Obviously going for the offbeat look, the Nissan Quest is reprised for 2011 to look remarkably like a stretched Cube. Some major redesign work has blunted the nose of this seven-passenger, four-door minivan, while the rear now resembles a 1960’s-vintage washing machine with a square, instead of round, window. This minivan turns heads, some toward it, some away from it, but it nonetheless packs some decent performance numbers, as well as a roomy cabin with three rows of seating, 108.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a tolerably plush ride. Nissan is alleged to be pursuing comfort and driving excitement, not to mention Odyssey owners, with the re-worked Quest, but according to a number of reviewers, it still has some way to go. Nonetheless, four trims, the base 3.5 S, lower midlevel 3.5 SV, higher-end 3.5 SE, and top-shelf 3.5 LE constitute this minivan’s lineup. All feature a continuously variable-speed transmission (CVT) that provides a suitable mate to its standard V6 engine, while a cushy-yet-tight suspension eats up bumps, and the steering wheel's precise feel allows a bit of sportiness for driving on back-country roads.
Of course, the king of the minivan hill remains Honda’s awesome Odyssey. Toyota’s Sienna, however, and Chrysler’s up-and-coming Town & Country, along with its Dodge Grand Caravan cousin, all put pressure on the boxy Quest to find its niche. Both the Odyssey and the Sienna are marginally more refined and therefore a bit pricier than Nissan’s blocky entry, while both Chrysler Corp. products offer more cargo room as well as Stow N’ Go rear seats, but haven’t quite reached the level of Japanese build quality.
As may be deduced from the trim names, all 2011 Quests are powered by a standard 3.5-liter V6 with CVT, which work together to put out 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage is a tolerably decent 19/24 mpg, and with the proper equipment, these ponies will pull up to 3,500 pounds of trailer.
Now, say what you will about the 2011 Quest’s exterior design, but this squared-off minivan does pack a pretty impressive load of standard features. The base 3.5 S, for instance, boasts 16-inch steel wheels and an integrated rear spoiler on the outside, while inside, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, reclining, split-folding second-row seats and split-folding third-row bench seats are complemented by simulated wood trim on doors and dash. Standard cabin gizmos include cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, remote power door locks and power windows and mirrors, as well as front and rear air conditioning and a trip computer. Entertainment is provided by an MP3-capable 6-CD changer with four speakers and auxiliary MP3 input.
The 3.5 SV adds standard 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, three-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six speakers, a USB connection, and Bluetooth technology. The higher-end 3.5 SL, meanwhile, throws 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear power liftgate, heated outside mirrors and a roof rack into the exterior mix, while adding leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed shift knob, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a universal remote garage door opener and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror onto the heap of cabin amenities.
Finally, the flagship Quest 3.5 LE tops off the list of standard features with power-adjustable front seats, power-folding third-row seats, reverse-tilt outside mirrors and memory for two drivers' settings. Standard entertainment equipment is upgraded significantly with 13 Bose premium speakers, XM satellite radio with NavTraffic, a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic and, finally, rear-seat DVD entertainment with what Nissan claims is the largest video screen in the business.
Options for all trims, meantime, include various cargo protection devices and organizers, while side roof rails are available for the 3.5 SL and 3.5 LE trims. Both the 3.5 SL and 3.5 LE also can be delivered with an optional dual-panel power moonroof, while the 3.5 SL is available with rear-seat DVD entertainment.
Safety-wise, all 2011 Quest trims are equipped with four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control. Occupant protection includes front side-mounted airbags, three-row head airbags, and front head-restraint whiplash protection, while a remote antitheft alarm is also standard across the lineup. The 3.5 SV and higher trims come with front fog/driving lights, while the 3.5 SE adds turn-signal-integrated mirrors, and the 3.5 LE is delivered with standard high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and Blind Spot Warning sensors.
Owners of the 2011 Quest are polarized by its radical styling. Many enjoy its boxy shape, claiming it maximizes interior space, while others ask what Nissan was thinking. Handling could be sportier, according to a number of Quest owners, while others bemoan the lack of standard floormats, and still others gripe about the delicate hatch leading to the in-floor rear storage bin. Many owners, however, praise this unique minivan’s roomy cabin and standard high-tech features, especially in the upper trim levels. Comfy seats and a nearly plush ride also draw kudos from owners.
Before I use to just place my thumb or finger on handle button from the outside and doors would automatically open.. now they don't, have to crank and pull. They'll open with beeper or inside panel on the dashboard.
We are in the process of negotiating on a used car from a dealership that is a couple hours away from us, in Des Moines. The car is a little high-mileage, but not crazy. The dealer seems to be giving us a very fair price (below TMV). This raises some red flags. Maybe the car has just been on the lot a long time and they want to get rid of it, but maybe there's something else going on. Our goal is to negotiate completely over the phone, have everything in writing, and only drive over to the dealer to sign papers and drive off the lot. We want to get an independent inspection, of course, but the local places we called aren't open Saturday, which is when we would be able to drive it over. How do we find a mechanic who will go to the dealership? We looked at SGS, but their site isn't very user friendly. Any other suggestions?
Can I add navigation to a existing screen on my minivan? It is a 2011 Nissan Quest SV
I have looked at video online showing how to replace the low beam headlight bulb for a Nissan Quest but they are for previous year models and 2011 was when they changed everything on the Quest. So, previous videos don't help.
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front, rear and third row · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual manual sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: rear console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo net · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Front power outlet: 120V · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: third row · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Side door type: dual power sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 11
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: dual power · OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent · Solar-tinted glass: front
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Single rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Wireless headphones · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote control: video · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 11
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.1 · Rear brake width: 0.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Front power outlet: 115V · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 550 CCA
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Side door type: dual power sliding
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2 · Number of third row headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 8 in. · Video monitor location: rear · Video monitor size: 11 · Video system: DVD player
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: captains chairs
Roof
Moonroof: dual power · OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point · Third row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: captains chairs · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Third row headrests: adjustable · Third row seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 18.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Third Row Seat
Type: 40-60 split bench
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Towing and Hauling
Trailer hitch: Class II
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer · Solar-tinted glass: front