2005 Nissan Quest Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A new base model makes 2005 news for Nissan's minivan. It's called the 3.5 model and it joins 3.5S, 3.5SL, and top-level 3.5SE versions. All have a 240-hp V6 and automatic transmission; a 4-speed on the 3.5 and 3.5S, a 5-speed on the others. Quests come with just two seats--a pair of front buckets. The optional Seat Package adds two 2nd-row buckets and a 3rd-row bench for 7-passenger capacity. The bench folds into the floor. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are standard on SE, optional on SL. All but the 3.5 have a power liftgate. The 3.5S and SL include power operation for the right-side sliding door; SE version powers both sliding doors. ABS, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor are standard. So are head-protecting curtain side airbags for all seating rows. Front side airbags and an antiskid system are available. An antitheft/alarm system is standard for '05. Satellite radio is a new option. Also available is rear DVD entertainment with one or two screens, a navigation system, rear obstacle detection, a full-length overhead console with air vents and reading lights, Nissan's Skyview roof (four glass roof panels), power-adjustable pedals, and power seat/pedal/mirror memory.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Long the choice as the family hauler, Minivans are easily the smartest use of space for passengers and cargo. These vehicles offer a fantastic blend of comfort, convenience, and safety features for the modern family.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Recommended picks are the Mazda MPV and Toyota Sienna.

News

Nissan execs have admitted that their latest minivan goes too far in styling and not far enough in other areas. Such candor is commendable, but it does nothing to change the fact that Quest has been a sales disappointment since its 2004 rebirth. And Nissan is stuck with this basic design for another four years or so. For these reasons, we wouldn't be surprised to see some corrective cosmetic surgery on the 2007 or '08 models. We also think Quest may get an engine transplant at some point, swapping its current 3.5 V6 for the huskier new 4.0 engine from Nissan's redesigned Frontier pickup and Pathfinder SUV.

2005 Nissan Quest Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Instrument layout

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	4.2

Among the faster minivans, with fine power off the line and 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.

Fuel Economy

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4

Test 3.5SL averaged 17.9 mpg, test 3.5SE 18.4, both in mixed city/highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.5

Absorbs bumps pretty well, but can pitch and bound over big moguls. The 3.5SE's 17-inch tires ride more harshly over sharp ridges and ruts than the other models' 16s.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.4

Quest is among the larger minivans, and its size makes it less carlike to drive than smaller rivals, especially in tight spots. On the upside, steering is responsive and natural in feel. In turns, grip is good, body lean modest.

Quietness

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	5.4

No undue road rumble, and engine isn't louder than most rival V6s, but does sound coarser in rapid acceleration. More highway wind rush than expected, too.

Controls

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	6.1

Dashboard sacrifices function for avant-garde styling. Gauges in center of dashboard rather than in front of driver makes the small warning lights hard to see, and subjects instruments to washing out in sunlight. Also odd is placement of audio and climate controls on a nearly horizontal surface atop a semicircular center-console column. They're easy to reach, but many markings are too small. Navigation system doesn't absorb any audio or climate functions--a plus. Interior materials are a mix of many colors and textures; most are attractive, but some look cut-rate.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Tall folks may need more seat travel, but get plenty of head room. All models have height-adjustable driver seat and 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, but visibility otherwise good.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.7

Adult-sized room in 2nd and 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 for increased 3rd-row room. Available Skyview roof, dual-screen entertainment system, and overhead console are nice touches.

Cargo Room

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	9	9.4

Available flat-fold seats are handy, and Nissan says a 4x8 panel fits with 2nd and 3rd rows stowed. 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 some rivals. Numerous interior storage cubbies, including covered bin ahead of driver (where gauges would normally be) and dual under-dash trays.

Value within Class

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4	5.8

Quest gives up a little too much function in its attempt to introduce high style to the minivan field. Refinement and workmanship lag behind the class leaders, and this Nissan gets pricey when options are added. On the upside, it does carry seven in reasonable comfort, and it delivers the expected safety and convenience features. Best of all, dealers should be discounting in light of weak sales.

Total Score

3.5SL	3.5SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
57	55	57.8

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		45
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2005 Nissan Quest Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/16/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.5 4-door van	$23,700	$21,919	$580

3.5S 4-door van	$24,900	$23,029	$580

3.5SL 4-door van	$26,600	$24,322	$580

3.5SE 4-door van	$32,600	$29,809	$580

Price note: All models require Seat Pkg.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

3.5

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front and rear air conditioning w/rear controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, cupholders, power mirrors, power front windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, variable-intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails, cornering lights, 225/65HR16 tires, wheel covers.

3.5S adds to 3.5:

Safety

Rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Passenger-side power door, power rear quarter windows, power liftgate.

3.5SL adds to 3.5 S:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, heated power mirrors, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

3.5SE adds to 3.5 SL:

Safety

Front side airbags, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), driver-side power door, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, glass roof panels, full-length overhead console.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, roof rack, 225/60HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Seat Pkg.
3.5, S, SL	$350	$322
SE	$750	$690
2nd-row fold-flat captain chairs, 3rd-row stowable bench seat.

SL Upgrade Pkg.
SL	$750	$651
Front side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front seats.

Leather/Bose Pkg.
SL	$2,200	$2,000
Leather upholstery, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Requires SL Upgrade Pkg.

Towing Pkg.
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$560	$473


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SL, SE	$2,000	$1,735
Requires Seat Pkg., DVD Entertainment Pkg. SL requires SL Upgrade Pkg., Leather/Bose Pkg., Skyview roof.

Single Screen DVD Entertainment Pkg.
3.5, S, SL	$1,500	$1,301
SL requires SL Upgrade Pkg.

Dual Screen DVD Entertainment Pkg.
SE	$1,900	$1,648


Satellite radio
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$400	$347


Skyview roof
SL	$1,500	$1,301
Glass roof panels, power sunroof. Requires SL Upgrade Pkg.

Cargo cover
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$60	$44


Cargo organizer
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$210	$150


Interior air filter
3.5, S, SL	$60	$42


Floormats
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$160	$120


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$560	$449


Mud guards
3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SE, 3.5SL	$150	$114

2005 Nissan Quest Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Quest 4-door van

Wheelbase, in.	124.0

Overall Length, in.	204.1

Overall Width, in.	77.6

Overall Height, in.	70.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4012

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	148.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.1

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	41.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	41.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	41.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	240 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	242 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	19/26

5-speed automatic	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Quest 4-door van

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	Optional/--	Extra charge Security Plus plan.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Nissan Quest Photos

Also in the 2005 Nissan Quest Review:

Nissan Quest

Nissan Quest Road Test

Nissan Quest Prices & Equipment

Nissan Quest Specs & Safety

Nissan Quest Photos

Nissan Quest Full Review

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