U.S. minivan sales have fallen since 2000 as consumers have embraced SUVs and crossovers. Minivan sales peaked at 1.37 million units in 2000, but will barely reach 500,000 this year.
While minivans have a certain “mom-mobile” stigma about them that turns off some consumers, they still offer the best solution for hauling a big family.
For 2011, other Quest competitors include the always strong Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, the continuation of the line that re-invented the minivan in the mid-1980s.
There are two South Korean entries, as well — the Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona, both of which are strong competitors. Also available is the Volkswagen Routan, which is based on the Dodge/Chrysler models and built by Chrysler.
The new Quest is considerably different from its predecessor. The exterior is long and boxy, similar to the shape of the Flex. Inside, the changes have made it much more family-friendly, and a worthy adversary to the segment-leading Odyssey.
For 2011, Quest prices begin at $27,750 (plus $800 freight) for the base S model and range as high as $41,350 for the top-of-the-line LE version, which comes with such amenities as an in-dash navigation system, 13-speaker Bose audio system and a rear DVD entertainment center.
In between, the SV model lists for $30,900 and the SL for $34,350. SL and LE models come with leather interior and a power rear hatch, while the S and SV versions have cloth seats.
All but the S model have one-touch power-sliding rear passenger doors, and there is a three-zone automatic climate control system on the SV, SL and LE models as well. The S model has a manual climate system.
Nissan’s Intelligent Key system is standard on all models; it includes push-button start.
Under the hood of all Quest versions is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 260 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission. The new Quest is EPA rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Front-wheel drive is standard.
The engine and transmission are based on the drivetrain of the Nissan Altima and Maxima sedans and Murano midsize crossover, all of which, like the Quest, are built on Nissan’s “D” chassis, which made its debut for 2008 on the Altima.
The Quest has room for seven people, with dual captain’s chairs in the first and second rows and a 60/40-split bench seat in the third row. There is a spacious cargo area behind the third row.
There is a deep hidden storage well behind the third row that allows items to be kept out of sight.
To accommodate even more cargo, both the second and third rows can be folded completely into the floor to create a flat load space from just behind the front seats all the way to the tailgate.
The base S model doesn’t have the power doors and many other premium amenities of the more expensive trim levels, but it’s not stripped-down, either.
Standard S features include 16-inch steel wheels with full covers; a rear roof spoiler; a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat; front-door map pockets; wood-tone trim on the instrument panel, front doors and sliding-door window switches; the fold-flat second and third seats; center consoles with cup holders in the front and second row; the Intelligent Key system; and an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers and a six-disc CD changer.
Moving up to the SV model brings the power sliding doors, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the three-zone automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, six speakers, fog lights, a conversation mirror, a 4.3-inch color audio display in the dash, a USB port with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth phone system with steering wheel controls, a rearview camera system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
With the SL, most of the SV amenities are included, along with leather seats and door trim; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; power liftgate; eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat; heated front seats; universal garage opener; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; roof rails; automatic headlights; leather-wrapped shift knob; quick-release, fold-flat third seat; and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.
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