Nissan Quest
Overall Score - 7.2 (Good)
The Quest is noted for its unique style elements and quality V6 engine, but it does not have the comfort or reputation of other minivans. If you're in the market for a minivan with a solid reputation for reliability, consider the Toyota Sienna. If you want more traditional styling, look at the Honda Odyssey.
The Nissan Quest is regarded as a middle-of-the-road minivan. Although it provides commendable engine power and a striking design, it doesn't stand out for comfort or practicality like Honda's Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna. MarketWatch notes that "outside and in, it is not your aunt's [Ford] Econoline ... Take the kids to the soccer field in this, and they may well feel that mom is a pretty neat lady," while Edmunds reports the Quest "offers something we've previously referred to as the 'hip factor.' " However, USA TODAY explains that "Nissan has belatedly discovered that minivan buyers want conventional, not quirky."
As a result, for 2007 Nissan streamlined the more offbeat style elements to reveal a Quest "wearing a traditional tuxedo, or a tasteful black gown without the plunging neckline," according to the Sacramento Bee. However, Consumer Guide writes that "for better or worse, it's still not as mainstream a design as more popular rivals from Dodge, Honda, and Toyota."
The 2007 Nissan Quest is already more expensive than higher-ranked minivans, and considering second- and third-row seating is optional, reviews feel individuality hurts the minivan's overall value. Kelley Blue Book states: "For those of you believing the true cost of a car to be its purchase price minus its eventual value as a used car, it's worth noting that the Quest's resale won't be as high as that of a Honda or Toyota. Also, value-laden vans from Kia and Hyundai will be pushing Nissan from below." However, IntelliChoice gives the Quest a rating of "better than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The Quest is available in four trims, the 3.5, S, SL and SE, and shares a front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform with stablemates like Nissan's Altima, Maxima and Murano.
Quest Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The Nissan Quest's V6 engine and five-speed automatic combo is "one of the industry's best," according to Kelley Blue Book and others, but handling is regarded as merely adequate. continue
Quest Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Auto writers note that Nissan has toned down the 2007 Quest's unique exterior, but have mixed opinions on the changes. Kelley Blue Book says the Quest is "as far from the mainstream, minivan-wise, as Tiny Tim," but the Chicago Tribune finds the van only "as distinctive as a long bus." continue
Quest Interior - 7.4 (Good)
A redesign has made the Quest's interior more functional, thanks to Nissan moving the instrument panel from the center to "where God intended them to be, in front of the driver," as About.com states. However, the minivan's available seating for seven is still generally described as uncomfortable. continue
Quest Safety - 8.6 (Very Good)
Overall, the 2007 Quest garners high scores for safety in both government and insurance crash tests. continue
Quest Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Nissan Quest reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan offers competitive warranty coverage on all of its cars, including a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue
