2001NissanQuestNissan Quest2001 Nissan Quest SEMinivanWagonFWDAvon Lake, OhioDespite the company's decision to kill the Quest after a short 2002 model run, Nissan imbues the 2001 Quest minivan with a raft of minor improvements. Styling front and rear is freshened, and redesigned alloy wheels debut on all models. Entry-level GXE gains a rear stabilizer bar, while sporty SE receives acceleration-sensitive strut valving and a strut tower brace. New interior gauges and fabrics spice things up, and a 130-watt Super Sound system is standard on SE and GLE. Luxury GLE models also get an in-dash six-CD changer and a wood-n'-leather steering wheel. An optional overhead family entertainment system replaces the former floor-mounted model, though that rather archaic unit can still be specified for SE and GLE Quests equipped with a sunroof. Front seatbelts now have pre-tensioners for improved occupant protection.Tidy exterior size, lots of bang for the buck, interior flexibility.Needs more passing power, needs more interior space, needs better crash test scores.Nissan completely redesigned the Quest in 1999 in an attempt to keep pace with superior vans from Honda, Chrysler and Ford. But that effort has proven too little, too late. Quest isn't a good seller, and will be axed from Nissan's lineup after a short 2002 model run. Don't fret, Nissan will reintroduce the model mid-decade, with far more competitive design and packaging than this current version. For 2001, Quest is available in three flavors: value-oriented GXE, sporty SE, and luxurious GLE trim. This year, GXE has standard 16-inch wheels and a rear stabilizer bar. SE models are tuned more aggressively, featuring acceleration sensitive strut valving and a strut tower brace under the hood for more stable cornering. GLE, which comes standard with leather seating and the handy Quest Smart Shelf system, gets a new in-dash CD changer and wood accents on the steering wheel rim. Versatile passenger space is the Quest's stock-in-trade with a standard driver's side sliding door and a third-row limousine seating option among its many features. With seven-passenger Quest Trac Flexible Seating, you can get 24 different combinations with the bench seat and 66 with the second-row captain's chairs. Second-row seats can fold down into a table, or be removed completely. The third-row seat also folds into a table, folds further for more cargo space, or slides forward on integrated tracks -- all the way to behind the driver's seat. To enhance stuff-stashing space even more, buyers of GXE and SE models can add an optional multi-adjustable Quest Smart Shelf with mesh net located behind the third row. Under the hood is a 170-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 200 foot-pounds of torque down low for good punch in traffic. This engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Antilock brakes and power steering are standard on all Quest models and the suspension provides a smooth, quiet, sedan-like ride underneath GXE and GLE models. SE models are tuned to provide more driver involvement with the road. The Quest's dashboard has a functional layout with the audio unit located above the climate controls for easier access. An automatic headlight on/off switch (standard on GLE and SE) can be set to sense the onset of darkness and automatically turn the headlights on. Visibility is great, too, from upright but comfortable seating that's tempting for a long trek. Gauges are small, but acceptable, and controls are pleasing to operate. The entertainment system, optional for 2001, is an overhead unit featuring a new, larger screen to better pacify rambunctious rear passengers. Distinctive in shape and enjoyable on the road, Quests perform adequately, though more passing power would be appreciated. Except for the upright seating position, this Nissan's handling traits make it easy to forget that you're inside a minivan. Unfortunately, especially since this is a family-minded vehicle, the Quest's crash test scores are subpar. If you're seeking transportation for loved ones but like a smaller-sized van, the Mazda MPV is a "safer" bet. Dodge Grand CaravanHonda OdysseyMercury VillagerToyota Sienna336,000560,0003Unlimited5UnlimitedNANANA63.3 litersV6170 hp @ 4800 rpm200 ft-lbs. @ 2800 rpm111 cu.ft.NA3500 lbs.194.8 in.74.9 in.67.3 in.3950 lbs.112.2 in.40 ft.5.2 in.39.7 in.39.9 in.NANANANA39.9 in.36.4 in.7StandardStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Very GoodRating = Very GoodVery GoodGoodNot TestedNot Tested20 gal.17 mpg / 23 mpg340 mi. / 460 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$21,927$24,3397.35%$520N/A3% of the Total InvoiceGXE (4A): 3.3L V6 SOHC SMPI 12-valve engine; 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; battery with rundown protection; 125 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.79 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear non-independent leaf spring suspension with anti-roll bar; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 20 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; 4 doors with left and right sliding rear passenger doors, liftback rear cargo door; roof rack; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; additional exterior lights include cornering lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black folding outside mirrors; 16" x 5.5" steel wheels; P215/65SR16 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning, rear heatducts; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 4 speakers, fixed antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, remote hatch release, remote fuel door release; 1 power accessory outlet, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; panic alarm, security system; deep tinted windows with driver's 1-touch down function, manual 1/4 vent windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, fixed-interval rear wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 7, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, driver and passenger armrests, driver's and passenger's seatincludes 4-way adjustment; removable 2nd-row bench seats with adjustable headrests, full folding 3rd-row reclining bench seat with adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, door curb lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, 1 seatback storage pocket, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, reversible cargo mats, cargo light; body-colored grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding, body-colored door handles.
SE (4A) (in addition to or instead of GXE (4A) equipment): HD battery; sport-ride suspension; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote black heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 6" machined alloy wheels; P225/60SR16 BSW A/S tires; rear air conditioning with separate controls, air filter; premium AM/FM stereo radio, single-disc CD player, 7 speakers, radio steering wheel controls and rear controls; 2 power accessory outlets, additional instrumentation display includes exterior temp; additional interior lights include front and rear reading lights; leather-wrapped steering wheel; mini overhead console with storage, front underseat tray, cargo net.