The JDM-inspired, American minivan has always been, well… less than sporty and more than practical. This was previously part of its general appeal. However, with the theme of 2008 models being more horsepower on everything but skateboards, even the minivan straddles the fence between performance and efficiency. Two such models attempting to kick the soccer-mom stigma like Pele at the World Cup, are the Honda Odyssey and the Nissan Quest.
Both the Odyssey and Quest were crafted with the intent of incorporating the flagship sedans of their respective manufacturer’s rosters, but which one actually made the translation? There are a total of 100 possible comparative points up for grabs from performance to bang per buck. Let’s see who made rank.
Honda Odyssey LX
MSRP (base): $25, 645Engine: 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6
Horsepower: 244 bhp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque: 240 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
MPG: City: 19; Highway: 26
Performance - 13/20
The Honda Odyssey is built on a widened second-generation Global Light Truck deck and is only available in front-wheel drive. The suspension is guided by a four-wheel independent system, supported by high-resistant MacPherson struts and double-wishbone, multi-links. Dubbed the most powerful engine in its class, the 3.5-liter VTEC, SOHC, 24-valve V6 engine with a variable cylinder management motherboard definitely pushes out the ponies. The mid-sized powerplant throws out 244 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 240 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Since the dynamics of the van aren't felt until late in the power band, those with feathered driving techniques need not apply. Downshifts are lax, as to be expected from the CPU mainframe, but manage to maintain fluid transition. The drag strip clocked the Odyssey’s 0-60 mph time at 7.3 seconds. The van comes with a dash-mounted, 5-speed automatic (with overdrive) transmission to get you where you're going.
Exterior - 15/20
The Honda Odyssey casts a comely shadow, with the nose closely tailing the Honda Accord. Bulky, multi-reflector halogen headlights decorate the front grille. The design team hasn’t masked the sliding door hatches at the foot of the window either; rather they are partially concealed by a fold that spans the length of the vehicle. The van also features a rear privacy glass and a moonroof. Every trim level provides two sliding side doors, manually powered on the LX and mechanically on all other models.
Interior - 7/10
The Odyssey’s cabin is spacious and space efficient. The cushiony fabrics used, outlined by metallic-tinted edges, are esthetically appealing. The freshest class of Odyssey bears a telescopic captain’s wheel. This adds adjustability, aiding in building a relaxed driver’s stance. The pilot’s bucket seat is formatted to hug the driver snugly. The shifter knob is rooted on the dashboard and is fairly easy to acclimate to. A spy-gadget drink tray -- just one of the 15 drink holders hidden within the van -- rests flush between the operator and passenger seats. The center console is obsolete, save for the holders. Perhaps too bold are the dual glove boxes, which make packing away more of a taxing experience than it already was. Housed in the center of the van, beneath the floor, where a spare tire would presumably reside, lies storage space. A compartment with a revolving bin, within reach of both front and rear passengers, maximizes this van's storage space without compromising seating comfort.
Sound system/Goodies - 7/10 What is the minivan experience without a multimedia plethora of bells and whistles to keep passengers happy? The Odyssey delivers its DVD RES (Rear Entertainment System) to keep the kiddies cheery. Linked to a 120W AM/FM/XM ready/6-Disc In-Dash CD Changer Audio System with six speakers, the configuration runs effortlessly with a few minor complications -- the controls became baffling under the surplus of buttons and wireless headsets. Honda’s satellite navigation system with voice recognition and rearview camera (for easier parking) is also available. The mainframe is simple to maneuver, complete with HUD menus and Zagat restaurant software. The panoramic 8-inch display is fixed for maximum visibility on the dashboard. It claims the capability to correspond with 637 different voice commands and is advanced enough to comprehend accents and sift through destination points without any other input besides vocal.
Bang for the buck - 16/20
The all-new Honda Odyssey was employed to capitalize on the safety of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering frame capacity. With a rollover sensor, tire pressure monitor and fuel efficiency, $25,000 is an acceptable MSRP for safety and reliability, making this minivan a good deal on hard-to-find practicality.
Driving experience - 15/20
Treks to Costco and Little League play-off games are just a few usual regimes that can be done in an unusual way with the Odyssey. It’s everything that a minivan should be in stability and safety, and with gadgets for both adults and children everyone should be content. Although styling cues may present an issue, there isn’t much you can do to a minivan, really, and Honda has accomplished what it set out to do.
Overall score - 73/100
The Honda Odyssey has made consumer purchasing somewhat of a low-risk, high-take situation.
Nissan Quest 3.5
MSRP (base): $24,350Engine: 3.5-liter, 24 Valve DOHC V6 (VQ35DE)
Horsepower: 235 bhp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 240 lb-ft @ 4, 400 rpm
MPG: City:18; Highway: 25
Performance - 12/20
The Nissan Quest is assembled on an altered mount from its third reincarnations launch in 2004 and is exclusively offered in front-wheel drive. The suspension fittings are managed by a quad-circuited independent system. Nissan, in its efforts to keep with the “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander” philosophy, has graced the Quest with the Maxima, Altima and 350Z VQ35DE engine. The much-praised 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 has been dialed down considerably when compared to the heart of the roster, but remains admirable. Under the hood, the Quest's ranch corrals 235 horsepower at 5,800 rpm with an adjoining 240 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. An addition in weight makes for a lower center of gravity, which translates into superior handling and a nonexistent body lean factor. Gear changes are breezy, but most of all predictable -- which in minivan terms is more of a pro than a con. Although not a 350Z, the Quest hauls itself from 0-60 in just over 8 seconds. The Captain supervises the output with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior - 13/20
Although styling options seem few when your base vehicle is essentially a box, Nissan really has made advancements with the Quest this time around. This third generation received a face-lift with a new nose and grille, while maintaining the fluent shoulder lineaments and raked forward liftgate that make it as distinguishable as a Quest. Mixed feedback on the design suggests that you either have a fondness for Nissan’s offering or don’t see how it escaped that ball of paper the blueprint was sketched on in the wastebasket. A moonroof, sliding doors, and 16-inch aluminum wheels come standard. Michelin’s brainchild, PAX system run-flat tires, are available on the SL and SE.
Interior - 5/10
The cockpit of the Quest is where most changes are tangible. The gauges, once planted square on the dashboard, have been chucked in favor of a pilot-efficient HUD in front of the steering wheel. The revamped control deck is overcast with the difficulty to access a few keys due to the automatic gear selector, when it’s set in drive. The dashboard on the base edition comes in both bland, and an even blander gray. A two-tone vibrant hue is an alternative at the consumer’s discretion. The Captain’s chair and front passenger seat enjoy the leather treatment with what Nissan dubs a "furniture-style" design. Although La-Z-Boy recliner was the intent, the bucket seats seem as though they were crafted by a lazy boy only. The arched seat nudges you astray from the backrest and doesn’t accommodate the pilot in winding turns. The second row of seats closely resembles that of the front and both have ample leg room. The third row has a spring assist, complete with head restraints that don't need to be removed when collapsed, but does not offer the 60/40 split as in its counterparts -- which includes the Honda Odyssey.
Sound system/Goodies - 5/10
The mini-monster Quest, in its most primitive form, wields your basic AM/FM audio network with a CD player and 8 speakers. Higher trims will score you a 6-disc, in-dash CD changer. The Bose partnership for superior sound extends to the SE, with 10 speakers and a Richbass subwoofer. All variations of the Quest pose the optional rear-mount DVD player. A navigation system, which leaves much to be desired, is also thrown in. Destinations must be put in while the vehicle is stationary and is overall time-consuming. Selections are made with a 360-degree rotator knob instead of the popular touch screen. Data is visible on a 7-inch color LCD screen with novelties like GPS and DVD ROM included.
Bang for the buck - 13/20 The Nissan Quest has a definitive less-is-more charm. With extreme luxury scrapped, it leaves a lot to be desired. More focus should have been applied with the driver in mind. At just a few C notes shy of its competitors MSRP, the Quest should be valued at a lot less.
Driving experience - 9/20
The Nissan Quest pays so much attention to being an individual that it loses sight of what’s essential to the consumer. Even with Nissan’s reputation for superb performance, it sacrifices entirely too much to be ignored. While a manufacturer can afford to take some risks and deviate from the formula, minivans are generally a pretty predictable class and Nissan finds itself way off base with this one.
Overall score - 57/100
Nissan spreads itself too thin on this outing. The Quest is marginal, at best, in all arenas.
and the winner is…
In a world where hauling 18 pounds of potato salad to peewee football can mean the difference between a pleasant afternoon and suffering the wrath of angry preteens, space efficiency and entertainment must peacefully coexist. With models like Odyssey and Quest, the minivan is one such solution. The Honda Odyssey is the decisive victor, toppling the competition with ease.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.autoblog.com/
http://www.honda.com/
http://www.nissanusa.com/
http://www.edmunds.com/
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