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2005 Nissan Murano SE AWD Test Drive

From Jason Fogelson

5 of 5

Journey's End

2005 Nissan Murano SE AWD

photo by Jason Fogelson
Murano is an island suburb of Venice, Italy, best known for its high quality glassmakers. Nissan was brave to name an SUV after a center of design, but the Murano’s high style lives up to its namesake.

There’s some heavy competition in the field. If a loaded Murano meets your needs and budget, you should also take a look at the luxury competition like the Lexus RX330, the Acura MDX, the Volvo XC90, the VW Touareg and the Cadillac SRX and even Nissan stablemate Infiniti FX35. If you like the Murano’s look and utility, but you don’t need so many luxury options (you’re cheap, like me), compare with the Buick Rendezvous, the Chrysler Pacifica, the Subaru B9 Tribeca and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. I’d also take a look at the Subaru Legacy GT Wagon and the Dodge Magnum Wagon in the same price range.

If you’re budget minded, definitely take a look at the whole Murano line, as a vehicle with fewer options can be had for as little as $27,150 (base price). You still get the same engine and transmission, the same futuristic exterior design and all-around utility. I really do believe that the crossover SUV is the car of the future. The Nissan Murano is a design that will stand the test of time, looking as modern in 10 years as it does today.

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