1996 Nissan Quest XE 3.0L from North America
Summary:
If Nissan still built this model of van, I would buy it again new
Faults:
I tow 3500 lbs at least 4000 miles a year while hauling 7 people. A WORKHORSE of a van for the size.
CV joints at 100,000 and 200,000 miles.
Fuel filler neck at 90,000 miles (dealer recall).
Struts, ball joints, and tie rods at 200,000 miles.
All steering, cooling and fuel hoses at 200,000 miles.
Power steering pump at 200,000 miles due to leaking seals.
A/C and heater blower motor at 200,000 miles.
Still has a fuel smell as engine warms up... getting ready to replace the idle air control valve at 200,000.
Engine fan at 120,000 miles.
Must use 87 octane or higher... seriously, if you use 86 or just a poor gas in the summer, this van will vapor lock on you. I discovered this driving across New Mexico (carry 2 bottles of octane booster now).
General Comments:
Engine and transmission are still running great at 210,000 miles. 26 MPG highway, 16 MPG towing. The engine is still burning clean with no oil burn or leaks. I love this van!
Unfortunately the interior and exterior are beginning to wear. Will probably hand it down to the kids!
The engineering on this is great and it's easy to work on. Ford, you ROCK!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd January, 2014
2nd Jan 2014, 21:46
Actually, this is a Nissan designed van, with a Nissan engine and Nissan transmission, very similar to the Nissan Maxima. The Ford (Mercury) Villager was a rebadged Nissan Quest. Thus, Nissan deserves every bit of praise that you've given this vehicle, not Ford.
Stay away from 2004+ Nissan Quests though, they are not the same company they used to be, after being acquired by Renault, although the exterior designs are sure to hypnotize many into purchasing them.