* Click HERE to see a video on the Nissan Quest *
A space shuttle on wheels
This minivan reminds so much of a space shuttle. Think about it: 7-passenger seating in this vehicle, 7 astronauts in a shuttle... the similarity scares the heck out of you, doesn't it?
Well, maybe not. Seriously, after 2 weeks at the helm of this Quest, it's rather its styling, inside and out, that's making me impersonate Neil Armstrong. Its look is distinct and resembles no other minivan on the market.
This Quest was our transportation device, for me and four colleagues, to get to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We drove nearly 2,000 kilometres aboard this Nissan. Let me tell you that this minivan accomplished its task admirably.
The sheetmetal has a sporty look, and we can immediately see its family resemblance with other Nissan products. The body panels have sharply-creased angles, the beltline ascends towards the rear, and the rear hatch has a pronounced inclination angle. I really like its modern styling, and the relative rarity Quests on the road assures us a certain exclusivity. Is there anything more boring than having the same car as all our neighbours?
Under the hood is Nissan's excellent 3.5-litre V6. Producing 240 horsepower in this application, it assures interesting acceleration and passing power. The Quest is rather fun to drive, and even enticed me to
drag race against a V6 Mustang. With 5 adults on board, as well as video and photographic equipment, suitcases and several big bags of press kits, we were nose to nose right up until the Mustang driver decided to perform a dangerous manoeuvre in order to pull away from us. We had a good laugh. And during our trip, we maintained a fuel economy average of 12.0 L/100 km, which is pretty good. Around the city, expect to consume about 14.0 L/100 km. Overall, if you've got to get rid of your sports car because you're starting a family, this Quest could be an interesting compromise.
Inside, the space shuttle theme continues. The instrument panel is futuristic, and includes a central console that looks like a cement pillar. The buttons located on this pillar are easy to reach, but the spring-loaded rotating dials to adjust the temperature are irritating to use; you have to keep them turned with your hand during several seconds in order to get the desired setting. The speedometer is perched in the middle of the instrument panel, and unlike what you might think, it's not aggravating at all. Right beside it, you'll find an LCD screen that displays the optional and useful navigation system. The trip computer also uses this screen, as well as the backup camera. Speaking of which, it is very practical in such a big vehicle, and it also displays guides to indicate the trajectory we're taking
while backing up. In addition, a warning beep goes off when we're about to hit an obstacle back there. As well, there are numerous storage spaces spread across the cabin, which is appreciated.
The leather seats in the 3.5 SE are big and don't look very comfortable, which is confirmed by our back. The human being has curve at the bottom of the spine, but these seats have this curve in the middle of the seatback. So, it's pretty hard to find a good driving position in order to confront long drives. To simply go to work or bringing the family to the shopping centre, it's not a problem, but when our nine-hour drive ended aboard the Quest, my back didn't speak to me for a few days.
A space shuttle on wheels
 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
Well, maybe not. Seriously, after 2 weeks at the helm of this Quest, it's rather its styling, inside and out, that's making me impersonate Neil Armstrong. Its look is distinct and resembles no other minivan on the market.
This Quest was our transportation device, for me and four colleagues, to get to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We drove nearly 2,000 kilometres aboard this Nissan. Let me tell you that this minivan accomplished its task admirably.
The sheetmetal has a sporty look, and we can immediately see its family resemblance with other Nissan products. The body panels have sharply-creased angles, the beltline ascends towards the rear, and the rear hatch has a pronounced inclination angle. I really like its modern styling, and the relative rarity Quests on the road assures us a certain exclusivity. Is there anything more boring than having the same car as all our neighbours?
Under the hood is Nissan's excellent 3.5-litre V6. Producing 240 horsepower in this application, it assures interesting acceleration and passing power. The Quest is rather fun to drive, and even enticed me to
 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
Inside, the space shuttle theme continues. The instrument panel is futuristic, and includes a central console that looks like a cement pillar. The buttons located on this pillar are easy to reach, but the spring-loaded rotating dials to adjust the temperature are irritating to use; you have to keep them turned with your hand during several seconds in order to get the desired setting. The speedometer is perched in the middle of the instrument panel, and unlike what you might think, it's not aggravating at all. Right beside it, you'll find an LCD screen that displays the optional and useful navigation system. The trip computer also uses this screen, as well as the backup camera. Speaking of which, it is very practical in such a big vehicle, and it also displays guides to indicate the trajectory we're taking
 |
| 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
The leather seats in the 3.5 SE are big and don't look very comfortable, which is confirmed by our back. The human being has curve at the bottom of the spine, but these seats have this curve in the middle of the seatback. So, it's pretty hard to find a good driving position in order to confront long drives. To simply go to work or bringing the family to the shopping centre, it's not a problem, but when our nine-hour drive ended aboard the Quest, my back didn't speak to me for a few days.