Nissan has toned down the futuristic styling of its Quest, a Space Age design that tried to go where no other minivan had gone before.
Actually, it reminds me of when General Motors adopted a wild and wedgy look for its divisions’ minivans in the 1990s, which resulted in unfortunate but inevitable comparisons to Dust Busters.
Quest was pretty far out when it arrived as a redesigned 2004 model, with a swooping body style and Star Trek dashboard. The idea was to make domesticated minivans seem cool again.
Well, maybe a little too cool, Nissan design director Shiro Nakamura acknowledged after witnessing Quest’s ensuing sales slump. “The Quest needs to have more warmth.”
Revamped for 2007, Quest retains its distinctive shape, although with slightly more subdued grille and trim. The interior is where the big changes were made, especially the removal of a center-mounted “tower” gauge cluster that seemed more architectural than automotive.
Now, Quest drivers are treated to a traditional view of the gauges, right in front of them, with the controls and switchgear changed back to standard practice.
Otherwise, Quest continues as a nice-driving minivan with plenty of admirable features and few complaints. Power, ride and handling are above reproach, and the little people in the back seats also should find plenty to appreciate. The test Quest was fitted with optional flat-folding middle and rear seats that create a broad cargo area.
As for softening the restyle, at least Nissan took a chance with its erstwhile Quest concept rather than just following the design herd.
The lesson, though, could be that minivan owners are a conservative breed who tend to be more practical than adventurous.
Vehicle type: Seven-passenger minivan, front-wheel drive.
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 235 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, 240 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Transmission: Five-speed automatic.
Wheelbase: 124 inches.
Overall length: 204.1 inches.
Curb weight: 4,489 pounds.
EPA rating: 16 city, 24 highway.
HIGHS: Improved interior, engine refinement, distinctive styling.
LOWS: Wind roar, abrupt throttle response, mushy seats.
THE LOWDOWN
PERFORMANCE: Nissan’s ubiquitous 3.5-liter V-6, a version of the strong and free-revving engine found in the 350Z sports car, performs well. Although, with a full load of people and gear added to the 2-and-a-quarter-ton minivan, the 235 horsepower might feel scant.
Nissan boasts that the throttle and transmission have been recalibrated to give a boost in power off the line, but I found the initial throttle input to be harshly abrupt.
Fuel mileage is fair, about average for this class of heavy people movers.
DRIVABILITY: Quest’s firm suspension is a welcome change from the soft and wallowing ride of some competitors’ minivans. The Nissan handles predictably with good steering response while maintaining a cushioning ride.
The top-drawer SE test model came with a grocery list of safety, drivability and convenience features, including full side-impact air bags; four-wheel disc brakes with antilock and force distribution; electronic stability control; traction control; full power features; reading lights; and 10 cupholders.
STYLING: The polarizing design is a more flowing variation on the basic-box minivan.
INTERIOR: A more restrained driving environment that should be welcomed by those who hated the futuristic interior of the last Quest. The seats are comfortable but not very supportive, and the test car roared with wind noise at highway speeds.
BOTTOM LINE: The base-model Quest can be had for just over $24,000, though I thought the nearly $40,000 price tag on the fully- loaded test van was pretty steep.
Base price: $34,330.
Price as tested: $39,860.
OPTIONS
DVD entertainment system, $2,150.
Navigation, $1,600.
Fold-away seats, $750.
Floor mats, $165.
Splash guards, $160.
Shipping, $705.
