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2008 Nissan Quest Performance Review

July 5, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Among the faster minivans
ConsumerGuide

Big, powerful, and quirky
Motor Trend

taut suspension tuning
Cars.com

peppy acceleration
Edmunds

Although it isn't a sportscar, the 2008 Nissan Quest is a family vehicle that supplies enough performance to get the job done. Not only does it have the power necessary to drive many passengers wherever they need to be, but it maintains fairly responsive steering at highway speeds and has modest body lean in turns.

Edmunds believes that the Nissan Quest's "chief strengths lie in its performance and handling," noting its 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 provides "peppy acceleration" and "plenty of punch." This is why Motor Trend calls the 2008 Nissan Quest "Big, powerful, and quirky," and why Cars.com states that its engine "delivers strong around-town performance." ConsumerGuide likes the transmission's performance, stating that the Nissan 2008 Quest's "transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for additional passing power." Cars.com also believes that the transmission performs well, particularly in city travel, stating, "it's only when you need to pass quickly while driving at highway speeds that the engine feels somewhat taxed."

The CarConnection.com reviewers find that the Nissan Quest 2008 model is not a gas-saver, averaging 20.5 mpg on mostly highway driving in a road test performed by ConsumerGuide: "Quest is among the larger minivans, so it's less car-like to drive than some rivals." This is very similar to the EPA's estimates of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway. An added pitfall to the high gas consumption is Nissan's recommendation of premium fuel for the Nissan 2008 Quest, meaning an even harder hit to a buyer's pocketbook. Cars.com makes this point as well and lists fuel economy on their tester at 18/25 mpg.

Cars.com notes "taut suspension tuning" of the Nissan Quest, which leads to a better ride that isn't harsh, as some larger vehicles can be, particularly SUVs. This is a point of disagreement for some reviewers, however, because MyRide.com points out that the "hard run-flat tires add an odd harshness to the ride." The only downside is that it is a large vehicle, so corners won't feel like they would in a small car, and Edmunds calls the 2008 Quest "light on its feet."

Conclusion

Ultimately, the 2008 Nissan Quest isn't a fun-to-drive vehicle, but it more than meets the performance needs of anyone who requires a minivan.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Among the faster minivansConsumerGuideBig, powerful, and quirkyMotor Trendtaut suspension tuningCars.compeppy accelerationEdmunds Although it isn't a sportscar, the 2008 Nissan Quest is a family vehicle that supplies enough performance to get the job done. Not only does it have the power necessary to drive many passengers wherever they need to be, but it maintains fairly responsive steering at highway speeds and has modest body lean in turns. Edmunds believes that the Nissan Quest's "chief strengths lie in its performance and handling," noting its 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter, V-6 provides "peppy acceleration" and "plenty of punch." This is why Motor Trend calls the 2008 Nissan Quest "Big, powerful, and quirky," and why Cars.com states that its engine "delivers strong around-town performance." ConsumerGuide likes the transmission's performance, stating that the Nissan 2008 Quest's "transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for additional passing power." Cars.com also believes that the transmission performs well, particularly in city travel, stating, "it's only when you need to pass quickly while driving at highway speeds that the engine feels somewhat taxed." The CarConnection.com reviewers find that the Nissan Quest 2008 model is not a gas-saver, averaging 20.5 mpg on mostly highway driving in a road test performed by ConsumerGuide: "Quest is among the larger minivans, so it's less car-like to drive than some rivals." This is very similar to the EPA's estimates of 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway. An added pitfall to the high gas consumption is Nissan's recommendation of premium fuel for the Nissan 2008 Quest, meaning an even harder hit to a buyer's pocketbook. Cars.com makes this point as well and lists fuel economy on their tester at 18/25 mpg. Cars.com notes "taut suspension tuning" of the Nissan Quest, which leads to a better ride that isn't harsh, as some larger vehicles can be, particularly SUVs. This is a point of disagreement for some reviewers, however, because MyRide.com points out that the "hard run-flat tires add an odd harshness to the ride." The only downside is that it is a large vehicle, so corners won't feel like they would in a small car, and Edmunds calls the 2008 Quest "light on its feet." ConclusionUltimately, the 2008 Nissan Quest isn't a fun-to-drive vehicle, but it more than meets the performance needs of anyone who requires a minivan. 2008 NISSAN QUEST STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "pushed the limits of design" MyRide.com: "Improved dash layout" ConsumerGuide: "largely unchanged" Editors at TheCarConnection.com found that reviewers typically agree on the 2008 Nissan Quest and its styling. Considering that ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Minivans are shrinking in sales but growing in luxury. The new Dodge Grand Caravan has all sorts of convenient storage and seating options, plus enough DVD players for a mini-theater. The Honda Odyssey has its famed Magic Seat and a silky powertrain, while the Toyota Sienna has good performance, plus a version for disabled passengers. 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.

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See the Nissan Quest in Other Years:

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

Comments (2 total)

  1. By David Murdock #1, Posted: 9/20/2008

    Mr

    The owners manual specifies 87 octane for the 2008 Quest, not premium.

  2. By Mark #2, Posted: 12/15/2008

    Love our 04 Quest SE

    We have 65k on our 04 Quest SE and we still love it. I'm sure we'll buy a 2010 when they begin phasing them out that year as rumored.

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