Nissan added the Murano crossover sport utility vehicle to its lineup in December 2002. Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division, soon followed with its FX35 and FX45, two other crossover vehicles that blend the virtues of several body styles into a single model.

Specifically designed and engineered for the U.S. market, the Murano “gets away from the slab-sided design that’s so common [and] offers an emotional alternative to typical SUVs,” says Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager of the Nissan Division.

Offered in SL and SE trim levels with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Murano has a four-wheel-independent suspension and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For 2004, the CVT unit in SE models gets a manual-shift mode. Sunroof and Touring packages are available, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support is standard, and satellite radio prewiring is installed.