Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE minivan. Not the prettiest girl at the prom but I don’t agree with Merkel that she is flat ugly.
I was a little put off by the jerky throttle and by weeks end I got a bit more accustomed to it. I wish they’d have done better with that. In fact don’t understand what manufactures failed to ask the press to drive cars before they are manufactured for sale.
General Info:
Parts – n/a
Assembly – Canton, OH USA
Class: – Mini Van
Cars: – 350Z, Altima, Altima Hybird, Armada, Frontier, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Rogue, Sentra, Titan, Versa & Xterra.
It is my understanding from posted signs that the diamond lane applies at specified times of the day only, on some freeways around the state of California. For example on California 14 the diamond lane applies 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Therefore, it is logical that drivers may cross over the double yellow line, as they routinely do, to and from that lane when it is no longer a diamond lane. I wonder if those of us who do interpret the intent of the diamond lane are alone in this belief. What’s your opinion?
Handling & Performance:
The Quest handled the Crest (Angeles Crest Highway) in style. It is impressive at only 235 horsepower. Surely it kept up with the craziest of those selecting that mountainous passage from the desert to the Los Angeles basin as a commuter route.
Styling:
As I said above my design engineer friend feels it is “Ugly” and I don’t buy that. A Scion is what I call Ugly.
Fit and Finish:
Very good (8 out of 10).
Cost:
Considering the vast amount of features that are standard the price of admission starts to look pretty reasonable. The options however add over $2,100 so you’ll push this MSRP up to about $36,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
If you go for the options the major cost adjustment is for the entertainment system that is almost a necessity for the family in my opinion.
Recognized Competition:
Nissan Quest $24-34,000, Buick Terraza $27-31,000, Mercury Monterey $28,595, Ford Freestar $20-30,000, Chrysler Town & Country $23-36,000, Dodge Grand Caravan $22-27,000, Chevrolet Uplander $22-29,000, Toyota Sienna $24-38,000, Hyundai Entourage $24-30,000, Honda Odyssey $26-41,000, Kia Sedona $21-26,000.
Good News:
Lots of Standard Stuff, good driving experience, great family vehicle.
Bad News:
Only Fair fuel economy, Consumer Reports says it has reliability problems.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 235 hp V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel ABS brake assist / brake force distribution braking system, power assisted steering, independent strut front and multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, 17” alloy wheels, auto halogen headlights with cornering lights, rear bumper step pad, dual power mirrors, dual power sliding doors, power rear liftgate, solar glass, rear privacy glass, variable intermittent wipers, rear window defroster and wiper, roof rack, rear sonar system, fog lights, 8-way power driver and 4-way power heated front passenger seats, leather trimmed interior, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, XM Satellite radio with 10 speaker Bose audio, CD6 with MP3 CD-ROM playback, rear audio controls, audio aux., input jack, dual-zone auto temp control, rear heating & A/C rear controls, cruise control with steering wheel controls, power windows & locks, rear vent windows, remote keyless entry, 2nd & 3rd row reading lights, 10 beverage holders, front row folding center tray, tilt steering column, power adjustable pedals, rear view monitor 7” color screen, Bluetooth hands free phone system, full length overhead console, power moonroof with sky view glass panels, advanced air bag system, front side supplemental air bags, roof mounted curtain side air bags, tire pressure monitoring system, lower anchors and tethers for children and safety locks, engine immobilizer, vehicle security, vehicle dynamic control and traction control.
Options: dual screen DVD system with wireless headphones, remote control and rear audio controls – ($2,150.)
$2.93/ Gal avg. Feb 4, ‘07
for more information.
16 City and 24 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $34,330.
