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Acceleration
"Among the faster minivans, with fine power off the line, good merging and passing
muscle. Midrange throttle response slightly quicker with 5-speed automatic transmission,
but performance otherwise similar with 4-speed. Maximum towing capacity is 3500
lb."
Value
"Quest gives up a little too much function in its quest to be stylish. It also
lags the top-rated minivans for refinement and workmanship, and gets quite pricey
with options. But it does carry seven in reasonable comfort, and delivers the
expected safety and convenience features. Slow sales should have dealers discounting."
Ride
"Absorbs bumps pretty well, but can pitch and bound over big moguls. The 3.5
SE's 17-inch tires ride more harshly over sharp ridges and ruts than the other
models' 16s. No opportunity to test with run-flat tires."
Economy
"Test 3.5 SL averaged 17.9 mpg, test 3.5 SE 18.4, both in city/highway driving.
Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for Quest."
Noise
"No undue road rumble, and engine is no louder than most rival V6s, but it does
sound coarser in rapid acceleration. More highway wind rush than expected, too. "
Comfort - Front
"Tall folks may need more seat travel, but get plenty of head room. All models
have height-adjustable driver seat, adjustable lumbar support. Adjustable pedals
a boon for shorter drivers. Step-in height a bit steep. Dashtop reflects badly
in windshield, and 3rd-row headrests block view aft. Good visibility otherwise."
Comfort - Rear
"Adult-sized room in 2nd, 3rd rows. Wide door openings ease entry/exit for 3rd
row, as do tilt-forward 2nd-row seats. Second-row seats slide fore/aft about
3 inches to increase 3rd-row room. Available Skyview roof, dual-screen entertainment
system, overhead console are nice touches."
Controls
"Dashboard sacrifices function for avant-garde styling. Main gauges are atop
center of dashboard. Design takes getting used to, makes small warning lights
hard to see, washes out in sunlight. Also odd is placement of audio and climate
controls on nearly horizontal surface atop a semicircular center-console column.
They're easy to reach, but many markings are too small. Navigation system absorbs
no audio or climate functions--a plus. Interior materials a mix of many colors,
textures; most are attractive, some look cut-rate."
Cargo Room
"Available flat-fold seats are handy, and Nissan says Quest will hold a 4x8 panel.
But 2nd row doesn't fold quite level with floor, and won't fold with headrests
attached unless front seats are well forward. Third-row folding also requires
removing headrests, and converting either row is clumsier than in most rivals.
Numerous interior storage cubbies, including dual under-dash trays and covered
bin ahead of driver (where gauges would normally be located)."
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