Nissan reportedly readying Quest minivan and Infiniti QX56 replacements for next year
Infiniti QX56 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last we heard, Nissan was rumored to be dumping its Quest minivan along with the Armada large SUV and its platform-mate from Infiniti, the QX56. Conventional wisdom suggested that the Japanese automaker may source its next SUV platform from Dodge since the two automakers had planned to tie up on their next fullsize pickups.
As you probably know, the previously-announced relationship between Nissan and the Pentastar is no longer in the works. As such, if Nissan's going to put out another large SUV, it's going to need its own platform. Somewhat surprisingly given the overall state of the SUV market in America – sales of Infiniti's oversize 'ute are down 41.2 percent so far this year – Wards Auto is reporting that Nissan is indeed readying a new QX56 for next year.
Also in the offing will reportedly be a new generation of the largely unloved Quest minivan. If you thought the QX56 was underperforming in its market, the Quest is even worse – down 56.8 percent though August – and that's from a not-terribly-impressive baseline in a shrinking segment. Still, it seems Nissan wants to compete on equal footing against the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country twins, so we're interested to see what they come up with the next time 'round.
Gallery: 2008 Infiniti QX56
[Source: Wards Auto]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Alexander 2:36PM (9/04/2009)
let 'em die, please
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Farmboy 2:38PM (9/04/2009)
I like the Quest honestly. It isn't a typical looking minivan. But kill the QX56 with fire and lightning.
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paul34 2:49PM (9/04/2009)
Ehh. I could never warm up to the Quest's really cheap-ish feeling center console design, and center gauges. It's like you're just sitting in a really basic room with a fold-up table in the middle.
Other Man 2:57PM (9/04/2009)
I see the potential for both. The reason neither was a tremendous success is simple, they weren't competitive. The QX has the size necessary to compete with the Escalade and Navigator, but the blah looks and mediocre interior are turn offs.
The Quest has its strong points. It's unique looking and has a decent interior, but its packaging an available content is a bit behind, yet the price is certainly up.
PJ 3:34PM (9/04/2009)
I was always really disappointed that the Quest didn't do better. It's a very cool van, arguably more so before the 2007 "normalizing" refresh, but apparently the fashion-conscious have already jumped ship to the SUV segment, and aren't looking at vans anymore.
As for the QX56, kill it with fire and use the money to build a decent Sentra plz.
Judy Zik 1:02AM (9/05/2009)
The Quest is a failboat on wheels. Take a look at those flimsy second row seats with cheap vinyl curtains to cover the latches. That interior is full of fail. It also competes with the Sedona for first to fail minivan status reliability wise (now that the GM nosejobs are dead). All that at a premium price. Our Nissan dealer doesn't even seem to be bothering to stock them anymore.
Xa 2:39PM (9/04/2009)
qx56, kinda cool. quest..... not so much. i'd rather they redid the sentra.
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fixitfixitstop 2:44PM (9/04/2009)
The QX56 was never cool.
paul34 2:50PM (9/04/2009)
I don't think you'd say that if you've ever actually seen the inside of a QX56, or driven one. Or... have you ever even seen one at all? Even the pictures demonstrate it's profound "full of fail" status.
CBR 5:32PM (9/04/2009)
Have you owned one? Or did you just test drive one? I just leased my second QX and its the best all around full size I've owned; great ride, tons of space for the family and gear, plenty of power and more than enough towing capacity. And I see them everywhere on the road. Not a fail in my opinion.
the4thheat 6:07PM (9/04/2009)
I've been in a QX on the road before and all I could think of was how much of a waste of money and space it was to drive this huge lumbering beast that raises you so far off the ground. The passenger volume is large but that's because it can hold a lot of people. The individual passenger space really isn't any more comfortable than a large sedan though.
And even as lumbering beasts go I think there's quite a few I'd buy before I bought this thing especially given the price.
chconline 2:39PM (9/04/2009)
Nissan still make minivans? :P
The ratio of Honda Odyssey to Nissan Quest on the streets here is 10,000 to 1.
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gforce 6:15PM (9/04/2009)
That surprised me too. I don't think the local Nissan dealer here even bothers to stock them. Caravans are everywhere, Siennas are "there", and Odysseys are uncommon.
Alex Hobbs 2:44PM (9/04/2009)
I actually like the Quest styling, surprised it didn't do better.
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Jim Dubois 2:44PM (9/04/2009)
Does anyone really need a gargantuan sized SUV like the QX56?
To me its a symbol of over the top excess like a Hummer
I agree with Alexander, please let it die already!
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Aprime 3:36PM (9/04/2009)
Who are you to tell them what they 'need'? If all we needed was 4-wheeled motorised transportation, we'd all be driving Toyota IQs and Aveos.
Luxury, bro. LUXURY. It comes in different sizes and forms.
TKE 2:51PM (9/04/2009)
Seems a bit silly. I guess they know how much money they're making off these big vehicles. It's not like the Cube is selling well (http://bit.ly/M7TPX). And that's the kind of vehicle (small, unique) that we all say automakers should build more of.
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Richard 2:51PM (9/04/2009)
I'm always surprised when the Toyota Sienna is left out of the Competitors List... I see just as many Toyota Minivans on the road, as Hondas and Chryslers.
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anti-believer 3:28PM (9/04/2009)
Just because you seem just as many in "your neighborhood" doesn't reflect nationwide.
Obviously, it isn't the big seller that you make it out to be, 'cause last year Chrysler and Honda were fighting neck and neck for #1. Chrysler won, unfortunately.
woodyscarsite.blogspot.com 3:08PM (9/04/2009)
If Nissan would corporate with Chrysler that would be it would be a twin of the VW Routang (or whatever the name is). If Nissan was smart, import the Elgrand
as a Quest and an Infiniti and make it a little cooler on the outside.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glzwWrUv6AU
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