Just In: 2011 Nissan Quest

Nissan took a break from the minivan market after 2009, but it seems that not too many people noticed based on sale figures. The previous-generation Quest, introduced in 2004, strived to be a unique offering in a bland market segment. Features like a funky center gauge and control pod and lots of individual moonroofs attempted to distinguish the Quest. Unfortunately, what really set the Quest apart were several years of really bad reliability.

Reliability improved somewhat over time and Nissan worked out some design quirks, introducing a conventional dashboard design in 2007. Still, the Quest remained a low-volume player compared to the segment benchmarks, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Once again, the Quest marches to the beat of a different drummer. Now built in Japan (the previous model was built in Canton, Mississippi), the 2011 Quest is based on a widened version of a Japanese-market van. The styling looks something like a Star Wars troop transporter. While Honda and Toyota made their current vans sleeker, Nissan embraced the box.

Then again, if your goal is practicality, squarer body lines help out; as one of our engineers discovered, 4x8-foot sheets of plywood slide right in. Unlike other vans, the Quest's second row doesn't pull out. Instead, it folds flat. We'll see how this impacts useful space when we measure cargo volume with our expandable rectangular pipe-frame box.

We bought a mid-level Quest 3.5SL. Our van has a dual moonroof and a DVD entertainment system. Roof rail crossbars and lots of floor mats for all three rows brought the sticker price to $39,040. The Quest uses Nissan's familiar 3.5-liter V6 mated to a continuously variable transmission. Nissan does CVTs well and this powertrain has proven to be very fuel efficient in previously tested Nissans.

First impressions? The Quest is rather plush and luxurious--a welcome distinction from the downgraded interiors of the current Odyssey and Sienna. The engine is smooth and willing.

We'll find out if the Quest is a viable alternative to the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and extensively updated Chrysler Town & Country when we test it here at our track.