1993-1998 Nissan Quest: Road Test

Quest is a carlike, luxury-oriented people mover that stresses comfort over hauling. As a result, the Quest has a low step-in height that allows easy entry and exit. It also provides a very comfortable driving position, good visibility, and an ample supply of cupholders and cubbies. Although the 3.0-liter engine is adequate, it can't quite match the muscle provided by the larger V6s in front-drive minivans from Ford, GM, and Chrysler. When loaded, maneuvers such as merging onto freeways or passing slower traffic cannot be accomplished with quite the same ease. But, compared with other minivans, body lean is quite modest. Actually, Quest handles with more poise than some regular passenger cars. Ride quality is commendable, too--absorbent, yet stable and comfortable at highway speeds. The suspension is firm enough to minimize bouncing on wavy roads, and it soaks up most bumps without breaking a sweat. On the negative side, wind and road noise are excessive at highway speeds. Front head room and leg room are both quite good, but only adequate for the middle- and rear-seat passengers. Stereo and climate controls are low on the dashboard and a long reach, hampered by small buttons. With all seats in their normal positions, the rear cargo area is tight. Trying to improve the Quest's hauling capacity requires removing the truly cumbersome center seats.

Value for the Money
Compared with other minivans, the Quest has less interior room. It also lacks many of the standard features found on its rivals. Nevertheless, it's a good choice if you need more than a midsize station wagon but don't need the interior space provided in one of the bigger minivans.