When I first encountered the 2005 Nissan Murano SE AWD, I wasn?t all that impressed. With a base price of $31,050 ($42,380 as tested with a ton of options), a 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, the 2005 Nissan Murano confused me. Is it an SUV? Is it a wagon? What is it? After spending some time living with it, I think I finally get it ? the Nissan Murano is the future.

This is what people will be driving in the 21st Century, one car that can do it all.

First Glance at the Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano looks like a cross-training athletic shoe ? I mean that as a compliment. It has a short, blunt nose with the Nissan look, and a belt line that rises abruptly as it heads toward the tail of the car, pointing up above 45 degrees. The tail is rounded and bulbous. It?s a design that lends visual interest from every angle, minimizing size from some views and maximizing aggressive posture from others. Great big fender wells and wide 18? wheels give a go-anywhere feel. This is definitely one of those ?love-it-or-hate-it? futuristic exteriors. I love it.
From a practical standpoint, the door openings are big enough to make getting in and out easy. The rear hatch opens easily and swings high, leaving a good-sized opening for cargo. There?s plenty of space behind the back seat, though the forward-sloping back glass cuts off headroom, so tall boxes are a tricky fit without folding down the seats.

An independently opening back glass would be a welcome utilitarian change ? it?s less than ideal to load everything in the back and have to guess whether or not the gate will close when you bring it down.

Fit and finish on the Murano are excellent. Deep rich paint, nice chrome accents, and all the pieces fit together beautifully.