I don't like minivans, I should say that right off the bat, just to give you an idea where I'm coming from. When station wagons went the way of the dodo in lieu of them, I wasn't excited. They're more versatile, sure, but they're hideous, hog the road, and invariably cost more than many are able to pay, not to mention the fact that any self-respecting motor-head wouldn't be caught dead in one. Well that's the take I have from twenty-years ago, so let's talk about what they are today, and how I became a minivan believer.
Before I could even look around, I noticed something unexpected. The Nissan Quest doesn't look like a minivan. It looks about as stylish as could ever be expected of a high-capacity vehicle, complete with a primo paint job, Euro-styled lamps and smart-looking curve lines. Once I had a chance to look around, I was floored, and the bit of it happened because of the floor.
Because it's a front-wheel-drive car, and engineers are smarter now than ever before, the floor of the Nissan Quest is broad, flat and wide-open. If you're in a sports car, I can understand why you'd want the cockpit to hug you, but in a practical vehicle, let's face it, open space for use is what it's all about. The floor from the driver pedals to the passenger seat and back all the way to the third row is wide open, and it makes the cabin easy to navigate, and almost easy to deal with one's own screaming children, of which I have more than a couple, I should point out.
The real thing about the third row is that, though included in ever-more models rolling off the factory floor these days, it's almost never usable for much more than a sack of potatoes or oddly stuffed array of luggage. Due to the decidedly non-SUV shape of the Quest, there's actually room for actual adults in the third row, which means you can actually put people there without having to cut off their legs.
The European styling makes for a great update, but without the loss of any of the Japanese intuitiveness that makes Japanese cars so easy to drive. The interior has been totally rethought in recent years, and it's a great combination of good looks and utilitarian function.
Thing that blew me away the most was the windows. The front, side and back windows are tall and let in plenty of light, but the real kicker was the rear-seat skylights. Not moon roofs, mind you, but skylights. There's a real airplane cabin feel to it, and there are four, easy to adjust sun shades that can block the glare, as needed, but why the hell would you do that when the open feeling inside feels so damn right.
The amenities are just about countless, with rear DVD and an additional 3rd row DVD if you're feeling really charitable to the last three passengers you tote around, and with 10-cup holders, 3rd row airbags and traction control, you'll have near-Towncar comfort in an easier-to-use vehicle, that seriously, literally, is nothing like a minivan once you get inside.
With that in mind, for just $350 extra, you have to take the third-row seating option. The last row folds totally flat, so it provides exceptional convenience and versatility while only increasing the price by 1%, and you'll get 3-point seat belts and lower anchors and tethers for children in the third row as well.
So if you really want to seal the deal, consider that the standard motor has won the "Best Ten" motor award 12-years running. The gears are long, the torque is modest but the range is great, and the economy is great. I was at 330 miles to the tank before my low-fuel light even came on. So you'll get a smart car, an exceptional engine, and far better mileage than you can enjoy from an SUV, and all you have to do is accept that a minivan may be better and more practical than a jacked up off-roader, which shouldn't be bad since, let's face it, nobody goes off road anyhow.
If you need the space, and you've been thinking that a minivan isn't for you, you need to check this one out before you make your decision. I'm a real automotive elitist, and I couldn't have been more impressed with the Nissan Quest.
