2004 Nissan Quest Minivan 3.5SL
All New and All Popular

Susan Frissell

Leave it to Nissan to introduce the all new and innovative. Once again, they’ve redesigned a popular model to be even better than its predecessor. On a roll these past couple of years, Nissan introduced an all-new Altima and Maxima, Pathfinder and now their popular minivan. Up for 2005 will be a redesigned Xterra and Q45. The Quest is the first of four new vehicles assembled at Nissan’s new $1.43 billion manufacturing facility in Canton, MS.

It may take some getting used to the Quest’s new styling. It seems bulbous at certain angles, but when executed together gives off a very upscale type of feel in a minivan. Our test vehicle came equipped with captain’s chairs in the second row seating and a bench in the third row.

Stepping in/out of the Quest one notices how close to the ground it is. This is welcome, particularly for those who are short

Some of what we didn’t like about the all-new Quest: The doors sound tinny, and reaching the sound system and HVAC controls can be difficult. The controls are hard to read at a glance because they are flat on the console.

We do, however, like the convenient, practical center console. It’s innovative and useful. It takes a little getting used to the center speedometer but once you do, it makes watching your speed effortless. The Quest has a very quiet cabin, at low and high speeds, the ride is smooth and it floats over bumps in the road, partly due to its four-wheel independent suspension. The seats are very supportive and firm, making for a comfortable ride over the long haul.

The Quest has sold well, no doubt due to its competitive pricing, creature comforts and new standard of styling. Larger than its predecessor, the third-generation Quest is built on Nissan’s FF-L platform used on the Altima, 2003 Murano and 2004 Maxima. One of the longest wheel bases in its class, the minivan offers second and third row flat folding seats. This is a God sent. For those who have owned a minivan from the past with seats that must be removed, and stored, this is one of the greatest inventions.

Both rows of seats fold into the floor and can ready at the flick of a switch.

One of the things Nissan thought long and hard about was the Quest’s interior. Fashioning it to resemble a very functional playing field, driver and passenger can easily turn around to face and take care of goings on in the second row of seats. Another innovation is the optional Skyview roof, a set of four panoramic glass roof panels for the second and third rows that add more light and individual venting in the back part of the van. There is also a front sunroof. Either one can be opened/closed for the passengers in back or front. Not everyone has to ride with the sunroof(s) open.

Safety, of course, is a high priority at Nissan and the Quest is far from an exception. Standard safety equipment includes a Zone Body Structure with front and rear crushable zones, the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System that uses a sensor for crash zones as well as sensing occupants and controlling front air bag deployment force. There are front seat supplemental side-impact air bags, halogen headlights, Traction Control System, ABS, energy-absorbing steering column, vehicle immobilizer system, child safety rear door locks, and 3-point seat belts and height adjustable head restraints. Our SL test vehicle came equipped with a Sensor-Type Tire Pressure Monitoring System and 3-row Head Curtain Supplemental Side Airbags.

Our test 2004 Quest 3.5SL came equipped with a few options, including a Seat Package (second row folding Captain’s Chairs w/easy entry, third row flat folding bench seat with grocery bag hooks, 3-point seat belts, lower anchors and tethers for children), $350; 3.5SL Upgrade Package (Supplemental front seat side-impact side air bags, heated front seats, rear sonar system), $750 and floor mats, $150.

Other goodies on the SL include power heated outside mirrors, roof rack side rails, power rear liftgate, power mirrors/ door locks/steering/seats, vehicle information center with trip computer, rear audio controls, AM/FM/CD with eight speakers, illuminated entry, tilt steering column, cell phone/PDA holder, rear heating and A/C System with rear controls, cruise, rear audio controls with wireless headphone capability

Power third row vent windows, headliner mounted rear vents, among other things.

Copyright 2004. Susan Frissell. WomenWithWheels.com. All Rights Reserved.