As the economy picks up, we're seeing innovation and new models almost everywhere throughout the automotive industry. So many new eco friendly vehicles, impressive sporty luxury cars and thanks to the rebound in the housing industry, new pickup trucks. What we're not seeing though are minivans. With the current popularity of crossovers, are the days of the minivan numbered? GM and Ford have given up, opting to push their new crossovers to families instead. Kia and Volkswagen have also dropped out of the minivan market, though they say it's temporary.
Chrysler has owned the minivan segment for well over 25 years, and still continues to enjoy a 50% market share in Canada. Number two and three, Toyota and Honda have held steady with revised versions of their Odyssey and Sienna respectively.
Nissan, refusing to give up on the minivan segment, is fighting back with their fourth generation Nissan Quest. It's not a new model, as this one was overhauled in 2011, but the company is taking a new approach to gain market share.
In 2013 they're dropping prices on their midline models of the Quest. By reducing prices by as much as 6 percent, and adding more standard features, Nissan hopes that the Quest will be more competitive against Chrysler, Toyota and Honda.
The Quest is your typical modern minivan, complete with high driving position, sliding door, three rows of seating and lots of cargo space. It's a little taller, though smaller than some of it's competitors. Surprisingly easy to manoeuvre, the Quest features full surround privacy glass, heightening it's aesthetic appeal. Quick release seats and fold-into-the-floor create versatility and access.
This full size minivan gets a reasonable average fuel economy of 13.6 L/ 100 km (combined city and highway). Cargo capacity is about 190 litres.
Standard features include A/C, 16 inch wheels, rear spoiler, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, 6-way adjustable front seats, second and rear row fold flat seating, permanent rear storage well, front and middle consoles and a four speaker 6-cd stereo system. Upgrades available include many of Nissan's most popular options including Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning System and a DVD Entertainment System to amuse second and rear seated passengers. Pricing starts at $29,998.
By Linda Aylesworth - autoExpert.ca