2008 Nissan Quest Review

If you are looking for a minivan with all the safety and people-moving practicality but with unique styling, then look no further than the 2008 Nissan Quest.

A number of design cues separate the Quest from the rest of the minivans on the market, including its long shoulder lines and large incorporated headlights. The interior also shows the Nissan designers' willingness to be different. Case in point is the center stack, with the easy-to-reach shift lever sprouting from the console.

Like a number of Nissan's products, the Quest has a horsepower rating that is near the top of its segment. The 235-horsepower 3.5L V6 is shared with the Maxima and Altima, and is impressive for its smoothness and torqueiness. A five-speed automatic is standard across the board. The driving experience is ahead of other minivans, with the Quest's crisper feel and smooth ride.

The base Quest comes well equipped with anti-lock brakes, traction control, speed-sensitive wipers, front and rear air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cruise control, an alarm system, and power mirrors, locks, and windows. The S trim adds power sliding doors, as well as a power liftgate. A dash-mounted entertainment system and a tow package are optional on both of these trims.

The SL gets 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, a power driver's seat and adjustable pedals, HomeLink, auto on/off headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, among other items. The top-level SE upgrades wheels to 17-inch alloys, and adds a host of luxury items. The popular SkyView panoramic glass-paneled roof is added, as are heated seats, fog lamps, overhead storage, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, and a Bose audio system that is one of the best found in a minivan today.

The SkyView roof can be added to the SL, as can a number of other items found standard on the SE. Both of the up-market trims can order a navigation system or tow package, and the SE can also add a two-screen entertainment system to keep back-seat riders occupied.
Reintroduced in 2004 as Nissan's sole entry in the minivan market, the Quest undergoes few changes for 2008. On the base trim, an in-cabin filter is now standard as well as luggage roof rails. The S trim standard equipment was reshuffled a bit for 2008; rear back-up sonar is now included in the Driver's Package instead of being standard. On the SL trim, the headlights gain automatic on/off function, and audio controls are now mounted on the steering wheel, while the air conditioning system is upgraded to an automatic dual-zone setup. On the top of the line SE trim, Bluetooth is now standard equipment. see less