Introduction

2007 Nissan Quest -- Preview: When it comes to powerful and respected figures in the auto industry, Carlos Ghosn is a man who ranks near the top. But, even under his steadfast leadership, Nissan has made a few missteps, the most obvious being the 2004 Quest minivan. As one company executive so clearly stated, Nissan is a company that likes to push the envelope, even sometimes beyond the limits. A prime example is Nissan’s current van, which has been largely panned for its too-futuristic dash with its center gauge cluster and questionable ergonomics, and the very un-Nissan trait of poor build quality. Those are just two of the countless points addressed and corrected in the 2007 Quest, a ride that desperately needed this mid-cycle working over.

Arriving at local dealers in the spring of 2006, the updated Quest features a relocated gauge cluster, more user-friendly controls, minor styling changes, and possibly most significant, a completely overhauled focus on quality.

What it is

Nissan launched the current version its seven-passenger Quest in 2004, hoping that the futuristic styling and avant-garde dash design would win over customers bored with the typical minivan. It didn’t work, as low sales proved that innovation and technology are great, but funky looks are a love or hate affair. Unfortunately for the Quest, there was an overabundance of the latter.

Nissan seems to have taken this hard lesson to heart for the 2007 model year. The updated Quest blends its unique style, albeit with a few visual tweaks, with a more conservative interior. The instrument panel still features a round hub, but the controls are more logically configured, and the gauge cluster, once sitting atop the center of the dash, now resides behind the steering wheel where most drivers expect it to be.

Why it matters

Minivan sales may not be climbing as they did in years past, but families continue to fork over hefty chunks of cash for these versatile people haulers. And with news of Pontiac dropping its Montana, not to mention Ford’s questionable longevity in this segment, buyers will be left with fewer choices. However, competition will remain stiff, with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Dodge Caravan still dominating the market. Each has its own strengths, but none offer the sporty image that comes with the Nissan badge and the stand-alone styling of the 2007 Quest.