2008 Nissan Quest Press Kit: Overview

Following a major redesign in 2007, the Nissan Quest continues in the 2008 model year as the most distinctive and original minivan on the market – as well as one of the roomiest front-wheel drive minivans in its segment. Quest was also named the top ranked minivan in AutoPacific’s 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).

For the 2008 model year, Quest receives a number of enhancements, including standard front seat side-impact supplemental air bags on all models and two new exterior colours – Ocean Wash and Pebble Beach. In addition, Quest 3.5 SL models receive a standard power left hand door, automatic on/off headlights, dual zone automatic climate control and RearView Monitor. The 3.5 SE model receives standard Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System and XM^® Satellite Radio (XM^® subscription required, sold separately). Rear sonar is now available on Quest 3.5 S models.

“Quest holds fast to the Nissan philosophy of offering buyers distinctive, driver-oriented, no-compromise vehicles,” said Ian Forsyth, director, product planning, Nissan Canada Inc. “Its car-like performance, innovative style, sporty appearance and exceptional practicality and versatility keep Quest fresh in a market of drivers with ever-changing needs and desires.”

A Practical, Engaging Interior

Quest offers innovative technology and utility features for families on the go. Quest’s instrument panel features an advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI) design, dual-zone HVAC controls (3.5 SL and 3.5 SE models) and an available DVD-based Nissan Navigation System with 7.0-inch colour display.

Quest also excels in terms of space management, with its long 3150 mm (124.0-inch) wheelbase, 1971 mm (77.6-inch) width and 1709 mm (67.3-inch) front and rear track providing an overall interior volume of 5,983 L (211.9 cubic feet), one of the largest interior volumes of any front-wheel drive minivan.

The 2008 Quest continues to advance the concept of flexibility and spontaneity. Special attention is paid to front seat dimensions, with large 1st row shoulder room. The seats themselves are a “furniture-style” design, reinforcing the interior design concept of an urban loft. The Fold-Away 2nd and 3rd row seats, with the 3rd row folding flat, do not require the owner to remove the seats in order to create a large, fully usable storage area. The 2nd row seats fold down and drop forward to the floor. The 3rd row seat easily folds into a storage well in the floor. In addition, the 3rd row seat design includes integrated headrests that fold down with the simple pull of a strap. The rear seat then moves forward and down – a simple three-step movement that, aided by a spring assist, can be completed with one hand.

The sliding side doors and rear door are available with remote power operation for added convenience, with the switch for the automatic closing power rear door located on the upper left D-pillar for ease of use.

Another unique highlight of the Quest interior is the SkyView™ glass-paneled roof, standard on 3.5 SE models and available on 3.5 SL models, which utilizes roof-mounted glass panels for the 2nd and 3rd rows that (along with the front sunroof) help enhance the use of natural light throughout the vehicle. A full-length rear overhead console is available with the SkyView glass-paneled roof. It creates aircraft-like interior comfort zones with personal reading lamps and air vents. The rear overhead console houses the Quest's available DVD Mobile Entertainment System's single or dual 8.0-inch fold-down colour display screens, and includes rear HVAC controls.

A Unique, Stylish Exterior Design

Quest’s breakthrough exterior addresses consumer concerns about traditional minivans' conservative imagery. The contemporary body imparts a look of high quality and is marked by an arching roofline that transitions seamlessly off of the A-pillar, a strong shoulder that adds dimension to the body sides, well-defined wheel forms that have a minimal gap with the tire sidewalls and a fluid gesture in the beltline that starts low off of the headlights and kicks up toward the rear of the vehicle.

The flowing Nissan-signature grille and angular front bumper fascia offer a bold, aggressive stance from the front. Quest’s door handles are chrome, with other chrome accents enhancing the clean, modern look of the vehicle. The roof rack features a satin-look finish. Two new exterior colours are offered for 2008 – Pebble Beach and Ocean Wash – among eight total colours.

Non-Traditional Minivan Performance

Every 2008 Quest is equipped with a standard 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine based on Nissan's VQ35 engine series. For use in the Quest, the 3.5-litre V6 is tuned to produce 235 horsepower and 240 lb-ft torque (premium fuel).

The engine design includes state-of-the-art design features, such as Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVVTCS), microfinished crankshaft and camshaft, molybdenum-coated pistons and sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection. The engines are assembled at Nissan's Decherd, Tenn. engine assembly facility.

Quest’s responsive V6 engine is matched with a standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. A Traction Control System (TCS) is also standard, while Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is standard on the 3.5 SE and available on 3.5 SL models.

Another element that is often overlooked in the minivan segment is responsive handling and ride comfort. Utilizing Nissan's advanced FF-L (for Front engine, Front-wheel drive, Large) platform, Quest features a 4-wheel independent suspension with a rear multi-link design and front and rear stabilizer bars.

Quest models feature 16-inch wheels and P225/65R16 tires, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P225/60R17 tires on the 3.5 SE model. A sensor-type Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard on all 2008 Quests. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is also standard, along with 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Safety and Security

Quest was developed with a strong focus on both active safety – through the responsive engine, suspension and braking technologies – and passive safety through a comprehensive set of passive restraint systems. For 2008, front seat side-impact supplemental airbags are now standard on all four Quest models.

Other standard Quest safety equipment includes the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which utilizes crash zone sensor and advanced occupant weight sensing capability to control front passenger air bag deployment; head curtain supplemental air bags to help protect 1st, 2nd and 3rd row outboard occupants in side-impact collisions; 3-point seat belts and height-adjustable head restraints for all seating positions; and front seat Active Head Restraints.

Quest also includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and occupant zone, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat anchorage system, child safety rear door locks and Vehicle Security System (VSS).

Also available is a RearView Monitor system (standard on 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL) that utilizes a small camera mounted near the rear license plate that projects a view of what’s directly behind the vehicle to the Vehicle Information Centre display screen. The system is activated any time reverse gear is engaged and helps enhance the driver’s rearward view.

Quest also includes a standard Rear Sonar System (standard on 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE models, newly available on 3.5 S model), which provides an audible beep when approaching solid objects while backing up.

A Range of Available Models and Packages

Once again in 2008, Quest is available in three well-equipped models: 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE – each offering an array of standard and available equipment, including 10 cupholders, Remote Keyless Entry system, front row mood lighting and four 12-volt power points.

Other standard equipment includes “child friendly” B-pillar assist grips, adjustable front row seat belt upper anchors and numerous storage compartments located throughout the interior.

Available equipment includes leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seating, XM^® Satellite Radio (XM^® subscription required, sold separately), an advanced Nissan navigation system, a 265-watt 10-speaker Bose^® audio system and HomeLink^® Universal Transceiver (all standard on 3.5 SE model).

A number of options and packages are offered for 2008, including the DVD Entertainment System with 8.0-inch screen and wireless headphones – with an additional overhead screen also available on 3.5 SE models; Driver’s Power Package with power left hand sliding door, rear sonar and 16-inch alloy wheels (3.5 S models); Leather Package which includes heated leather-trimmed seats and a power passenger side seat (3.5 SL model); SkyView™ glass-panel roof (3.5 SL model) and Navigation Package.

2008 Nissan Quest Specifications

Specifications are based on the latest product information available at time of printing