Nissan Quest 2004+

sequoiasaurus · January 2003

New Quest is set to debut at 1:40pm Sun Jan 5th. Can't find a live feed but photos should be up within the hour of announcement at www.wieck.com and www.carpoint.com

raychuang00 · January 2003

Here's a source of official pictures of the 2004 Nissan Quest:

http://www.autonews.com/files/2003_detroit/03detroitshowart/Nissan/Quest/

This has got to be one of the MOST radically-styled minivans I've ever seen. From some angles, the 2004 Quest reminds me a lot of the current Renault Espace model sold in Europe.

But that interior! (eek) It's going to take some serious getting used to for that instrument panel, to say the least. I do like the roof accessories, especially what looks like two fold-down LCD TV panels.

stever · January 2003

Edmunds has a blurb from the auto show here.

Steve, Host

taterheart · January 2003

With each seating position getting it's own light and air vent. It looks like each rear position gets it's own sunroof too.

dplachta · January 2003

Any info on the new Quest dimensions? Specifically the width and length. Looks like lots of room inside.

Also, can you get the 3rd row seats in a bench to seat 7?

Sure doesn't look like the 2nd row seats fold flat. I'm curious how they do that.

Love the sunroofs. The dashboard is really something--more like a piece of art that a dashboard.

crv16 · January 2003

All I can say is that Honda and Toyota have nothing to worry about. Ugh.

http://www.honda-acura.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43163

kklotz · January 2003

Here's an "official" link to the 2004 Quest pictures and more information:

http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/FutureModelHomePage/0,,24365,00.html

diploid · January 2003

Oh boy does that dash look bad.

couimet · January 2003

6 or 7 seats? The rear view shots in the Nissan future web site suggest 7 with 3 headrests in the back row.

The instrument panel in the center? strange.

Gear shift location a little strange too.

But an interesting vehicle worth looking at.

They also claim more interior space than any other minivan, suggesting larger than the Odyssey.

stever · January 2003

Nice "sky lights." I don't think I like the front end much judging just by the photos. Prefer the Sienna, which really looks like a DC. Interesting that neither the Sienna or Quest can hide the sliding door tracks like DC can.

Don't see the "cover" for the passenger air bag in the pics either (mine's rattling on the '99 so I'm fixated on them lately).

Steve, Host

dhoff · January 2003

I'm REALLY not a fan of the center mounted instrument panel. Didn't like it in the Toyota Echo or the Saturn Ion, and I don't like it here.

I'll have to see it in person, the styling and seating flexibility does look good. And you gotta love the VQ engine.

Bottom line, when we replace our 99 Quest, I'll most likely look closer at the Odyssey & new Sienna. But that won't be for a while... the Quest is still running great.

Dave

pda97 · January 2003

Can anyone confirm if the new Quest is a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle ? The Nissan website doesn't say anything. If it can only seat 6, then I'll put my deposit down on the new Sienna.

dplachta · January 2003

Photos from the North American Auto Show reveal that the rear most seat is a bench. Given the wide berth of this vehicle, comprable to the Caravan and new Sienna, it will undoubtably fit 3, for a total of 7.

dplachta · January 2003

The picture shows it folding as a one piece bench, not split like the Toyota. Look at the Detroit News article to see it in action.

http://www.detnews.com/2003/autoshow/0301/07/c01-53859.htm

raychuang00 · January 2003

I think one thing we might see on the new Nissan Quest minivan within two years is the possibility of a CVT automatic transmission.

Since the Quest is very closely related to the Murano (which has the same engine as the Quest in a slightly more powerful form and uses the JATCO-manufactured "Xtronic" CVT automatic), it's a natural that the Quest--along with the Altima--could get the Xtronic CVT option within two years. I think Nissan is limiting the Xtronic CVT to the Murano for now in order to carefully monitor the reliability of the new transmission before putting it in their other models.

mateyo · January 2003

If this is actually a Renault design, badged as a Nissan? It is far too radical for the American market. The front end is almost identical to the Renault vel Satis, and the rest of it is just too "different" to have come out of the Nissan studios. If Renault introduces a new Espace and it looks like this, we'll have the answer.

vtec2 · January 2003

I just read some info on the new Quest at www.nissannews.com and they say it was developed, styled, and engineered in North America. It was designed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) and will be built in Canton, MS.

Nissannews also has better pictures.

stever · January 2003

Nissan Design America is based in San Diego (La Jolla).

Steve, Host

mikenmar · January 2003

Does anyone know if the 2004 will have AWD or 4WD?
Thanks

pda97 · January 2003

This forum doesn't seem to generate as much traffic as the Sienna forum. Is it safe to say that the new Quest is already a "loser" compared to the competition ? Personally, as an owner of a 99 GXE, I was looking fwd to see what Nissan has up its sleeve. Now that I've seen the new Quest, I have to admit, this could be another case where a manufacturer "tried too hard". The new Quest is odd looking at certain angles. It actually tapers from front to back. And I still don't know if this thing is a 6 or 7 passenger van. Rebates anyone ???

dplachta · January 2003

I noticed that, too. I suspect it is because this vehicle is farther off in the future. I like the looks, esp. the interior dashboard. Very interesting--more like a piece of art than a car dash.

Besides the dash, I'm not sure what's to get excited about. The car's a ways off. No test drive info. All we have is some details from Nissan. The Toyota is coming in a month or two and could probably be ordered now. That is more exciting.

pbedrosi · January 2003

It seems that most Sienna posts (interest as you call it) is coming from Canadians. I believe Toyota sells far more Siennas in Canada than Nissan Quests. Well, that's not much of point since it's the same case in the US.

Anyhow, I saw the showcar at Detroit and it has seating for 7 passengers and fold flat 2nd row seats (along with fold flat 3rd row seat. It looks to have more interior room than the new Sienna and the Odyssey. Wheelbase and overall length is definitely longer.

The new Sienna (fwd version) still uses beam rear axle suspension and rear drum brakes. Quest has independent multi-link rear suspension with vented front and vented rear discs std.

It will be interesting to see a 3-way shootout between the new Quest, new Sienna and the current champ, Odyssey.

deepan · January 2003

US counterparts when comparing per capita. (i remember reading this somewhere). Nissan IMHO does a lousy job of advertising. Early 90's when infinity and lexus entered the markets the marketing folks at nissan couldnt keep up with lexus. Also the resale values of nissan doesnt hold as well as Toyota or honda. I used to own a maxima. own a sienna now. There seems to be a turnaround lately but it will take time.

stever · January 2003

I suspect many Canadians will be interested in the AWD Sienna option too.

Steve, Host

sequoiasaurus · January 2003

I've posted some new photos from Detroit.

http://homepage.mac.com/jbowell/PhotoAlbum20.html

Comparison's to Quest are almost impossible b/c Nissan's turntable was broke and power to the new Quest was none. They could only open doors and fold seats. The were no spot lights either. Last weekend the table broke and caused quite a scare. Or at least that's what they are saying.

a_l_hubcaps · January 2003

I'm back in college after winter break, and I was enjoying my high-speed connection to look at some hi-res pics of the future Nissans. I took a look at this pic of the 2004 Quest (WARNING: Very large file!):

http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2004/quest/colour/0720- 04questshowcar.jpg

Now, I am not usually a real stickler for body panel gaps. After all, I drive a GM car :-) But some of the misalignments on this van are just unbelievable. Take a look at where the 2 rub strips meet on the doors, or the "four corners" intersection of the left taillight, gate glass, gate panel and D-pillar. Those are like Yugo levels of panel alignment. I know this is a pre-production vehicle, but one would think that Nissan would make sure the body was put together properly before posting close-up photos!

-Andrew L

sequoiasaurus · January 2003

Check out the first picture in my photo album from the Detroit show.

The picture shows the passenger sliding door touching the rear side of the vehicle. The product specialist refused to shut the door when I asked because "there is no power" . I knew that was a lie!

jchan2 · January 2003

Any pricing on the Quest yet? Will it be in Chicago?

shued · January 2003

Because New Toyota Minivan has 8 seat configuration, do you think will do that too?

wholigan · January 2003

But I have to ask the question...

For those that have seen me post before, disregard the following statement. As the (not so proud) owner of a 1995 Ford Windstar, I will go to great lengths to avoid providing my hard earned money to FMC. There are far too many comparable (and in most cases better) options - especially in the minivan market. Having said that...

Will this minivan, the all new Nissan Quest, be built with ANY parts provided by the Ford Motor Company? Will there be an all new Mercury Villager that looks suspiciously like the Quest? For my money, this is a make or break decision - The established Ody and the all new Sienna can easily fulfill my needs, however, it is always good to have options.

a_l_hubcaps · January 2003

wholigan-

No, the next Mercury Villager (which will be called Monterrey) will be a Windstar clone. As far as I know, Nissan has little or nothing to do with Ford anymore.

-Andrew L

stever · January 2003

I wonder if we'll be complaining about Renault switches in a year or two? :-)

Steve, Host

jasdmw · January 2003

Have a realtive working in the Windstar plant in Oakville. He has seen a few of these being assembled as prototypes. As stated, just another trim package for the Windstar. No connection to Nissan.

shued · January 2003

Nissan vehicles may use the Engine and Transmission from Japan, but they use other
parts from USA auto part market. Although Windstar
and Quest have no relation, they may use the same
parts from same auto part supply chain. This is true for Toyota and Honda.

jasdmw · January 2003

Yes it's true that the various manufacturers buy components from suppliers that produce similar parts for all (i.e., fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, seats, trim, wipers, wiper motors, etc.). However, in the cases of the Japanese VS the big 3, there are substantial differences in the way quality is measured and issues resolved. For instance, I recently read a survey of parts manufacturers which indicated, in general terms, that the parts makers prefer dealing with (in this order) Toyota, Honda then Nissan followed by the Big 3. They get less hassle from the first 3 makers and less price bashing as well.

couimet · February 2003

As a former abused owner of Ford and part-Ford vehicles, I have learned my lesson. It's a long story but I will never own anything related to Ford again!

I had extremely unpleasant experiences with Ford and semi-Ford vehicles, unpleasant experiences with Crysler vehicles and pleasant experiences with GM vehicles. But I am currently a very happy owner of Nissan and Honda vehicles.

jchan2 · February 2003

Will the Quest be cheaper than the upcoming Sienna? I hope so.

rtfi · February 2003

"Nissan plans to start selling its new Quest in July." http://www.automobilemag.com/news/news_12_1/

I knew production was scheduled to start in May, but this is the first mention of a July sales date that I have seen.

alpha01 · February 2003

how cheap do you want these things to be? The new Sienna isnt expensive at all for what you get- $23K to start (well equipped), 27K well loaded (for an LE with option pkg that includes VSC, TRAC, 3 row side curtains, all discs, etc.). Sure if you want ULTRA luxury including DVD players, NAV, wood, moonroof, leather, all wheel drive, etc, you're talking 37 grand, but judging from the Sienna board, there is a good deal of interest in such a vehicle.

That said, I'm sure the Quest will be competitively priced, but dont expect it to be significantly lower than the Sienna.
~alpha

caviller · February 2003

They did have the 2004 on display at the Chicago auto show, but it was sealed off on a platform with no one around. Personally, I didn't like the styling but that is very subjective. It certainly is distinctive compared to other minivans.

Kudos to Toyota. In addition to a staffed platform display, they had two 2004 Siennas open to the public. The Sienna really does look like they have taken all the best features from the competition and combined them into one minivan, and even improved on some and added others. I'll definitely be looking at one when the 2005s are out; by that time crash tests should be completed and any first year bugs should be fixed...

chevyfan99 · February 2003

All these minivan brands are getting ready to compete with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Honda Odyssey. The Toyota Sienna, Nissan Quest, Chevrolet Venture/Pontiac Montana are being redesigned. And the Nissan was one of those outraegous vehicles I've never seen from a company like Nissan. Goes to show, when your owned by some funky making car company, this will probably happen...

The Quest is just really dissapointing me. Yeah all these cool features are avaliable. What happened to the reference standard. If you load this car up it'll probably end up at a price tag way over mom's and dad's budgets. Soon they'll be switching back over to sedans because the "big" pricetag of minivans will be blowing there minds. Nissan is up to something good but pricey...

shabbycat · February 2003

I wouldn't be so sure about that. Families need more room than your typical sedan offers these days. First, with airbags in the front passenger seats, most car manufacturers recommend that no person under age 12 sit in the front passenger seat. Next, car seat laws are expanding. Many states require a child to be in a car seat til age 6, and I think one or two states even have laws stating a child should be in one up to age 8. Some car seat advocates recommend car seats for children up to age 10! We need room for all of these car seats and kids. It is difficult to fit 3 car in the BACK seat of a typical sedan. 20 years ago I suppose a sedan would not have felt cramped to me. I'd have my 7 yo in front and only one car seat in back for the 2 yo. 4 yo would be in back in a regular shoulder strap. But as it stands today, all 3 of my kids are in the back and still in car seats! My oldest also loves her booster and sitting up high, so I think she will be one of those kids in a booster til age 10 - enter our new *need* around here - a minivan! Even families with only 2 children like the roominess of minivans. Kids don't just play with the neighbor's kids anymore while mom and dad hang out in the house. Parents are more involved in who their kids are playing with and. Playdates with kids are arranged for certain dates and you end up taking extra kids home after school for the playdates - so the extra seats come in handy.

FEHarper · February 2003

I think this van will be another homerun for Nissan and will be roomier and probably outhandle the new Sienna. I have been unable to find any specific info about the Quest other than the Nissan website and wonder if anyone does have any advanced info about pricing and option packages. Perhaps the introduction of the new Sienna, the improved Oddessy, and new products from Ford simultanously will force more competitive pricing closer to invoice.

jchan2 · February 2003

Who said the Venture would be redesigned? The Quest from what i've heard is due on sale in June, but I didn't have a base price to compare to Sienna. (My friend wants a Sienna but wonders if the Quest might be cheaper with the same options and equipment)

FEHarper · February 2003

The new Ford Windstar will be released in the Fall of this year. It will be renamed and include fold-down rear seats, much the the HO. The Quest, from my internet cruising, simply looks nice, very un-minivan-like with improvements in cargo room, comfort, engine and handling. OK, this is a matter of personal taste, but I like the design. Price will be important - Toyota is offering a wide range of Sienna models for every budget. Let's see if Nissan will be competitive.

stever · February 2003

It's going to be called the Freestar I guess. Ford Windstar - 2004 Redesign

Steve, Host

lsinc · February 2003

I currently own a 1995 Mercury Villager which I purchased 2 years ago, used. I have to say that I really like this van and it currently has 103,000 miles on it. Runs great. My issue is with safety. My brother in law is a paramedic and just recently went on a traffic accident call involving a newer Nissan Quest Mini Van with dual sliders. The van was hit on the side in a 25 mph collision involving a Honda. All 4 occupants in the back of the van were killed. Nobody in the Honda was hurt. This all prompted me to do some additional research. I have found that the Quest/Villager duo are not that safe! We spend quite a bit of time in our car not just local travel but long distance. I really want to feel safe. Is the 2004 redesign of the Quest making it any safer? If anyone knows where I can obtain this information would you email respond. I'm looking for the offset crash test information. It is the most common type of collision.

Thanks!

stever · February 2003

Crash test results probably won't be out for a while. And they may be suspect when they are published:

Crash tests may make SUVs even more deadly

fwiw, your '95 does better in tests than my '99 with two sliders.

The NHTSA has crash test results and links to other testing organizations.

Steve, Host

alpha01 · February 2003

please do not refer your board memebers to that article. it includes some of the MOST BOGUS comparisons and assumptions I HAVE EVER READ regarding vehicle safety. It is sensational, and on crash test can hardly a blanket statement make.

~alpha

FEHarper · February 2003

Although there is no data to review on the safety of the 2004 Quest, Minivan buyers tend to be extremely safety concious and judging from the desciptions of the size, handling, safety engineering on the new Nissan Van, this van will probably be much safer than the smaller Quest/Villager(that I own). BTW, I was struck from behind by a car doing 40 mph without braking...thrown into oncoming traffic and had a head-on with a chevy sedan. I was not injured and my 1990 Nissan Van survived amazingly intact.

Nissan Quest 2004+

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