Anything but typical

Minivans don’t have it easy. They’re the Rodney Dangerfield of the auto world. They just don’t get much respect — at least, that is, from onlookers who have never experienced a minivan.

We believe these naysayers would be singing a different tune, if they ever pushed back those big, sliding rear doors, climbed in and discover the secret that has yet to make it to the mass market: minivans are awesome. Yes, you read correctly. And during the next few months we’re going to show you why, as we review our top three favorites: Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and this week’s vehicle: Nissan Quest.

Now, we’re not going to try and convince you that a minivan is something else. It hasn’t the sportiness of the Mazda RX8 or the ruggedness of the FordF150, nor is it as hip as the Cadillac Escalade. But, what it does, it does better than any other vehicle: toting families and their stuff in and out of town. It’s functional, practical and highly efficient. It’s the Swiss Army knife of the auto world. And, if you’re stuck in traffic on the interstate with three kids, it’s the vehicle you want to have.

Driving impressions
Most minivan reviews would probably jump right into listing all of the kid friendly gizmos, and sure, we’ll cover those, but what first caught our attention during our time behind the wheel of the Nissan Quest was how it handled.

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Quest produced 240 of some of the smoothest horses in the minivan world. On the highway, it had a kick to it that allowed us to pass and merge with ease. The steering was responsive and stiff. The body didn’t feel top-heavy or wobbly. In fact, it felt solid, which made us confident taking tight corners (not that you’re likely to whip around s-curves with three little ones in the backseat, but nevertheless).

The Quest is available in three trims: S, SL and SE. Both the S and SL come standard with a 4-speed automatic transmission and 16-inch wheels; the SE has a five-speed automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels. If you were looking for optimal driving performance we would recommend the SE. It’s five-speed changes the way in which power is delivered (versus the four-speed) and enhances the Quest’s responsiveness.

Beam me up Scotty
We knew there was something vaguely familiar about the Quest’s instrument panel when first saw it. With its center-mounted radio and climate control cluster and 6.3-inch information display screen, this circular dash, which juts out at a 45-degree angle, looks like it was taken from the set of Star Trek. Whether or not this space age design is appealing depends upon your personal preference, but what we think everyone would agree upon is the simplicity with which all of its systems can be operated. The knobs are big and easily matched to their function. There’s no second-guessing or referencing the owner’s manual. The dash may look like the Star Ship Enterprise, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to operate it.

Our only quip with the Quest’s futuristic interior would be the location of the speedometer. Instead of having it mounted in front of the driver, it has been moved to the right and sits above the instrument panel. Several manufacturers have done this (such as, the Saturn Ion and Mini Cooper). However, in our opinion, some things are best left unmoved. First, it was not intuitive. We kept glancing up and then over. Second, the steering wheel is harder to see at night. It’s amazing how much the gauge illumination lights the steering wheel.

Kid gizmos, gadgets & features
When it comes to minivans, kid-friendliness matters. You need wide, retractable doors (preferably powered); more cupholders than passengers; lots of 12-volt outlets for Game Boys; and equal window, sunroof and seat room for everyone. The Nissan Quest delivers all of this and more.

There’s seating for seven, with captain chairs in the front and second row and a three-person bench in the third; eight cupholders are interspersed throughout the cabin with a couple of bottle holders in the rear doors for really thirsty kids; numerous cubby holes can be found behind, beside and in-between seats; there’s a purse hook, grocery bag hooks and dry cleaning hooks; and you’ll find four 12-volt power outlets for cell phones, laptops and anything else.

Optional goodies include a rear DVD entertainment system with 10-speaker Bose audio system and two flip-down monitors; an Igloo cooler that keeps 24 12-ounce cans cold (without ice); and dual media playback, which allows front and rear passengers to listen to two separate CDs at the same time via wireless headphones.

The list gets even better if you opt for the top-of-the-line SE model where there’s a skyview glass paneled roof, powered rear sliding doors and liftgate, rear sonar system (so you don’t run over any bikes when backing out of the driveway) and second and third row reading lights.

Of course, the kids can’t have all of the fun. For the driver, adjustable pedals, 8-way power seat with lumbar, heated seats, leather upholstery and satellite radio are available.

•••

The Nissan Quest is a strong contender in the minivan market. With its avant-garde interior, responsive handling and plethora of kid gadgets, we would recommend adding it to your list of test drives.

Copyright (c) 2004, Michele Brooke

Standard Equipment
(partial list)

• 4-speed automatic transmission

• Privacy glass

• Roof rack

• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes

• 4-wheel ABS

• Emergency braking assist

• Traction control

• Front, rear and third row head airbags

• Automatic headlamps

• Tire pressure monitoring

• Cornering lights

• Power windows, mirrors & door locks

• Cruise control

• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

• Front and rear air conditioning

• AM/FM in-dash single CD player stereo with 8 speakers

SL models also include:
(partial list)

• Alloy wheels

• Power sliding side door

• Rear power liftgate door

• 8-way power driver seat

• Height adjustable pedals

• Overhead console with storage

• Universal remote transmitter for garage door

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Rear volume controls for audio system

SE models also include:
(partial list)

• 5-speed automatic transmission

• Dual power sliding side doors

• Stability control

• Power glass sunroof

• Fixed glass rear sunroof

• Power opening rear quarter windows

• Dual front side-mounted airbags

• Rear parking sensors

• Leather upholstery

• Driver seat memory

• 4-way power passenger seat

• Heated driver and front passenger seats

• Heated mirrors

• Dual zone front climate control with rear air

• Bose premium brand in-dash 6 CD stereo system with 10 speakers

Major Available Options
(depends on model)

• Navigation System

• DVD Entertainment System
• Running Boards
• Sirius or XM Satellite Radio
• Tow Package
• Rear parking sensors
• Leather upholstery
• Skyview Roof
• 6-Disc In-Dash CD

For more information on the Quest, visit Nissandriven.com

Copyright ©  2004, SmartTrac Computer Systems, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.