For years the Nissan Quest had been a subpar afterthought, unable to rise to the level of the Odyssey or Sienna, it was mired in ambiguity - until 2004, when a more dramatic version debuted to the applause of most auto critics.
I was at the 2003 Chicago Auto Show when I first caught a glimpse of what was (for me) the only time I can remember saying: "If I had to have a minivan, this is one I could drive." It was a raw reaction to the completely out-of-the-box design scheme for the Quest exterior. I was surprised to find the interior had just as much creative charm to offer.
Since that Chicago Auto Show, I have always admired and appreciated the Quest. The low nose and streaming lines from front to back were a fresh treatment to a minivan class that had remained uninspired and "safe" from breaking any rules. Well, the current Nissan Quest touts a truly avant-garde style scheme, breaking rules to the appreciation of many of us who have grown tired of stale minivan design.
Quest is offered in four levels: Base, S, SE and SL level. My tester was the 3.5 SL listing a base price of $27,500, but with a battery of add-on essentials the total cost landed at $39,515. Most notable for each of those levels is the outstanding 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine mated to an equally notable 5-speed automatic transmission.
Performance is a real strength for the Quest. It is part of the reason I really like this minivan. It looks different and by golly when you jump on the accelerator and steer through any number of suburban obstacles - it actually responds, not like a minivan, but like a fun-to-drive sedan.
A real bridge connecting the great-looking exterior style of my tester to the performance enhancing drivability were the optional 5-spoke aluminum alloy 19-inch wheels. Part of the Navigation and PAX Package ($3,000) which most notably included the in-dash Nav System and the upgraded Michelin PAX run-flat tire system. Yes, you heard it, run-flats on a minivan. If that's not thinking out of the box, then I don't know what is.
Inside the Quest you have, in my opinion, the most interesting interior space in any minivan. Let's start up front and move through to the third row. The first thing you will notice about the Quest is the amazingly open feel the cabin exhibits from front to back. The multi-tiered dash design is highly functional and the multi-tone color scheme accentuates that feeling. A sloping windshield means visibility is the best of any minivan out there.
Gauges in the dash are easy to read. Buttons and knobs are highly functional with everything at arms reach (or fingertips reach on the steering wheel). One big problem I had was the placement of the dash-mounted shifter. Every time I reached across to change the radio station I managed to catch a finger or my hand on the shifter. It is too bad because it is one of the really cool design elements that help define the interior space and maybe had I been driving the tester more than a week I might have gotten used to it.
The Quest had about the biggest and most comfortable driver and front passenger seats I can remember. These were like huge leather Lazy-Boy seats that were comfortably firm and flat, yet easily adjustable to improve individual driving needs.
My SL Premium Package ($4,050) was a hefty add-on price for the leather (heated) seating and leather appointments in the first and second rows. In addition, the package also included an amazing Bose audio upgrade system with sub woofer, DVD player with auxiliary inputs and remote for a big 8-inch overhead screen and wireless headphones. This is the package you cringe adding on, but if you have kids, just count on it paying for itself in one road trip.
Second-row seating is spacious. You have the option of declaring captain's chairs or a bench for the second row. My tester's captain's chairs were big and bountiful with comfort and legroom most ample.
Overhead, when the kids are not staring at the LCD movie screen, they will be drawn to the Skyview glass panels. Part of the Skyview Roof Package ($3,200), these glass panels run above the second and third rows on both sides of the center overhead console. They serve to open up an already-airy interior space and create another one-of-a-kind accent that the others just don't want to try. Also included in this package is a front power sunroof, a satellite radio system, Bluetooth capability, a 7-inch rear vision monitor and dual-zone climate control.
The Nissan Quest is not, thankfully, your mainstream minivan choice. It is, in fact, the most uniquely recognizable and the most-fun-to-drive minivan out there. Be brave and opt for something out of the box - try the Quest and you'll see what I mean.
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