New Car Review of the 2005 Nissan Quest Minvan

Description: Minvan
Base MSRP Range: $23,450 - $32,350
Invoice Price Range: $21,687 - $29,580
Where built: USA

Quest breaks the mold of a typical minivan's crate-on-wheels design due to a format that stretches long, but slinks low. It has the longest wheelbase in class to forge a five-door passenger compartment with considerable space inside arranged in an artful manner.

Bucket seats on the second tier and the third row bench flip and fold to form a flat floor for hauling a load of cargo. A sliding slab door on either side shows the widest portal in this minivan's segment. With all seats standing, Quest still has cargo room at the rear, including a well in the floor so you can stack the cargo and access it from a top-hinged back gate. The optional Skyview roof consists of four glass roof panels above second and third row seats. Add the sunroof over front seats and you end up with a roof that's more clear windows that solid ceiling.

Power stems from a dual-cam 3.5-liter V6 worth 240-hp through a 4-speed or 5-speed automatic transaxle, the latter reserved for Quest's top two trims. Gear increases up the Quest model ladder with three well-equipped versions -- Quest 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE.