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2009 Nissan Quest Performance Review

June 25, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Big, powerful, and quirky
Motor Trend

Among the faster minivans
ConsumerGuide

taut suspension tuning
Cars.com

peppy acceleration
Edmunds

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com say the 2009 Nissan Quest isn't necessarily a fun-to-drive vehicle, but it more than meets the performance needs of anyone who requires a minivan. The Quest maintains fairly responsive steering at highway speeds and has modest body lean in turns.

ConsumerGuide likes the transmission's performance, stating that the Nissan 2009 Quest's "transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for additional passing power." Cars.com 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." Edmunds contends 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 2009 Nissan Quest "[b]ig, powerful, and quirky," and why Cars.com states that its engine "delivers strong around-town performance."

The 2009 Nissan Quest has the power necessary to drive many passengers wherever they need to be, but it is not a gas-saver. The Quest averages only 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 highway. An added pitfall to the high gas consumption is Nissan's recommendation of premium fuel for the Nissan 2009 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.

A point of disagreement for some reviewers is how the Quest rides. MyRide.com points out that the "hard run-flat tires add an odd harshness to the ride." 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. 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 2009 Quest "light on its feet."

Conclusion

It’s not meant to be a sports car, but the 2009 Nissan Quest is a family vehicle that supplies enough performance to get the job done.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Big, powerful, and quirkyMotor TrendAmong the faster minivansConsumerGuidetaut suspension tuningCars.compeppy accelerationEdmunds Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com say the 2009 Nissan Quest isn't necessarily a fun-to-drive vehicle, but it more than meets the performance needs of anyone who requires a minivan. The Quest maintains fairly responsive steering at highway speeds and has modest body lean in turns. ConsumerGuide likes the transmission's performance, stating that the Nissan 2009 Quest's "transmission upshifts smoothly and downshifts promptly for additional passing power." Cars.com 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." Edmunds contends 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 2009 Nissan Quest "[b]ig, powerful, and quirky," and why Cars.com states that its engine "delivers strong around-town performance." The 2009 Nissan Quest has the power necessary to drive many passengers wherever they need to be, but it is not a gas-saver. The Quest averages only 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 highway. An added pitfall to the high gas consumption is Nissan's recommendation of premium fuel for the Nissan 2009 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. A point of disagreement for some reviewers is how the Quest rides. MyRide.com points out that the "hard run-flat tires add an odd harshness to the ride." 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. 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 2009 Quest "light on its feet." ConclusionIt’s not meant to be a sports car, but the 2009 Nissan Quest is a family vehicle that supplies enough performance to get the job done. 2009 NISSAN QUEST STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "one of those designs you either can't get enough of or can't understand how it got out of the factory" ConsumerGuide: "the dashboard no longer sacrifices function for avant garde styling" MyRide.com: "Improved dash layout" The 2009 ...

Read More of this Review:

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

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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