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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Nissan Quest

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Overview

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2012 Nissan Quest Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

Perhaps one of the reasons men dread the idea of buying a minivan is because most of them are shaped like characterless rolling bread boxes and about as much fun to drive as, well, a rolling bread box! But, if there is one minivan that can change perceptions, that might even be considered "cool" by some, it's the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. With a profile that is tall yet muscular, the Quest has a decidedly masculine feel, yet its interior is designer chic, which should hold strong appeal to both sexes. Not that the 2012 Nissan Quest's interior isn't kid-friendly, far from it. The 2012 Quest's interior is just more adult contemporary than PG-13. And, while there are plenty of less expensive minivans with more power under the hood than the Quest, none pack the visual punch of this edgy family hauling machine.

You'll Like This Car If...

If the majority of your driving time is spent zipping around town picking up kids and running errands, the 2012 Nissan Quest's 19-mpg city rating will definitely help keep fuel costs down. Those looking for a premium interior uncommon in a minivan will love what Nissan has done with the Quest's cabin.

You May Not Like This Car If...

With such a well-thought-out interior, it's hard to imagine how Nissan left the 2012 Quest minivan without a split-screen DVD entertainment system or seating for eight people. If either or both of these features are important, the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna makes a better choice. Those looking for a low-price entry point won't be too impressed by the Quest's nearly $29,000 starting price.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

7.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.2
Value

6.8
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#3

out of 6

MPG

#7

out of 11

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Nissan Quest minivan adds XM Satellite Radio to the SV and SL trims.

Driving the Quest

2012 Nissan Quest Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Nissan Quest displays one of the best applications of Nissan's gearless CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) we've yet tested. The CVT is the principal reason for the Quest's smooth...

acceleration and brisk off-the-line sprints, as well as the minivan's impressive fuel-economy figures. Of course, the best transmission in the world is worthless without the right engine to back it up, which is why Nissan chose to equip the 2012 Nissan Quest with a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Ironically, for a company known for producing enthusiast-oriented cars and SUVs, the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan's steering and suspension setup left us unimpressed. We found a more engaging driving performance in the VW Routan and even the Honda Odyssey. However, the Quest's ride is ultra-smooth, which, considering how most people drive a minivan, may be the more desirable trait.

Favorite Features

Interior
With tasteful leather seating and a well-coordinated color scheme, the interior of the 2012 Nissan Quest SL and LE trims looks like it belongs in a much more expensive vehicle that focuses more on hauling adults than children.

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
With no gears, as such, to shift, this transmission provides seamless power with little lag.

2012 Nissan Quest Details

2012 Nissan Quest Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

If room and comfort are what you're looking for, the 2012 Nissan Quest's class-leading interior volume and handsomely appointed interior will more than meet expectations. Nissan has made sure that all of the switchgear, storage compartment covers and tactile surfaces have a premium feel worthy of an Infiniti luxury product. The creased faux-wood insert running along the dash and doors looks first-rate, and the perforated leather seating in the SE and LE trims is well beyond anything you'd expect to find in a minivan. But, everything inside the 2012 Nissan Quest isn't in perfect ergonomic harmony. For example, we found with the shift lever in the "D" position, the climate controls are partially blocked. Similarly, the buttons controlling among other things the traction control and power rear liftgate are placed down by the driver's knee where they are difficult to see and reach.

Exterior

With the exception of the Honda Odyssey, there really isn't another minivan on the market as expressive or stylized as the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. Although it is not as long or wide as the segment leaders, the 2012 Nissan Quest is taller than most of its rivals; by as much as three inches, in some cases. The Quest's added height helps create a more open and roomy cabin, while its expansive surrounding of tinted privacy glass gives all inside a clear view out while keeping prying eyes (and cabin-heating sun rays) at bay. Standard equipment on S and SV trims are 16-inch wheels and tires, but 18-inchers are fitted to the more upscale SL and LE trims, helping to fill the oversized wheel wells.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Nissan Quest S minivan comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), 16-inch wheels, push-button start, cloth seating surfaces, seating for seven, a 60/40 split third-row seat, a 6-CD audio system with auxiliary input jack and six airbags. The SV trim adds foglights, a premium audio system with 4.3-inch color display and USB port, 1-touch power sliding side doors, Bluetooth, a rearview monitor and tri-zone automatic climate control. The SL gets 18-inch wheels, roof rails, a power tailgate, leather seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The range-topping LE adds a 13-speaker Bose audio system, blind-spot warning system, a power return third-row seat, an air-scrubbing climate-control system, hard drive-based navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment.

Optional Equipment

Aside from a few extras like splash guards, roof-rail crossbars and carpeted floor mats, options remain few on the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system or Bose premium audio system can be added to the SL model, while a dual-panel moonroof is also available on SL and LE models.

Under the Hood

Providing the muscle for the 2012 Nissan Quest's metal is a 260-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Although the Quest doesn't have the most horsepower in the minivan segment, it does have the smoothest transmission and the best city fuel economy of 19 mpg.

3.5-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
240 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/24

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Nissan Quest S minivan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) around $28,500, putting it above the less-expensive Kia Sedona LX ($25,500) and the Toyota Sienna CE ($27,000). Fully loaded, the 2012 Nissan Quest minivan can reach just above $42,000, putting it firmly between the Toyota Sienna ($41,000) and the Honda Odyssey ($44,000). Before heading to your local Nissan dealership to see and drive a Quest, we recommend you check its Fair Purchase Price on kbb.com to find out what others in your area are currently paying for it. If you're thinking ahead and wondering what the Quest will be worth in a few years, it should hold an average resale value, which is better than the Sedona but below that of the Sienna and Odyssey.

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2012 Nissan Quest Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 30 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.4/10

LOVE THIS VAN!!

By steph (AZ) on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Amazing power, unique body style"

Cons: "Needs more USB ports, Tailgate is heavy"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We purchased our Quest on march 31, after extensive research. We felt the Odyssey was overpriced, and everybody and their cousin drove the Sienna. After my 1st test drive, I was in love. I was drawn to the unique body style- and the comfort of the interior. Having purchased a 2012 Sentra the previous year, we were familiar with the CVT transmission. My only "complaints" are A) the driver side door will shut by itself if I don't have it completely opened B)several more USB ports would be great C) the tailgate is a bit heavy- and I don't have power feature on it D)the seats can be a bit uncomfortable after 4 hours of driving. I have not once regretted our purchase -we've owned our new Quest for 3 months. I am getting 19_ mpg in the city, and 21-24 highway (driving through steep mountains in CA and AZ). As long as I don't take off too quickly from a complete stop, I am able to consistently get 19 mpg(have 3,050 miles right now). Through 6% mountain grades, the van doesnt even hestitate in the slightest amount. The power is amazing!! I would- and HAVE- recommend this van to a family that wants an amazing ride and a unique looking vehicle."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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This car is a dream to drive.

By Merr (WA) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive; good price."

Cons: "Needs auto tail gate opener/closer."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car new in Jan 2012. This car seats 7 ADULTS comfortably. Lots of leg room in middle row of seats. Lots of head room in all rows of seating. Middle row of seats also recline. Mileage is 22 mph city and 24 hwy. Would like to have an electric lift tail gate but that is the only thing I've found that I would like to change. Very quiet and smooth driving. The back up camera is a need in this vehicle because it is hard to see around the back side of the car. Middle and back seats fold flat so you have a flat surface to put things on. I never wanted a van but I would buy another one of these vans in a heartbeat! I love this car!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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LEMON

By IMBALMR (OH) on Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,250

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Comfort"

Cons: "Mechanical Reliability"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"My wife and I've owned this van for 16 months. We've had nothing but issues with it! 1. It stalled it traffic for no reason twice 2. Idles rough 3. It jerks when coasting to a stop then giving it gas when the light changes. 4.Shifts hard 5. Idles up and down hard when sitting still. We'll never buy another Nissan. We've heard of other people with similar issues."

6 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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From a Sedan to a Minivan

By Blue Mate (MO) on Wednesday, January 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Keyless entry, Interiors (Wow!!!) and Lots more!!"

Cons: "Entry to 3rd row"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a guy with 2 kids and I never Imagined I would drive a minivan. I was driving a toyota camry for the last 7 years and really loved it. Since the car started giving some trouble we thought of upgrading to a either a big size SUV or a Mini-Van. I test drove couple of SUV's and even though I really liked the sporty drive I hate the 3rd row seating arrangement in most of them. Of the Minivans I test drove I liked Odyssey and Sienna but the 2012 Quest beat them hands down. There is no comparision to the interiors of the Quest with Sienna or Odyssey. I observed Nissan borrows a lot of their interior design from the up-market cousin Infinity and Quest is no exception to that. The interiors look very stylish and gives an expensive feeling and the exteriors looks awesome (Like couple of other reviewers said, the handles are chrome plated with one touch operation) keyless entry is very good and I really liked that fact that you cannot lock the key inside the vehicle. Drive is very smooth and is pretty sporty. I also got a very good price on the Quest, which made my decision very easy. The only drawback I felt was the second row seats would not fold of their base and would only move forward, also the rear doors do not go all the way back, this makes it little difficult to enter the 3rd row."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love thus van! It doesn't even compare to others!

By Gadoglover (GA) on Saturday, December 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Size, luxury feel, attention to details, cost"

Cons: "Big! Visibility in back windows"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this vehicle a few weeks ago and I have been extremely impressed! We test drove the oddessey and being "bigger" people, I found that the oddessey's front passenger seat was very uncomfortable. We were looking fooff top of the line van because we were trying to watch cost. from test driving the Sienna and oddessey, we were discouraged. I had never really considered the quest, but thoughtid at least go check it out since I was so discouraged with the other two. Oh my gosh! Intrudes likes luxury car and looks classy! It's comfortable and has tons of room. Who cares that it doesn't have the hide away seats? The seats still fold totally flat and that's all that matters! I love this van and I'm a proud owner! Highly reccomend!"

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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very good

By mndriver (MN) on Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Overall great van, VERY luxurius."

Cons: "None really."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"had it now for over a year and 41k miles and still love it. We did 2 long road trips this summer (MN to FL and MN to WA) and really enjoyed the van. Lots of storage space, don't have to remove any seats to get a flat floor for loading and the turn radius is super tight. Gas mileage hovers around 22mpg overall. Had some rattle from the DVD screen that took the dealer 2 attempts to fix. The CV Transmission is excellent."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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