2006 Nissan Quest Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A rearview TV camera and run-flat tires are newly available for Nissan's 2006 minivans. Quest offers four models: base 3.5, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL, and top-line 3.5 SE. All use a 240-hp V6 and automatic transmission--a 4-speed for base and S, a 5-speed for SL and SE. All come with front bucket seats only. Rear seating is optional via a package that adds two 2nd-row buckets and a 3rd-row bench for 7-passenger capacity. The bench folds into the floor. All but the base Quest have a standard power liftgate. S and SL include power operation for the right-side sliding door; SE powers both sliding doors. All models come with ABS and traction control. Also standard are curtain side airbags for all seating rows. Front side airbags, antiskid system, and rear obstacle detection are available. So are a navigation system, power-adjustable pedals, satellite radio, and rear DVD entertainment with one or two screens. Other options include leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Also available are Nissan's Skyview roof (consisting of four glass roof panels) and a full-length overhead console with air vents and reading lights. A TV camera that projects on a dashboard screen the view behind when backing up is available.

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 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan, and Honda Odyssey. Our Recommended pick is Toyota Sienna.

Kia Sedona is new or significantly redesigned.

News

Quest's daring 2004 redesign proved a tougher sell than Nissan expected. The freshened '07s address several issues, starting with a more-conventional dashboard with instruments moved from the center to dead-ahead of the driver. Other remedial measures include more-convenient 3rd-row seat folding, claimed improvements to sound insulation, and standard rear-obstacle detection, previously optional. The '07 Quests are on sale now. Prices are bumped up $150 from closing '06-model stickers.

2006 Nissan Quest Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Instrument layout

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

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

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.

Fuel Economy

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4.2

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.

Ride Quality

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5.8

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.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Quest is among the larger minivans, so it's less carlike to drive than some rivals, especially in tight spots. On the upside, steering is responsive and natural in feel, and Quest corners with good grip, modest body lean.

Quietness

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	5.7

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.

Controls

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	6

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.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6.7

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.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	6.8

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.

Cargo Room

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	10	9.9

Available flat-fold seats are handy, and Nissan says Quest will hold a 4x8-ft. 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).

Value within Class

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4	6.3

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.

Total Score

3.5 SL	3.5 SE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
58	56	60.3

Scores for all Minivans

Low Score		56
Average Score		60
High Score		71

2006 Nissan Quest Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/23/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.5 4-door van	$24,150	$22,335	$605

3.5 S Special Edition 4-door van	$25,450	$23,537	$605

3.5 SL 4-door van	$27,050	$24,734	$605

3.5 SE 4-door van	$33,650	$30,769	$605

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.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

3.5 S Special Edition adds to 3.5:

Safety

Rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Passenger-side power sliding door, power rear-quarter windows, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, power liftgate.

3.5 SL adds to 3.5 S Special Edition:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Alloy wheels.

3.5 SE 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 sliding door, tilt-down back-up aid mirrors, rearview camera, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, glass roof panels, full-length overhead console, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 225/60HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

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

Special Edition Pkg.
SL	$1,150	$998
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power driver-side door, rearview camera, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, puddle lights.

Leather/Bose Pkg.
SL	$2,500	$2,273
Front side airbags, leather upholstery, heated front seats, front-seat armrests, Bose sound system. Requires Special Edition Pkg.

Run-Flat Tire Pkg.
SL	$1,200	$1,041
SE	$850	$738
Antiskid system (SL), cargo organizer, 19-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tires. Requires rear-seat DVD entertainment system. SL requires Special Edition Pkg., Leather/Bose Pkg., navigation system, skyview roof. SE requires navigation system or satellite radio.

Towing Pkg.
3.5, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$560	$464


Safety
Front side airbags
SL	$250	$217


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SL, SE	$1,800	$1,561
Requires rear-seat DVD entertainment system, Run-Flat Tire Pkg. SL requires Special Edition Pkg., Leather/Bose Pkg., Skyview roof.

Single-screen rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
3.5, S, SL	$1,500	$1,301
SL requires Special Edition Pkg.

Dual-screen rear-seat DVD Entertainment system
SE	$1,900	$1,648


Satellite radio
SL, SE	$350	$304
SL requires Special Edition Pkg., Leather/Bose Pkg., skyview roof.

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

Automatic day/night rearview mirror
3.5, S	$203	$175
Universal garage-door opener, compass.

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


Cargo organizer
3.5, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$210	$147


Interior air filter
3.5, S, SL	$60	$36


Floormats
3.5, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$160	$119


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


Roof rack
3.5, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$240	$111


Mud guards
3.5, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$150	$113

2006 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.	71.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4040

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	148.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	42.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7

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	3/36,000	--

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

< 2006 Nissan Quest Photos

Also in the 2006 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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