The minivan segment originates in the American automobile industry, which has been attracting massive and efficient cars for more than a decade. In some versions, large cars of this class resemble trucks, which is confirmed by the power filling. But if the classic Ford models are focused on combining economic tasks with the transport function, then the European consumer is still inclined to the family use of powerful cars with a spacious interior. One of the first cars that laid the foundation for modern minivans was the Japanese model Nissan Quest. The photo below shows the original exterior of the car with some features of the station wagon.
Model Overview
A test copy of the model rolled off the assembly line in 1993, marking the first generation. A car was developed on the American platform Mercury Villager, which, by the way, was prepared precisely by Ford designers. Among the differences of the first generation, one can single out a flattened hood, small wheel disks and rationally arranged optics. In terms of capacity, the car is consistent with the average performance in the class. Further changes affected mainly external features until a version of Nissan Quest III appeared, the development of which was exclusively engaged by Japanese specialists. The main feature of the third generation was Nissan's own FF-L platform. The last generation at the moment is the fourth version of the minivan, released in 2012. By and large, this representative of the family has little in common with the first model, although the concept of a roomy and ergonomic car has been preserved.
Specifications
Despite the many changes implemented by the manufacturer over a 20-year life span, the car still has the same initial advantages. In many respects, the thoughtful design of the Nissan Quest minivan contributes to this, the technical characteristics of which are as follows:
- Length - 5184 mm.
- Height - 1778 mm.
- The width of the car is 1971 mm.
- Track - 1709 mm.
- Wheel platform - 315 cm.
- Ground clearance - 14.7 cm.
- The capacity of the tank is 76 liters.
- Gross vehicle weight - 2600 kg.
- The curb weight is 1935 kg.
- The volume of the power unit is 3.5 cm 3 .
- Power - 243 liters. from.
The first representatives of the SUV class, which began to appear in the late 1980s, have many differences from modern station wagons and minivans. Most of the pioneers in this area have not survived to this day, while the rest exist in a new look and with improved internal filling. The minivan Nissan Quest was not originally something extravagant and in many respects in the first generations met the requirements that will be formed only in the future, already in the 2000s. The characteristics of the car in the modern version are slightly different from the parameters of the classic version - the difference is traced in the basic data of the design and power filling, and the exterior has undergone minor modifications.
Positive feedback about the model
It would seem that the car is rooted in the segment of utilitarian farm trucks, which in no way can be called ergonomic or comfortable. Nevertheless, it is these qualities that the owners of the model note. Even against the background of other minivans, the ease of control and smoothness of the Nissan Quest are noted. Reviews regarding traction and dynamic capabilities, of course, can not be compared with the performance of an American pickup truck, but they are quite enough for confident and long trips. What surprised many especially was the low fuel consumption. So, in urban mode, even taking into account traffic jams, consumption does not exceed 14 liters, and the operation of a minivan on the highway requires only 10 liters. It is worth mentioning about electronic assistants. In the process of numerous restylings and updates, the model has changed for the better according to many criteria, but in terms of ergonomics, the automatic door opening system, numerous sensors and the tire pressure controller come to the fore.
Negative reviews
The desire of the first developers of the model to get away from Ford's idea of utility utilitarian machines today has turned into the opposite problem. With good inclinations in the form of good roominess and controllability, the machine is not adapted to solve a practical function. Rather, the car is ineffective in the role of a full-fledged family minivan. As the owners themselves note, Nissan Quest is the best option in terms of operational comfort, but has little value in terms of transportation. At least there are many representatives of the same class who cope with such functions much better.
Competitors models
Of the products of the American automobile industry, it is worth noting the Dodge and Chrysler models. In the first case, Grand Caravan can become a worthy alternative to a Japanese car, and Town & Country is of interest in the line of the second manufacturer. These models may not be as comfortable and functionally advanced, but they surely surpass Nissan Quest in operational practicality. Now it’s worth returning to the Japanese manufacturers. In this case, Honda Odyssey deserves attention . It is not particularly popular, but in some cases it may be useful. The model is distinguished by the spaciousness of the cabin, which also includes a cargo compartment. Transformation capabilities add to its benefits. But, again, this option does not compare with the version from Nissan in terms of handling and comfort.
Conclusion
The model has long been considered one of the best representatives of the SUV segment in its home market. But in Europe, the Japanese minivan is not very noticeable because of its own bestsellers of the class, a considerable proportion of which are very worthy German versions. At the same time, the Nissan Quest car had every opportunity to become the world leader in the segment. This was prevented by an unbalanced approach to the calculation of operational parameters. The model demonstrates good driving performance, differs in cabin comfort, manufacturability and rich functionality. However, transport and cargo tasks on this machine are inconvenient and inefficient. But it is precisely with this ability that a high-quality modern minivan should be distinguished.