1997 Nissan Quest GXE 3.0 liter from North America
Summary:
Like the car, but not enough to re-build the engine
Faults:
My Nissan Quest burns oil at an alarming rate. Depending upon driving conditions, high speed is worst, it takes as much as one quart per 200 miles.
Compression tests revealed low compression of about 125 psi in all cylinders - wet/dry tests by shop concluded that it had worn rings. This is unacceptable for a costly, name brand Japanese car with < 100K miles.
No smoke is ever observed - the EGR system must recirculate the exhaust to the point where gases coming out are relatively clean. Catalytic converter probably red hot.
Fuel economy is bad. Best I have gotten is about 22-23; more typically 19-20 (all on highway) during steady 75 mph driving. This is unacceptable compared to other minivans like Dodge Caravan and Pontiac Montana.
General Comments:
I suspect the engine was run a lot in the past while very low on oil. The dipstick is almost impossible to read and requires a very trained technique of careful wiping and measuring several times. The only sure way to tell how much oil it has in it is to drain it and measure its volume, almost always down considerably. I put Motor Honey in it - helps some.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 18th December, 2004
2nd Apr 2005, 07:39
If the Quest and the Villager are twins, I thought it was made by Nissan.
2nd Apr 2005, 10:59
Yes, it is correct, that both the Quest and the Villager are made by Nissan, problems and all. The first comment is incorrect. Of course, the actual Ford minivans (i.e. the Windstar) are no gems by a long shot... I owned a '95. But, Nissan's are not immune to problems either. Any notions suggesting otherwise is just hype.
9th Feb 2006, 21:30
From what I've heard, the body and assembly was done by Ford in North America, but the engine and electronics were all Nissan. Usually the VG engines in the 19-00 generation minivans are bulletproof. (The newer 2004+ use the VQ)
8th Aug 2008, 13:06
I was wondering if anyone had the problem of being able to shift out of gear while the accessories (battery) is turned on??.. The manual specifically states that the transmission is designed to prevent that, but my van does it.
20th Mar 2005, 02:46
Japanese on the outside, but all FORD on the inside. You pretty much got a Mercury Villager, except with the Nissan label.