Nissan is a company that’s had its share of ups and downs over the past few years. Recently, dealers have been asked to stop selling Altima and Sentra SE-R sedans with a certain four-cylinder engine because of oil consumption problems, V8-powered Titan pickup truck sales have slid due to rising fuel costs, and back in 2004, the company debuted the quirky and quality-deficient Quest minivan. In response, at least to the last issue, Nissan has launched the updated 2007 Quest.

Exterior features include a new grille, smoked headlights, revised taillights, updated wheels, and chrome accents. But it’s the interior that gets the nod for the Huge Improvement award. That funky center gauge cluster, the one that turned off so many prospective buyers, has been relocated to its traditional home behind the steering wheel, the center instrument panel has been redesigned for improved ergonomics and includes new buttons with a more pleasant feel, new fake light wood or metallic trim is available, all interior panels have been reworked for better fit and finish, and the fold-away third row seat is spring-loaded for easy one-handed operation with automatic folding headrests.

Four trims will be offered – 3.5, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL, 3.5 SE – all of which are powered by a 240-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at about $25,000 for the 3.5 and run up to about $34,000 for the 3.5 SE.