2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

In back, however, the 2nd row seats and 3rd bench didn't get any complaints from a comfort standpoint. By the way, the floor raises slightly underneath the 3rd row seat, which gives us the impression that we're sitting in a movie theatre, because we're higher up than the other seats. Also, the glass roof is fantastic; it makes the cabin brighter and relieves claustrophobics.

The DVD entertainment system uses not one, but two LCD screens, one for each row of seats. The player is located under the front passenger's seat, which is not very handy. In addition, those sitting in the 3rd row preferred closing their screen and concentrating on the 2nd row's screen, theirs being too close and making them dizzy. Once we throw out the movie buffs to make way for cargo space, the rear bench folds in the floor and the 2nd row seats fold down in the floor. The result is a cargo floor that's pretty bumpy, and we have to take off all the headrests without knowing where to store them. The Stow n' Go system in the Dodge and Chrysler minivans is superior, in my opinion.

2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The Quest received some bad press when it was redesigned back in 2004, concerning its fit and finish on the inside. Misaligned panels and lots of noise and/or rattles coming from the dashboard and rear seats were the weak points. I must say that this 2006 version is much improved on this issue. Apart from a slight vibration noise coming from the rear seats, the cabin is now quiet. Nissan seems to have done its homework and made the necessary corrections.

At $46,548, the Nissan Quest 3.5 SE is not cheap. Add the $2,950 navigation system, and you're very close to $50,000. This bill resembles those of the competition, being the Honda Odyssey Touring, the Toyota Sienna XLE AWD and the Chrysler Town & Country Limited. By the way, a well-equipped Quest 3.5 S is available from $32,048.

I appreciated the time behind the wheel of this minivan, thanks to its qualities and despite its shortcomings. It constitutes a good choice for those who like power, gobs of storage and relative rarity. I can only imagine that the next-generation Quest, soon due, will be an even better space shuttle.

2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Powerful engine that consumes a reasonable amount of fuel
Lots of interior space and storage
Fun to drive

What I don't like:
Uncomfortable front seats during long drives
Certain interior details need revising
High price

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5SE's specifications.