My favorite thing about our long-term 2012 Nissan Quest, by far, is its drivetrain. The previous Quest used a version of the VQ-series 3.5-liter V6, too, but the continuously variable transmission that Nissan has switched to on this generation changes everything.
This van feels utterly responsive when you step out to pass on the freeway, and the other vans in this class with conventional automatics simply don't.
My second favorite thing about this van is totally superficial: I love the exterior design. The Quest looks like it's related to any number of minivans -- large and small -- that I've seen in Japan. I have such a soft spot for JDM vans (especially the old Mitsubishi Delicas, which really don't look much like our Quest, save for their basic shape).
I have yet to meet anyone who's lukewarm on the styling of 2011 and later Nissan Quests. They either agree with me or they think I'm off my rocker. Which side are you on?
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 5,069 miles
tifighter says:
02:10 PM, 02/ 3/12
I agree, but would have preferred the Elgrand front end.
billt9 says:
02:20 PM, 02/ 3/12
I agree the Elgrand front is better. More business, suited up.
That Scrum is so funny.
_feloniousmonk says:
02:31 PM, 02/ 3/12
Yeah, I dig it too. The only let down is the front end, but it's not exactly ugly either.
zman24 says:
03:12 PM, 02/ 3/12
I like the new Quest design. Not near as over the top as the Sienna and Odyssey. The Quest and Chrysler T & C seem more honest as to what they are, i.e. minivans, which are vehicles with more of a functional purpose than a stylistic one.
aspade says:
04:07 PM, 02/ 3/12
I think it's horrendous.
A van is an honest tool, its styling should embrace that. Like the T&C.
Or better still the Econoline.
e30or says:
04:32 PM, 02/ 3/12
I love the new Quest. If I could afford one, I'd have one already.
As it is, when the next kidlet starts baking, it'll probably be a 2005-ish Odyssey, or a Flex.
roar02ram says:
05:08 PM, 02/ 3/12
In the dig it crowd!
pontiaksolsice says:
06:13 PM, 02/ 3/12
Maybe it's already been done and I missed it..but with all this talk about how smooth the drivetrain is, any chance we could get a video of it? You know, one with smooth throttle inputs, moderate, 3/4 throttle, 0-60, etc.
church123 says:
06:36 PM, 02/ 3/12
I think the Quest's exterior is its worst feature. The reduced interior space might be its second worst.
I do like the interior a lot though. And it sounds like the CVT is not the bucket of puke that most CVTs feel like. The whole JDM van thing never appealed to me for this country. They're all trying to be as rectangular as possible (maximum volume for the footprint), but don't look good at all in the attempt. I can appreciate the efficiency argument, but we're not nearly so space constrained in the US and style does play a big role in the purchase decision.
nefariousnigel says:
08:20 PM, 02/ 3/12
The Quest is JDM COOL...no doubt about it. Maybe I spent enough time in Japan to appreciate the design philosophy. But frankly, the other vans are boring by design and by overwhelming numbers. As soon as they come out, they are stale.
If it had AWD, I'd seriously consider getting one.
dinobot666 says:
07:46 AM, 02/ 4/12
I've always loved little Japanese vans. I live in a state where Kei vans (and trucks) can be imported and driven on roads and highways as long as they are registered as off-road vehicles. Farmers love them because they have a little van or truck that they can drive around the farm, to town, or that they can throw a bail of hay in.
You'd probably have a good chance of seeing those little Kei vans in South Dakota just as much as you would in Japan. They're super cute and practical.
I like the JDMness of the new Quest too.
tifighter says:
01:41 PM, 02/ 4/12
I'll second the AWD comment. And I have a friend who test drove one before ultimately buying a Pilot. No AWD option was the only thing that kept him away.
brendan_m says:
11:48 PM, 02/ 4/12
I don't like the Quest's proportions. The van is too slab-sided. In the details, too, there are issues; the biggest issue for me is the chrome trim at the beltline: It gradually rises toward the rear of the car, but starts descending again (albeit slightly) before reaching the end of the side rear window. The beltline should've been linear instead of wavy like a warped baking sheet.
fordson1 says:
06:36 AM, 02/ 6/12
I'll leave the styling question aside - it's a minivan. Could look worse, I suppose - not too bad.
Sounds convincingly like Nissan has figured out the CVT - that is great news, seriously.
However, you state that no other minivan feels responsive when you step out to pass - if the Sienna's powerhouse V6 and the new 6-speed are not responsive, this is the first I've heard of it in many reviews I've seen.
jaeger1 says:
07:54 AM, 02/ 6/12
Best looking minivan, inside and out.