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2007 Nissan Quest: A Tribe Called “Quest”
When Nissan released their redesigned Quest in 2004 they instantaneously broke all the house rules for minivans. It was sophisticated, stylish, roomy, and entertaining. In fact, my wife chose the Quest over every other make when we were shopping for a family ride to transport our daughter MiKaiya around. Her reasoning? It was the best looking minivan on the market! She even liked it over the SUV pack like the Volvo XC90.
For their 2007 model, Nissan has modified the vehicle even further to appeal to more buyers. “When Quest was introduced, it redefined the segment with its emphasis on combining car-like performance, innovative style, sporty appearance and exceptional practicality and versatility,” said Brad Bradshaw, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The enhancements for 2007, which represent one of the largest mid-cycle investments in Nissan history, make the Quest more flexible and accommodating than ever keeping pace with the evolving needs and desires of minivan users.”
 In my mind, there was nothing wrong with the ’04 model. But Nissan took in complaints from owners who wanted a center console, a more integrated center instrument cluster and a more refined interior appearance. The previous vehicle was designed with a circular, very “Star Trek” like dash. It was literally out of this world and is what I liked most about the Quest. Who said a minivan has to be conventional?
The biggest change between the two models is mostly with the interior, while the sleek posture of the vehicle was adjusted only slightly, and it still retains the flared wheel arches and sporty rims. Revisions include a new grille design, chrome finish on the roof racks and door handles, and new headlamps and fog lights. Only a Nissan Quest specialist will be able to instantly recognize the difference on the road. You really have to be digging hard to say, “Hey mom, there’s an ‘07 Quest.”
 Move inside and your world changes. The focal point is the revised center stack which was totally redesigned. Its newer HVAC and audio controls are easier to use and the gauges are now located on the driver’s side this does however take away the dashboard storage bin that sat to the left of the steering wheel. It was useful for throwing CDs, keys, napkins or whatever else inside without having to reach all the way over to the glove box.
The Quest’s other big alteration was to its seats, which is a key factor with minivan buyers. Do they slide side-to-side? Do they fold flat? Do they have to be removed? Well, the Quest’s seats do fold flat not completely into the floor as Chrysler’s minivans do but well enough for them to appear invisible. And the rear bench seat does tumble flush into the floor and has auto folding headrests so they don’t have to be manually removed.
On the technology end of things, Quest now offers Bluetooth for hands-free chatting on the cellular, MP3 playback and an auxiliary audio jack, larger 8” DVD screens, and a rear view monitor for assistance when reversing. This is very helpful since minivans have many blind spots. A power tailgate and dual power sliding doors are also available. Another cool factor is the “SkyView” glass paneled roof, which sits over the second and third row so the kids can see nature’s elements.
Mechanically, the front-wheel drive Quest motors with a 3.5-liter V6 engine which produces 240-horsepower and has a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Traction control is standard and vehicle dynamic control is optional.
Starting MSRP for the 2007 Quest 3.5 is $24,350 and $25,650 for the Quest 3.5 S model. The Quest 3.5 SL features an MSRP of $27,500, while the top-of-the-line Quest 3.5 SE model features an MSRP of $33,900. These prices represent a mere 1% increase over previous Quest models.
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