was rare for a Japanese crossover of the 2000s. The leather seats are reminiscent of living room sofas, providing excellent lateral support and softness. Ergonomics designed so that the driver feels relaxed behind the wheel even on long trips.
The quality of materials at the time of launch was excellent, although over time the plastic may begin to creak. The instrument panel has a characteristic curved shape that follows the lines of the body on the outside. The center console is equipped with large climate control buttons, which is easy to use even if you have long fingers or are wearing gloves.
The space in the back row is spacious enough for people of average height. The luggage compartment can hold up to 300 liters of cargo with the seats up, but its shape is slightly forward, which limits the transport of large items. Folding seats occurs in two steps, creating an almost flat floor, which simplifies the transformation of the interior.
- ποΈ Seats: leather, heated (on many trim levels) and electric.
- π Audio system: Bose with 9 speakers, providing clear sound.
- βοΈ Panoramic roof: optional, with electric drive and sun protection.
Particular attention should be paid to sound insulation. Thanks to dense seals and thick glass, the level of external noise in the cabin is minimal. It does Murano An excellent choice for family trips where peace of mind for passengers is important. However, it is worth checking the condition of the hub bearings, as their wear can cause extraneous sounds when driving.
- Interior comfort
- Engine power
- Reliability
- Service price
Weaknesses and characteristic malfunctions
Despite the high level of development, Nissan Murano The first generation has a number of specific βchildhood diseasesβ that you need to know about before purchasing. The most critical element is, of course, the variator. In the absence of regular oil changes or overheating, the belt may begin to slip, which leads to expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the unit.
The second common problem is the steering rack. On cars with mileage of more than 150,000 km, play and knocking in the steering often appear. Steering rack requires replacement or high-quality repairs, since restoration is often a temporary measure. It is also worth checking the condition of the silent blocks of the front levers, which may require replacement by 100,000 km.
Electrics can also throw up surprises. Sometimes throttle position sensors or idle air control valves fail. This manifests itself in unstable engine operation at idle or jerking during acceleration. Even minor faults should not be ignored, as they can lead to more serious engine problems.
- βοΈ CVT: requires oil changes every 40-50 thousand km.
- π§ Steering rack: frequent knocks and backlashes on long runs.
- π Generator: brushes may wear out ahead of schedule.
Engine VQ35DE generally reliable, but has one peculiarity: scuffing in the cylinders when using low-quality gasoline or overheating. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the catalysts, which can break down and get into the cylinders, causing serious repairs. The catalysts on this engine often crumble and clog the pistons, which is the most expensive failure for the owner.
βοΈ Check before purchase
β οΈ Attention: When inspecting the car, be sure to connect a computer to read errors. Even if the engine runs smoothly, accumulated errors may indicate problems with the CVT or ignition system.
Operation and Maintenance
Service Nissan Murano requires regularity and the use of high-quality consumables. The CVT transmission does not forgive negligence, so the oil should be changed every 40,000 - 50,000 km. Using original liquid Nissan NS-2 or certified analogues are mandatory for the long life of the unit.
For the engine it is recommended to use oils with a viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-20. This provides optimal protection at high temperatures and easy starting in cold weather. Oil change in the engine should be carried out every 7,500 - 10,000 km, especially if you operate the car in a city with frequent traffic jams.
The chassis requires attention to the condition of the shock absorbers and springs. Due to the softness of the suspension, elements can fail faster than on hard SUVs. It is recommended to check the condition of shock absorber boots and silent blocks at every oil change. This will help avoid costly repairs in the future.