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2009 Nissan Quest Bottom Line

June 25, 2009

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Nissan Quest, along with other minivan models, to give you some no-nonsense Bottom Line advice. Then TheCarConnection.com has researched available road tests relevant to the 2009 Nissan Quest to show you how others see it.

Likes:

  • Strong acceleration
  • Exotic looking…for a van
  • Foldaway seating

Dislikes:

  • Cheap interior materials
  • Design mismatch between interior and exterior
  • Protruding center stack might interfere with front legroom

Buying Tips:


The reliability of the 2009 Nissan Quest has improved over earlier versions, and with discounts, the Quest can be a great alternative to the more popular Odyssey.

The 2009 Nissan Quest does everything a minivan should: carries seven comfortably, offers a flexible cargo area, and gets good fuel economy, all while looking appealing. It's difficult to ask more of a minivan. Having undergone a major overhaul in 2007, the 2009 model receives only minor upgrades, including automatic door locks and a new Tuscan Sun exterior paint color.

The Quest is available in a choice of four models for 2009: the Quest 3.5, the Quest 3.5 S, the Quest 3.5 SL, and the Quest 3.5 SE for $35,650. Each model is powered by a 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 producing 235 horsepower and coupled to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The big V-6 provides ample torque, giving the large Quest confident acceleration and passing power. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city, 24 highway.

The Quest has a reputation for being one of the roomiest front-wheel-drive minivans on the market. The second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor, creating a large 148.7-cubic-foot cargo area. Third-row seats feature automatically folding headrests and a spring assist that make it easier to tuck away. The 2009 Nissan Quest also handles well for a vehicle so large.

Nissan has cleaned up the most egregious portions of the interior, but the Quest's interior still doesn't quite match its stylish exterior. Along with new front and rear-end treatments, the Quest has a cleaner, less awkward appearance than before—but the faux-wood trim inside and more traditional shapes no longer look right with the sloping front and rear ends.

The minivan scores five-star safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with four-star rollover resistance and "good" ratings for front and side protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All 2009 Nissan Quests have anti-lock brakes, front side and full-length curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitors, and active head restraints.

Upscale editions of the Quest have a standard power sliding side door, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and XM Satellite Radio.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Nissan Quest, also consider:

Reason Why:

None of the Quest's minivan rivals look as sharp from the outside, but from a purely practical perspective, it has many strong rivals with excellent seating layouts and kid-friendly features. The Kia Sedona and its twin, the Hyundai Entourage, have nearly matched the best sellers in the class with strong V-6 power and flexible interior seating, though available features lag somewhat. The Toyota Sienna has good performance, plus a version for disabled passengers, while the Honda Odyssey has its famed Magic Seat and a silky powertrain. The Dodge Grand Caravan has all sorts of convenient storage and seating options, as well as enough DVD players for a mini-theater.

The Bottom Line:

If you like what minivans provide but don’t appreciate the looks of most of them, you might still keep the 2009 Nissan Quest on your shopping list.

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Nissan Quest, along with other minivan models, to give you some no-nonsense Bottom Line advice. Then TheCarConnection.com has researched available road tests relevant to the 2009 Nissan Quest to show you how others see it. Likes:Strong accelerationExotic looking…for a vanFoldaway seatingDislikes:Cheap interior materialsDesign mismatch between interior and exteriorProtruding center stack might interfere with front legroomBuying Tips: The reliability of the 2009 Nissan Quest has improved over earlier versions, and with discounts, the Quest can be a great alternative to the more popular Odyssey. The 2009 Nissan Quest does everything a minivan should: carries seven comfortably, offers a flexible cargo area, and gets good fuel economy, all while looking appealing. It's difficult to ask more of a minivan. Having undergone a major overhaul in 2007, the 2009 model receives only minor upgrades, including automatic door locks and a new Tuscan Sun exterior paint color. The Quest is available in a choice of four models for 2009: the Quest 3.5, the Quest 3.5 S, the Quest 3.5 SL, and the Quest 3.5 SE for $35,650. Each model is powered by a 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 producing 235 horsepower and coupled to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The big V-6 provides ample torque, giving the large Quest confident acceleration and passing power. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city, 24 highway. The Quest has a reputation for being one of the roomiest front-wheel-drive minivans on the market. The second- and third-row seats fold flat into the floor, creating a large 148.7-cubic-foot cargo area. Third-row seats feature automatically folding headrests and a spring assist that make it easier to tuck away. The 2009 Nissan Quest also handles well for a vehicle so large. Nissan has cleaned up the most egregious portions of the interior, but the Quest's interior still doesn't quite match its stylish exterior. Along with new front and rear-end treatments, the Quest has a cleaner, less awkward appearance than before—but the faux-wood trim inside and more traditional shapes no longer look right with the sloping front and rear ends. The minivan scores five-star safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with four-star rollover resistance and "good" ratings for front and side protection from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All 2009 Nissan Quests have anti-lock brakes, front side and full-length curtain airbags, tire-pressure monitors, and active head restraints. Upscale editions of the Quest have a standard power sliding side door, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and XM Satellite Radio. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Nissan Quest, also consider:Kia SedonaToyota SiennaHonda OdysseyDodge Grand CaravanReason Why:None of the Quest's minivan rivals look as sharp from the outside, but from a purely practical perspective, it has many strong rivals with excellent seating layouts and kid-friendly features. The Kia Sedona and its twin, the Hyundai Entourage, have nearly matched the best sellers in the class with strong V-6 power and flexible interior seating, though available features lag somewhat. The Toyota Sienna has good performance, plus a version for disabled passengers, while the Honda Odyssey has its famed Magic Seat and a silky powertrain. The Dodge Grand Caravan has all sorts of convenient storage and seating options, as well as enough DVD players for a mini-theater. The Bottom Line:If you like what minivans provide but don’t appreciate the looks of most of them, you might still keep the 2009 Nissan Quest on your shopping list. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Nissan Quest, along with other minivan models, to give you some no-nonsense Bottom Line advice. Then TheCarConnection.com has researched available road tests relevant to the 2009 Nissan Quest to show you how others see it. Likes Strong ...

Other Choices:

None of the Quest's minivan rivals look as sharp from the outside, but from a purely practical perspective, it has many strong rivals with excellent seating layouts and kid-friendly features. The Kia Sedona and its twin, the Hyundai Entourage, have nearly matched the best sellers in the class with strong V-6 power and flexible interior seating, though available features lag somewhat. The Toyota Sienna has good performance, plus a version for disabled passengers, while the Honda Odyssey has its famed Magic Seat and a silky powertrain. The Dodge Grand Caravan has all sorts of convenient storage and seating options, as well as enough DVD players for a mini-theater.

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See the Nissan Quest in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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