2008 Nissan Quest Review

The Quest is a minivan that debuted in 1993 and was designed in cooperation with Ford. The second generation debuted in 1999, with more power, and a sleeker style. It received a mild revision in 2001, and the third generation debuted in 2004, with a more aggressive look and styling. A mid-cycle update to the Quest's interior was made last year.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Nissan Quest is a daring, stylish minivan that you won't be embarrassed to drive. It offers plenty of room for passengers, and with its commitment to safety, you can rest easy carrying them. Overall, it's a well-priced minivan that has style as well as substance.

What's New For 2008:

The Quest is unchanged for 2007. Four trims are offered: Base, S, SL, and SE.

Request a free, no-obligation, new 2008 Nissan Quest price quote or choose any other model you're interested in and receive the Buying Advice Team's Insider Report for New Car Buyers.

Vital Stats

Starting MSRP:
$25,080

Rebates & Incentives:
yes

Seats:
2

Gas Mileage:
18/25

Engine:
3.5L V6

Horsepower:
235@5800RPM

Torque:
242@4400RPM

Transmission:
5 Speed Automatic

Drive:
FR/FWD

Fuel Capacity:
20

Fuel Type:
gasoline

Basic Warranty:
36/36000

Powertrain Warranty:
60/60000

Rust Warranty:
60/Unlimit

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power gives the Quest 2 stars for dependability. Problems with the last generation included clogged fuel injectors, engine misfire, heater core leaks, malfunctioning wipers and vehicle noise. It was recalled five times. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Quest earned 5 stars in government crash tests. In IIHS tests, it earned "Good" for the front and side, and "Poor" for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, front active head restraints, full side airbags, and traction control come standard. Stability control is standard on the SE, and available on the SL. Run-flat tires are optional on the SL and SE.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Stylish
+ Spacious
+ Solid safety

Cons
- Disappointing reliability
- Stability control limited to certain trims
- Still a minivan

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Honda Odyssey has slightly more power, but costs about $1,000 more and has less headroom. The Dodge Grand Caravan costs a couple thousand more and lacks standard traction control. The Toyota Sienna CE can tow more and has 30 more hp, but lacks traction control.

What Others Are Saying:

"It remains to been seen if the design of the Quest makes it an image-buster, but it's roomy and comfortable with plenty of safety and convenience features." - Chicago Sun-Times

"Daring styling, delightful driving, a few disappointing details." - USA TODAY

"If Nissan can hold the price on the new Quest, that should make it one of the more attractive minivans out there -- good news for all those moms who hold up Angelina Jolie as their role model." - The Detroit News

Read more about the 2008 Nissan Quest at the Nissan manufacturer web site.

Published on Saturday, February 23, 2008 - Email to a friend

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What do you think?

Road Test: Nissan Quest
Read User Comments

Nissan claims that the Quest is the most distinctive minivan on the market. The Quest was introduced in 1993 in collaboration with Ford. A second-generation Quest debuted in 1999 and ran through 2002. It was redesigned for 2004 with more expressive styling along with a host of innovative features and an improved driving performance. The 2007 Nissan Quest received an exterior update including a new grille and front bumper fascia.

Chosen Model Trim:

Trim choices for the Quest include the base 3.5 basing at $24,630, the 3.5S at $25,330, 3.5SL at $29,230, and the top of the line 3.5SE at $34,330. My tester was the 3.5SL stickered at $33,697. ABS, Traction Control, six airbags, and Tire Pressure monitoring comes standard. The S adds power lift-gate, power sliding side doors, rear quarter windows, and steering mounted audio controls. Eight way power seats, adjustable pedals, and the Homelink system comes on the SE. All that plus Vehicle Dynamic Control, leather seating, Bose audio system, and a SkyView glass paneled roof on the top of the line SE.

Exterior & Interior features/comforts:

In 2007, Nissan gave the Quest an exterior makeover that carries into 2008. Some exterior changes include a new grille, front bumper fascia, and redesigned rear combination taillights that add to the "distinctive" look. New 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels and side sills are also added to the 3.5 SE. The interior is fitted with a redesigned instrument panel that includes gauges directly in front of the driver. But the first thing that struck me was the center console and how it reminded me of the "piano dash" in the Infiniti. It's a feature that makes using the controls easy because everything is at your fingertips. There is also a new third-row fold-flat seat design with integrated auto-folding head restraints and spring assist for easier operation.

Driving Experience:

Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with 235 horsepower, the Quest is no rabbit. With 242 lb-ft of torque, the Quest accelerates adequately and performs well at highway speeds. Steering is quick and I was surprised on how stable this mini-van felt taking corners. Quest's traction and braking technologies, as well as Traction Control System (which are standard on the SE) responded quickly and add to driver confidence. 4-wheel ABS combined with Electronic Brake force Distribution, EBD, and Brake Assist help provide for maximum braking.

Summary and My Opinion:

I think the Nissan Quest is a love it or hate it design, but it's a solid performer with lots of function with interesting form.

User Comments

2008 Nissan Quest Review discusses a stylish minivan.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

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2008 Nissan Quest Review