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Comments
Steve, Host
It's a bit disturbing that the three models made in the new Canton factory seem to have QC issues that are dragging Nissan's standings to below average in the JD Power IQS ratings. (Business Week)
btw, after 2 Datsun wagons in the 80's, I'm driving a '99 Quest, so it's not like I'm not sympathetic to Nissan.
Steve, Host
Letters to the Editors
Steve, Host
In response to dealer feedback, Nissan has ... added an option for a sunroof-skylights combination in the Quest’s less expensive SL version and offered a new, darker interior in response to requests from customers with children.
Interior materials, styling, and even arrangement of controls to an extent are all matters of individual preference. My home is probably quite different than yours, the furniture, it's arrangement, the appliances, electronics, colors, textures materials, fixtures, decorations, etc. are in my opinion pleasant.
I understand that you and many other people don't care for the center console and feel it isn't functional. I like it and find it quite handy. I don't get all the talk of how difficult or time consuming it is to look at the gauges and dials, either you glance down in a conventional vehicle like my F-150 or you glance over in the Quest. I don't see one as really any better than the other. My eyes are of the road for the same amount of time in either vehicle. If anything I have better peripheral vision in the Quest while looking at speed due to its large, low windshield.
I agree that the Sienna will most likely appeal to a larger audience much like a traditional style home appeals to a most folks. It's proven, accepted, and familiar. The Sienna, Odyssey, and Quest are good vehicles. The Quest was the best for me. I researched, drove, picked, pried, thought for many months and always came back to the same conclusion. The preference for my situation, my planned use, my needs, wants, likes, taste, driving style, riding style, family style was always the Quest. I have had no problems with my SE, We really like it. Everyone who rides in it really likes it.
I really don't know why I'm writing this. I did my research, purchased the vehicle that was best for me and am very happy. I guess I hate to think of so many people being pushed away from the Quest by all the negative opinions posted here. Maybe others reading these post will realize that this is a small segment of people (look at the number of post, remember many are repetitive posters, think about how many vans are sold)who have their opinion, but each of us must take all this info with a grain of salt and then decide what is right for our personal situation.
I too find that most of the complaints on the Quest are based on matters of opinion. People need to test drive and research and see which one best fits their personal needs instead of just going along with the masses and picking whatever's popular.
I second that 'well said.'
I am a staunch Nissan owner, and actually put a deposit on an '04 Quest.. without ever even stepping foot into one.
I later took a test drive - and I loved the center console.. i loved everything about the car.
but unfortunatley, I also test drove the Sienna.
and my 'personal preferences' led me away from the Nissan.
both exceptional vehicles..
do you prefer chocolate or vanilla ?
Which is why I have alwys preferred cars that were not clones of everyone else.
First Year Probe LX (89)
First Year Merucry Capri XR2 (91), better performace ten a Miata plus a small rear 'seat', but lacked the ads. Ran for 11 years! before I sold it.
The Quest has some features that just couldn't be beat(for us):
1.We're tall and just felt too cramped in the Sienna, plenty of room to move around in the Quest.
2.We felt the seats were more comfortable, larger and the headrest much better than the built in type on the Sienna
3.Center counsel is more functional, we have no problem looking in the center and the passengers all like that they can see the displays as well.
So yes, it depends on what you're looking for and what's right for your family.I just suggest that you look at the Quest before you decide. You may be surprised.
For those of you that are happy with the Quest were there problem with the interior quality? Have you been to the dealership much? Did you buy with the thought that you would run it into the ground or that you might resell at some point? Have you owned a minivan before?
I have found it hard to rank the features of the 2 because we have never owned a minivan before so we don't know how we will "really" use it. I like what I see in the Quest but wonder if I really would appreciate the split 3rd row of the Sienna in the long run. We will have 2 kids and a dog in the back.
Anyhow, any positive initial quality confirmations/stories would be appreciated. We don't have any friends or family to ask and don't have Nissan experience.
Thanks!!!
This is our first minivan and first Nissan. We've had Toyotas before and we think the ride is a bit rough when compared to a Toyota. I know friends who've owned Nissans and they have no problem, concerns with reliability. I had test driven the Sienna and found it to be quiet, smooth and detached from the road, in true Toyota fashion. The Nissan on the other hand is a bit noisy but takes off like sporty sedan. I raced my wife today in my 270 hp 2004 TL and was pleasantly surprised it gave a spirited fight.
IMO, you won't go wrong with either minivans. We went with the Quest because we liked the styling and pricing better than the Sienna. Congratulations on your second baby :-)
That's another point that got me to buy the quest. Even if I end up with a few rattles, the thing does drive great as long as the engine last, which it should, I'll be happy.
I guess I can forgive a rattle or two since I've got two children in the car with two car seats, either a stroller or a double jogger and then some toys bouncing around. I guess after all that stuff I can't here a the rattles.
That said I love the car. We plan on keeping it 3-4 years then move to another vehicle and are not too worried about resale. Nissan's tend to do well. We have had several QX4's and needed bigger for our second as well. Overall I would not have gone any other way. I find Toyota's overpriced (purchase & service) and too complicated to but - read this as too many options.
The styling is what did it for me. I do not like to have a vehicle that looks like eeryone else's, plus I like the full fold down ability of the interior. I have put over 1000 lbs in the back and 11 foot long objects without trouble.
I have a question/situation to report to put out for anyone who wants to comment. I know Nissan is disappointed with the sales of the Quest but in the minivan segment, I can think of only one van that has gained in sales over the past 2 years and that is the new Sienna. Everyone else has dropped in numbers. Even Honda did not sell their expected 250k units last year. Each year, sales of minivans have dropped. They continue to lose out to the growing small SUV segment. And the growing number of mid-size SUVs. So did Nissan have too great of expectations based on the trend of the industry?
The exact same reason I purchased my SL and I have to say honestly I do not regret it. I fully intend to keep mine for a long time. I purchased the 7 year, 100000 extended warranty and unless something unusual happens, I will have it for at least 7 years.
I have had mine since 9/03 and have only less than 4,000 miles on it so I don't drive it that much. I bought a minivan because I'm old and find it difficult getting in and out of a regular car and I did not want an SUV.
I just love this Quest. I had some rattles in both sliders but that was fixed. It is really one of the best vehicles (so far) that I have ever owned. Except for the rattles and few other minor problems, I have not had to continually take it back to the shop to get things fixed like I had to do with others vehicles I have owned. Also, I do not yet have a single ding in it (wrapping on wood). When I go shopping or anywhere else I always park where nobody else parks.
I truly do enjoy owning and driving it. And, I look forwards to driving it the next day I have to go out.
We were also worried about the quality because the Quest always seems to get poor marks in this area. We have been happy so far with the quality and interior of the quest and actually are very please with the configuration and amount of interior room.
I'll have to say we don't miss or need the split bench in the rear. We have one child now and plan to have at least one more. There's always one parent sitting in the back. I love using the back seat now for kiddie needs and diaper changes and I would probably never fold it down anyway.I guess some like the split bench for moving items but that's why we have a truck.
I'm not sure about resale but didn't care since we will be keeping this van for a long while so we just went by which one we liked better. And I do LOVE the Quest and the way it drives. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it holds up over the long term but I can say I hope I don't have as many problems as my last volkswagon which I bought as a new model.
My head won out over my heart this time and we decided to purchase the Sienna. You can read all the gory details on the "Quest vs Sienna" board.
The Edmunds "long term review" was a scary read because we were looking at the SL with the 4 speed transmission.
In the final pricing we got the Sienna we wanted for only ~$1400 more so that didn't seem like enough of a savings to take a "risk" on the Quest.
Thanks to everyone for their insights and opinions.
Happy Driving!!!!
I drive a '01 Saab 9-3...my wife has gone from a '00 Volvo S40 to '03 Subaru Forester.... (we bought the Subaru to better suit our needs for our first child) With the birth of our second child, there was no way that I (6'1") was going to be comfortable on weekend driving trips... so logically we needed to trade in our Subaru for a SUV.
My first choice was the Mitsu Endeavor... but the boss (my wife) insisted on third row seats, so my next choice was the Mercury Mountainer (not that I loved it, but I thought it was the best out there w/ a third row)...though my wife felt that a bigger SUV would be nice...the bottom line was that it really wasn't going to make her day in, day out driving (with a newborn and 21/2 yr old) any easier... so I got over it (the "I'll never drive a mini-van thing") and turned my sights on the Quest.
Long story short- it was the ONLY minivan under consideration, and ONLY one I actually went to a dealer to see. Key selling points- exterior style (it doesn't look like a box on wheels, interior style (more in a minute), great engine, great details/features, and a good price for what you are getting.
So... after reading all the horrible reviews/ comments about the cylinder dash... the minute I first sat in the vehicle, I said to myself "why?"...there is nothing wrong with the styling/setup, it actually looks very nice, and I didn't find the controls out of reach (plus my wife likes the fact that she can see my speed, etc...from her chair) Are the controls difficult to use? Quite honestly....most people (including myself) won't have the need to use most of the buttons on a day in/ day out basis...for the controls you will use (ie..air/heat), they are big and clear. You've read about all the complaints about the "confusing and small" radio controls...they are on your steering wheel! Bad DVD location? It is fine....we only plan on using it on long trips anyway, plus how many times do you plan on switching your 1-2 hr DVD's? The color combo I got (Smoke, Beige Leather) looks great....I decided on an SL with all major options (DVD, Leather, Skyview, SL Upgrade package)- basically an SE w/out the following: 17" wheels, driver side power door, Bose stereo, 5 speed transmition, climate control)...for 2 grand more, these are nice, but not necessary.
Bottom line...we are a young family, plus (if I can be so honest) I am too vain to drive a minivan...if not for the styling of the Quest- I would have bought an SUV. Like I stated eariler...I drive a Saab 9-3, and love it! My next car?...a Saab 9-3! Why do I mention this? Because the Quest is like the Saab- different, out of the ordinary, quirky, stylish, and fun to drive...both are love it or leave it type of automobiles. Go read the Saab posts...they are as bad (if not worse than what I have read about the Quest)...and gets knocked for the same BS (confusing dash layout, cheap plastics, blah, blah, blah!)....then go talk to a Saab customer- those who drive one, buy one!
For most of you (esp. middle America)- go get your zero percent financing on your ugly American-boxy minivans...or go spend your $35k on the new T&C with the seats that drop to the floor (who the hell needs that?) and for the rest of you...take the conservative approach and buy the most highly rated one out there- the Toyota Sienna (good luck trying to understand trim levels/ options...and enjoy the premium price you are going to pay...close to 40k for a minivan? get a life!)...for the minority like me (who are into style, looks, features, and performance)...you'll love the Quest! Unless you can't live w/out Bose, auto climate control, 5-speed tranny, 17" wheels....get an SL w/ every major option, and put the 2k in your pocket (or buy something nice for your wife!)
Good luck with your research! Hope this helps!
Life is all about "risks"...but think the word is too strong when it comes to car buying...people take "risks" on the stock market, career changes, etc....you should have went with what you like, not the conservative approach w/ cost you $1400 more.
Regardless of my opinion (that's why there are so many choices out there)- enjoy your new car! I am sure that you made the right decision base upon your personality and needs.
1) Product mix- Nissan clearly misjudged how people would want this minivan equipped...my dealer told me that it was a major reason why there sales have been low- the top ends (SE's) would blow out once they hit the lot, and the base cars are just sitting....add to that some bad exterior colors that are discontinued already (including rouge interior)
2) Advertising- the car should not be targeted only for the new soccer mom...sounds like a good advertising strategy in a board room, but it turns off men (who don't like to admit that they drive a minivan)...
Are you around Hector? Congrats on the letter!
Steve, Host
I think the response you got says it all. It doesn't have the conservative style or interior that the editors liked but that's why I love it.
Quest S. I was told by my dealership that by adding leather it may affect the front passenger airbag sensor, they say that comes directly from Nissan. Any feedback appreciated.
And you were also right on the NEW GM vans. From the pictures in car magazines, they don't look too much different from the current ones. Couldn't be more plain looking. Why, just why we have the most talented people in America and they can't design beautiful automobiles like Nissan does?! I REALLY want to help Detroit with our money, but why do they make it so hard?
link
I don't know about the new Quest off-hand, but my '99 was designed in La Jolla.
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
When the Freestar should be introduced in 2000, it would maybe be a winner. When GM should redesign the minivans at that time, it would be good, too. But not for 2004-05.
I'm sure there will be a brand new minivan from all domestic makes in a few years, and they would all be great, but by then, Toyota and Nissan will also be ahead...
Until 2004 there was a different story with minivans. Let's go over, and try to imagine a customer who is looking for a full size minivan in, let's say, year 2001.
First, of course, is Toyota. He comes in the showroom, and is asking, "I know you have good reliable vehicles, so I need a full-size minivan"!
I'm sorry, but we only have small size vans! comes an answer.
So where are we going next? Yes, you got it: Honda. So he went to Honda dealer, and asked for a full size minivan.
"Do you know that demand is very big? You will pay $1000 over sticker! and besides that, you gotta wait about 6-7 months!"
So he went out the door, and left the salesperson talking to the wall.
Then we try Mazda - also small only; Nissan? Mercury? small only.
So the only choice left for the big 3. Chrysler was on top of the market, and so was Ford & GM.
Now it's a different story. Toyota's new Sienna beats them all. The new Quest is also brand new, and on the Altima platform, with excellent driving dynamics. Honda's Odysseys are now looking for customers and you get deals like never before.
So there is no need to go the big 3.
That's why the Freestar's sales are down that much. Sure, they tried to push in a fold flat third row seat, but, like mentioned above, it feels like first grade chairs. And Ford even states that it's designed for children.
So it's not a good time to compare models with a 10-year old platform, with much newer designs, newer engines, and better features.
Too bad Ford and GM. You're good but always behind.
Steve, Host
Styling is always subjective although I do think the DC vans are attractive on the outside. Inside they need some refreshening, nothing major. And a new engine and powertrain would help it even more.
Jackson Clarion Ledger
Steve, Host
Anybody have one? Or use this one?
I'm not sure how much we would use it, since we don't frequently drive to strange locations. We do, however, make a trip from TX to IL to PA every couple of years.
Do you find yours useful? Would you recommend it?
Just how much functionality do they lock-out while driving? This is the only thing that I hate about the factory systems. Whereas a portable unit the passenger can play with it without limits.
While the factory system is $2k, a Garmin SP2620 is under a $1k. Any advice? Thanks!
badgerfan: I live in West Michigan, and as such know many, many people who own domestic minivans. I honestly don't know a single person with a DC van who has not had some major catastrophe with it. My boss alone has had the tranny go, as well as the A/C within the first 2 years. My neighbor's tranny went awhile back. And these are newer 2000+ vehicles. No thanks. The fold-flat 2nd row looks cool, but getting stranded when you're a teenager and getting stranded when you're a father with a newborn in the car are two completely different things. Despite my bashing of the Freestar above, I'd trust it in lieu of a Caravan or Town & Country. The DC vans and the Kia are the only two minivans I wrote off without even going to look at them.
Although, if I HAD to buy a domestic minivan I'd buy one of the GMs. The crash test ratings and interiors are horrid (not to mention it's a technological antique.. fold-flat seats! surely you jest!), but people I know with them have had very good luck. My folks have 110k miles on their Montana, and besides an intake gasket it's all been normal maintenance.
That's really the rule I've found with GM cars in general - the interiors fall apart like they're made of toilet paper, they're not very fun to drive, but mechanically they're sound. My wife bought a new Cavalier in '98 and boy, driving that thing was medieval torture. But it never broke down or had anything but normal maintenance, which is all you can really ask of a GM econobox like that.
thanks,
Steve, Host