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Nissan revealed its 2011 Quest minivan, making it the fifth redesigned or refreshed minivan to be introduced in the past year. A segment that once was considered dead is experiencing a renaissance, and Nissan's re-entry into the market doesn't look to scare the rest of the competition.
Like the past-generation Quest's optional skylights, the Quest can be equipped with dual sunroofs ($1,350) for front and rear passengers. There's also a unique hard cover for the rear storage bin. While the bin is a common trait of minivans, the removable hard floor is unique. The stadium second- and third-row seats fold flat more like a modern crossover than a minivan to create a flat load floor.
Otherwise, besides the styling, there isn't much to make the Quest stand out from the crowd. It has an optional rear entertainment system with an 11-inch widescreen display. Been there, done that, say Odyssey and Sienna.
A price breakdown and trim-level features supplied by Nissan, are below.
Quest 3.5 S: $27,750
Sixteen-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers; rear roof spoiler; six-way adjustable front bucket seats; front door map pockets; wood-tone trim (instrument panel, front doors and sliding door window switch); fold-flat second- and third-row seats; permanent rear storage well; first- and second-row center consoles; Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start; and six-disc CD stereo with four speakers.
Quest 3.5 SV: $30,900
One-touch power sliding doors; 16-inch aluminum wheels; three-zone automatic climate control; power driver's seat lumbar adjustment; six speakers; fog lights; conversation mirror; 4.3-inch audio display; USB port with iPod connectivity; Bluetooth phone connectivity with steering-wheel controls; rearview monitor; and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Quest 3.5 SL: $34,350
Leather-appointed seating and door trim; 18-inch aluminum wheels; power liftgate; eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat; heated front seats; HomeLink transceiver; auto-dimming inside mirror with compass; roof rails; auto on/off headlights; leather-wrapped shift knob; quick-release fold-flat third row; and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Quest 3.5 LE: $41,350
Navigation system; 12-speaker Bose audio system; XM Satellite Radio (subscription required, sold separately); memory system for driver's seat and side mirrors; auto tilt-in-reverse outside mirrors; second- and third-row manual blinds; four-way power-adjustable front passenger seat; 8-inch dash-mounted color display; DVD entertainment system with two wireless headphones, remote control and 11-inch widescreen display; advanced climate control system with auto-recirculation feature; blind spot warning system; and xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights.
Perhaps no car has been so oddly conceived as the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet since the Pontiac Aztek debuted. While the Aztek was aimed at a very specific niche of buyers, the CrossCabriolet looks to capture a larger audience searching for an almost practical luxury-priced convertible.
If that's you, the Murano CrossCabriolet is quite remarkable. It promises more room than a traditional convertible, so rear passengers can actually enjoy the open-air ride. If the elements don't allow it, the soft-top also features an added piece of glass for an open-air look.
The Murano CrossCabriolet also promises a lot of amenities for the driver, as there is just one fully loaded trim level available starting at $46,390, not including an $800 destination charge. That means a navigation system and Bose stereo, heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control and 20-inch wheels are standard equipment.
Performance should also be beyond acceptable, as the same 265-horsepower V-6 we love in the Murano SUV powers the CrossCabriolet, too. Even more amazing is that the aerodynamic drag is just a smidge worse with the soft-top up compared with the hardtop crossover.
Overall, it's just a remarkably odd, yet alluring vehicle — one that when you look at it, would be the perfect transport for a picnic in the country ... in any season.
