2007 Nissan Quest

When an automaker makes a mistake with a new model, it's not always admitted. Nissan has taken the tell-all route with its Quest minivan, whose sales have scored feebly compared to expectations when it debuted as a 2004 model. Although the exterior was "generally well received," according to senior marketing manager Kelly Hamilton, the distinctive interior soon came to be seen as "polarizing." Nissan promoted the 2004 Quest with an "urban loft" theme, branding it "funky" compared to other minivans on the market. Yet, the center-mounted instrument panel, in particular, appeared to turn customers away.

Styling

For 2007, then, Nissan has made some extensive modifications to the Quest, most of them internal. The company also has established a "major quality initiative," Hamilton said, promising a "refined, more inviting modern configuration [and a] warmer, more welcoming feel."


Externally, the changes amount to a "tasteful" but relatively minor freshening—far short of a redesign. A reworked grille contains chrome inserts, and the front bumper fascia is more angular. Door handles are now chromed rather than body-colored, and a more angular, chrome-finished roof rack is installed. Side sills are newly standard on SE models. Restyled 16- and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are mounted on SL and SE minivans. Nissan again promotes the "bold exterior styling" of the Quest, which continues to evade the familiar boxy minivan profile.


Inside, the most important revision in a long list of changes involves the instrument panel, which has been relocated to the traditional position ahead of the driver rather than at the center. Instruments are said to be sports car-inspired. Intended to be more "user-friendly" this time, the center stack has a more integrated appearance. The gearshift lever is now positioned at the center of the instrument panel. All models have steering-wheel audio switches.

Interior

Instruments are indeed conventional now—far easier to read than the previous center-mounted gauges, yet at least somewhat distinctive. A center panel with a display screen provides useful information, but can be rather annoying because it looks like it should slide up/down. As promised, the high-up center console (if installed) is more integrated.