| The Quest has rather unconventional styling for a minivan, but its powertrain fits right in with the pack. All Quest models get a smooth 3.5-liter V6 engine and front-wheel drive. The engine makes 235 horsepower, which isn't as much as some competing models, but it feels quite perky, thanks to variable valve timing, and the standard 5-speed automatic transmission quickly finds the best ratios for passing.
As is expected in a minivan, the Quest handles like a car, albeit a tall and heavy one. The 4-wheel independent suspension includes front and rear stabilizer bars, to help composure in tight corners, and 4-wheel vented anti-lock disc brakes bring secure stops with a full load and include Brake Assist to help in panic stops.
Safety-wise, the Quest includes standard front-seat side-impact airbags and active head restraints in front, along with head-curtain side bags that protect outboard occupants in all three rows. Uplevel SL and SE models include both RearView Monitor system provides a camera view on the navigation screen whenever reverse is engaged, as well as a sonar backup system with audible warnings.
The Quest's distinctive design and styling isn't limited to the exterior. The interior was built on an "urban loft" theme, and the seats and trims carry some of the cues of modern furniture designs. Even the instrument panel itself is unlike that of any other minivan, with a center stack that hosts audio and climate controls as well as the shift knob. Models with the optional navigation system have a high-contrast color screen that pops up from the top of the dashboard.
All that stylishness doesn't detract from function; the Quest is every bit a family minivan inside, with second-row seats that fold forward and a third-row that stows flat into the floor without needing removal, to create a larger, flat cargo area. The third row can be folded with one hand and doesn't require the headrests to be removed separately. The interior boasts a total of ten cupholders, twelve grocery-bag hooks and four power outlets.
One especially noteworthy feature offered on the Quest remains the SkyView glass-paneled roof, which is a step ahead of conventional sunroof designs and allows direct light into the second and third rows. The SkyView setup comes with a rear overhead console that brings aircraft-like amenities such as reading lamps and extra air vents, along with an available DVD entertainment system.
The Quest is offered in four different trims: a Base model, a mid-level S, more luxurious SL, and sporty SE. The Base model isn't so stark at all; it includes power accessories, keyless entry, an 8-speaker CD sound system, and even rear-seat controls for the air conditioning. The S adds steering-wheel controls, power sliding doors, and power vent windows, plus roof-rack rails, while the SL brings upgraded seats, power-adjustable pedals, the rear sonar system, a garage-door opener, dual-zone climate control, a CD changer and other comforts. At the top of the range, the SE upgrades to top features including the SkyView roof, heated leather seats, heated mirrors, fog lamps, a Bluetooth hands-free interface and XM satellite radio. Options on the SE are limited to a DVD entertainment system and the DVD-based navigation system. |