In the summer of 2002, at the Detroit Auto Show, the world saw for the first time a car that completely changed the idea of the appearance of crossovers. Nissan Murano The first generation, which received the Z50 index, became a real challenge to the conservative designers of that time. Its smooth, almost futuristic body lines and lack of sharp corners made it instantly recognizable on the roads.
For buyers of that time, this car became a symbol of affordable luxury and technology. Under the hood was a powerful unit, and inside the spacious interior offered a level of comfort previously found only in premium sedans. Today this Nissan Murano 2002 is the object of close attention of collectors and lovers of Japanese cars with character.
Design and Exterior: Revolution of Forms
When you look at this car, it's hard to believe that it left the design office in 2002. Designer Bill Strauss created a silhouette that still looks relevant two decades later. The body has no sharp transitions; all lines smoothly flow into one another, creating the effect of a “floating” silhouette.
Particularly worth noting is the front of the car. There are no usual headlights in separate glasses; instead, single optics are used, integrated into the radiator grille. This approach allowed us to achieve excellent aerodynamics and a unique visual image. Headlights They have a complex shape that gives the car a predatory and wary look.
The rear is also noteworthy. The huge rear window, which is actually part of the roof, provides amazing visibility. This solution not only improved ergonomics, but also added lightness to the car. The side windows have a distinctive shape, widening towards the rear door, which visually makes Murano wider and more stable.
Technical stuffing and power units
The heart of this model is the famous V6 VQ series engine. In 2002, it was installed under the hood 3.5 liter V6 (code VQ35DE), which produced 245 horsepower. This engine is famous for its maintainability and high power, allowing it to accelerate a heavy crossover to hundreds in 7.5 seconds.
The most important difference from competitors of that time was the transmission. Instead of the usual automatic or manual transmissions, Nissan engineers installed a continuously variable variator. CVT Xtronic (Jatco) provided a smooth ride, but required special attention to maintenance. It was this knot that became a stumbling block for many owners.
Drive on Nissan Murano 2002 can be either front or full (All-Mode 4x4-i). The all-wheel drive system skillfully redistributes torque between the axles depending on driving conditions. Under normal conditions, the car operates as a front-wheel drive, saving fuel, but when it slips, it instantly engages the rear wheels.
Interior and cabin ergonomics
Opening the doors, you find yourself in the atmosphere of a modern salon. In 2002, the use of soft materials, plenty of chrome and quality leather was a rarity in the middle class. Zero Gravity seats are designed to reduce stress on the spine, making long-distance travel incredibly comfortable.
The instrument panel is designed in the style of an “aviation instrument panel”, which matches the futuristic design of the exterior. The central tunnel rises above the floor, creating the feeling of a cockpit. All controls are at the driver's fingertips, allowing you not to be distracted from the road.
- 🚗 Leather seat upholstery is of high quality and durable with proper care.
- 🎵 Bose audio system with 10 speakers provides excellent sound even at high speeds.
- ❄️ Dual-zone climate control allows you to set different temperatures for the driver and passenger.
- ☀️ The panoramic roof (in some trim levels) fills the interior with natural light.
However, there are also nuances. Dashboards can begin to creak over time if the fasteners become loose. It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the plastic at the bottom of the doors. Despite the overall high level, interior plastic may be fragile in places if not handled carefully.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the operation of the panoramic roof. The opening mechanism often becomes clogged with dirt and stops working, and replacing seals is an expensive procedure.
Operation and main problems
Owners Nissan Murano The first generation often encounter problems with the variator. The Jatco JF011E gearbox does not like overheating and sudden starts. If you plan to use the car for active driving, you will need to install an additional oil cooler. CVT resource directly depends on timely oil changes.
The VQ35DE engine is generally reliable, but has its own “sores”. Problems with hydraulic tappets can occur at high mileage, causing engine knocking. It is also worth monitoring the ignition system: ignition coils often fail, which leads to misfires and loss of power.
The crossover's suspension is tuned for comfort, so it is soft and absorbs most road irregularities. However, shock absorbers and silent blocks of levers wear out faster than on simpler cars. Rear shock absorbers often require replacement at 100 thousand kilometers.
- 3.5 V6 (Petrol)
- Hybrid (rare)
- Diesel (not installed)
- Electric (future)
Maintenance and regulations
In order for the car to serve for a long time, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the maintenance regulations. The engine oil needs to be changed every 7-8 thousand kilometers, since the V6 is prone to burnout at high mileage. In a CVT, the oil is changed every 40-50 thousand kilometers, but many experts recommend doing this more often - every 30 thousand.
The cooling system requires special attention. The radiator and expansion tank have a plastic casing, which becomes brittle over time and can crack. The condition of the pipes and thermostat should be checked at every oil change.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing
To diagnose electronic systems, it is better to use a specialized scanner that can read transmission error codes. Conventional OBDII scanners may not show all critical operating parameters CVT.
⚠️ Warning: Never ignore an illuminated Check Engine Light. On Nissan Murano this often indicates problems with the oxygen sensors or ignition coils, which can lead to catalytic converter failure.
Comparison table of characteristics
For clarity, we present the main technical parameters of the 2002 model. This data will help compare the car with modern analogues or other versions Nissan Murano.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine | V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) |
| Power | 245 hp at 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 324 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 7.5 sec |
As can be seen from the table, the dynamics for a heavy crossover of that time were outstanding. However, it is worth remembering that actual figures may vary depending on the condition of the car and the quality of the fuel. Fuel consumption in the city it can reach 14-16 liters per 100 km, which is the norm for such a volume and weight.
Why does the variator require special attention?
Jatco CVTs of that period had design features in which the gears could wear out faster than normal in the absence of high-quality lubrication. Additives and filters have been changed with each restyling, so it is important to use only the recommended Nissan NS-2 oil.
Tips for choosing a used copy
When searching Nissan Murano 2002 In the secondary market, it is important to be extremely careful. Many of the cars have been taxied or used for heavy duty use. First of all, check the service history and availability of a service book. The absence of records is an alarming signal.
Be sure to take it for a test drive. Pay attention to the behavior of the variator: transitions should be imperceptible, without jerks or kicks. If you feel a bump when shifting modes or hear a hum, this is a sure sign of wear on the transmission. Checking on a lift will help identify hidden damage to the suspension and body corrosion.
Inspect the body for repainted elements. Rust on Murano It rarely appears, but it can be noticeable in areas of paint chips and on arches. Also check the operation of all electronic systems: from power windows to the audio system. Repairing the electronics in this vehicle can be difficult and expensive.
Bring an experienced mechanic who specializes in Japanese cars to your inspection. He can quickly assess the condition of your engine and transmission, saving you money on repairs in the future.
Main idea: Purchase Nissan Murano 2002 is a balance between a high level of comfort and the need for careful monitoring of the technical condition, especially of the variator.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid cars with more than 200,000 km mileage unless they have had their CVT replaced or completely rebuilt. The risk of transmission failure at such a mileage is extremely high.
Conclusion
Nissan Murano 2002 remains a unique car in its class. It combines bold design, a powerful engine and a high level of comfort. Despite its age, this crossover is capable of delighting its owners if it is properly cared for.
If you are willing to spend time and resources on maintenance, you will receive a car with character and style as a gift. But if you're looking for a "buy it and forget it" car, it might be worth considering other options. Reliability The quality of this car directly depends on the attitude of the owner towards it.
Features of the 2003 restyling
In 2003, the model received minor changes to the radiator grille and bumpers, as well as improved interior sound insulation. This made the car even quieter and more comfortable at high speeds.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the real resource of the CVT on the Nissan Murano 2002?
The service life of the variator greatly depends on driving style and regularity of oil changes. With careful operation and oil changes every 30-40 thousand kilometers, the unit can travel 200-250 thousand kilometers without serious problems. However, with aggressive driving, the resource can be reduced to 100-120 thousand kilometers.
Can regular oil be used in a VQ35DE engine?
It is recommended to use a 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil that meets API SN specification or higher. The use of mineral oils or low viscosity oils is not recommended, since the engine has a high compression ratio and requires high-quality lubrication.
How often does the all-wheel drive on this car break down?
The All-Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system is quite reliable, but the rear axle coupling can fail if overheated or lack of maintenance. Problems often arise from worn bearings or seals rather than the clutch mechanism itself.
How often should the timing belt be changed?
The VQ35DE engine uses a timing chain, which does not require replacement according to regulations. However, on runs over 200-250 thousand kilometers, the chain may stretch, which will require its replacement. It is also worth keeping an eye on the chain tensioners.
Is it worth buying Nissan Murano with a panoramic roof?
The panoramic roof adds light and comfort to the car, but requires regular cleaning of the drainage channels. If the channels are clogged, water can enter the interior and damage the upholstery or electronics. If you're willing to keep an eye on your roof, this is a great choice.
This fact makes it not just a vehicle, but an important milestone in automotive history.