2013 Nissan Quest LE Test Drive

?2013 Nissan Quest LE delivers innovative functionality?

Parents piloting a 2013 Nissan Quest LE are less likely to hear ?Are we there yet? from youthful passengers, and are more likely to hear ? I want to finish my game or movie?.?Nissan?s Quest ? a minivan designed to deliver the optimum level of family transportation underwent a thorough transformation for the 2011 model year. One might ask ?Why the major focus on a minivan?? Well, in case you hadn?t noticed, minivans have experienced a resurgence in the U.S. marketplace. Witness the Odyssey from Honda, the revamped Toyota Sienna and Chrysler?s latest entries into the segment. It seems that the so-called ?Soccer Mom? stigma has given way to the realization that minivans can actually be cool forms of transportation, addressing the needs of not only Moms, but Dads and Grandparents as well. Let?s face it, minivans are practical, versatile, and they have even become attractive in appearance and exceptionally accommodating on the inside, incorporating all the latest in entertainment and communications technology.

The primary goal of the 2011 Nissan Quest was to meet the needs of active families better than anyone else, and the fourth generation Quest seems to have been successful in doing just that. Enhancements for 2013 Nissan Quest include the addition of standard Around View? ?Monitor on LE models, and an available DVD Entertainment System on SV and SL models, which t remains standard on Quest LE having been previously offered as an option on SL.

Key features of the 2013 Nissan Quest LE minivan include standard Nissan Intelligent Key? and optional one-touch power-sliding doors, which unlock and open the side door with the simple touch of a button; quick-release fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats ? the 3rd row folds forward unlike any other minivan, so there is no stowing required; available Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster? ?air purifier and Grape Polyphenol Filter, which works to help reduce allergens and unwanted odors within the Quest?s cabin; and a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert that lets owners know when the ideal inflation is reached with a beep of the horn.

The design of this latest iteration Quest was greatly inspired by a concept show vehicle. In fact, the production Quest adhered very closely to that styling exercise. The Quest has been optimized to accommodate seven passengers rather than eight simply because all rows are rendered easy to access, and once there, the room provided is quite generous. The center and third row seats are capable of being folded flat, resulting in a level load surface without having to release and remove and store bulky and heavy seats. The roof height has been raised and the floor level lowered resulting in maximum interior space for added comfort. Doors, seats and tailgate feature a one-touch operation for extra convenience.

The overall form of the Quest displays a wedge effect from front to rear, emphasized by strong, smoothly flowing character lines, which Nissan refers to as ?Fluid Sculpture?. The face is aggressive, with cat-eye-like headlamp assemblies integrated into the expressive top grille bar. The grille and lower air intake flanked by inset fog lamps issue the first clue that this minivan is not your average family ride. The roof takes on a floating effect, enhanced by the blacked out B, C and D pillars. In fact, the glass from the C to the D pillar appears to be one continuous panel. The Quest hugs the ground, sitting low over its wheels and tires that fit tightly beneath the accentuated wheel wells for ease of ingress and egress.? The rear is topped by an integrated spoiler lip and ?boomerang? style taillamps inspired by the 370 Z, that add to the minivan?s sporty image. The Quest is built on the foundation of Nissan?s proven D-platform.

Power for the Quest comes from a healthy 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 with Continuously Variable Timing Control and Nissan Induction Control System. The engine cranks out 260 horses at 5,200 rpm while generating 240-pound feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The driving force is delivered to the front wheels through Nissan?s smooth Xtronic? Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Adaptive Shift Control. The gear lever is mounted in the center stack close to the driver.

The 2013 Nissan Quest still comes in four levels of trim: the base S; the SV; an SL; and the flagship LE. The base model S version is quite well-equipped and comes with an intelligent key, push-button start feature and enough standard equipment to satisfy most consumers. There are several available options to enhance one?s Quest, limited basically only by one?s personal budget.

My test 2013 Nissan Quest LE?was finished outside in Twilight Gray metallic, and inside in Beige and Gray tones accented by polished faux wood trim. The starting price was established at $42,640 and the final sticker came to $43,675 after adding for the carpeted 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd floor mats and Destination charges.

SUMMARY: The latest Nissan Quest is a most impressive minivan, with appealing looks, a more than substantial power band and comfortable ride quality. The handling characteristics are notably on the sporty side of the equation, but for aggressive driving scenarios, the suspension could use a little added stiffness. Keep in mind however, that the Quest is not a ?Z? car. It?s probably best to satisfy oneself with the ambience of its ?Great Room? atmosphere and to enjoy the role of ?new age? minivan driver.

I thoroughly enjoyed piloting this latest Quest in a variety of driving scenarios and found only a couple of nits to pick. An additional power point up front would be a definite asset for those wishing to multi-task, and the CVT transmission failed to sufficiently hold on a steep incline, necessitating using the brake in the manner of a clutch.

All in all, the 2013 Nissan Quest deserves a place on anyone?s minivan shopping list, as it?s the best Quest ever produced.
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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2013 Nissan Quest 3.5 LE [/wptabtitle]
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Base Price:	$34,360.
Price as Tested:	$38,840.
Engine Type and Size:	3.5-liter VQ35DE – DOHC, 24-valve, V6 with Continuously Variable Timing Control and Nissan Induction Control System.
Horsepower (bhp):	260 @ 5,200 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.):	240 @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission:	Xtronic CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission.
Drive Train:	Transversely mounted front engine / Front-wheel drive.
Suspension:	Front – Independent twin-tube struts with coil springs and solid 25mm stabilizer bar. Rear – Multi-link with twin-tube shock absorbers.