Teresa’s View

Sat., Nov. 18, 2006

Teresa Mccallion Marketing Department Columnist

The Nissan Quest isn’t your ordinary mommy-van. If it were to reflect a popular personality, it would probably be Madonna or Angelina Jolie — moms with an attitude.

It earned this distinction with a controversial makeover a couple of years ago. While endeavoring to step out of the proverbial minivan box, Quest designers instead got a lesson in pushing the limits of minivan style. This year’s midcycle touch-up is meant to correct some of the wilder interior design elements and, thus, is primarily limited to the cabin. The tree-stump-of-a-center stack that sat between the front seats was ditched in favor of a more typical design and all but the shifter were moved from the center of the dash back to more traditional locations.

The 2007 Quest comes in a choice of four trims including the 3.5 base, S, SL and top-of-the-line SE. Each trim gets the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 235 horsepower — plenty to get a full load of passengers and gear over the mountains and through the woods while going reasonably easy on the gas. EPA ratings for the Quest are 18 mpg city and 25 highway.

When minivans began to lose their appeal in favor of mammoth SUVs, minivan manufacturers began to compensate by loading their offerings with the beaucoup features, and the Quest is no different. The base model comes with dual sliding rear doors, cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows, mirrors and door locks. The standard audio system features eight speakers and steering-wheel controls. Top-end trims add cool features such as a back-up camera and a 265-watt, 10-speaker Bose audio system. Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 playback capability are new this year.

The trick here is to pick the options you can’t live without. Otherwise, that inexpensive minivan gets pricey awfully quick. Our 3.5 SL tester went from $27,500 to an eye-popping $34,015 with the options.

Safety is a minivan feature on which one cannot skimp. The Quest includes side curtain airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. However, stability control is only available on the top two trims and that’s a shame. Recent studies have shown the importance of stability control systems in preventing accidents. Still, the Quest scored a perfect five of five stars in government-sponsored crash tests.

What Is It?: The Nissan Quest is a four-door, compact minivan (is that redundant?) that seats up to seven. Prices start at just over $25K with destination charges.

Favorite Feature: The Skyview Glass-Paneled Roof Package ($3,200) replaces most of the roof with four, count ‘em, four sunroof panels. But wait. This option is only available on the top-level trim and only when also purchased with the $1,500 Entertainment Package.

Recommended Fuel: Premium. Ouch.

So, Where Are Ya From?: The Quest is assembled in Canton, Ohio.

Bottom Line: Even though the Quest is no longer as controversial as Madonna, it remains the most distinctive of the minivan genre.

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