Nissan Quest III (V42) photos

Unveiled in 2003 for the 2004 model year, the third-generation Nissan Quest (chassis code V42) represented a clean break from the previous Ford partnership and was engineered entirely in-house by Nissan. Production shifted to Nissan's new manufacturing facility in Canton, Mississippi. The five-door minivan was underpinned by the front-wheel-drive Nissan FF-L platform, shared with the contemporary Altima, Maxima, and Murano. Compared to the outgoing V41 generation, the V42 grew substantially in wheelbase and overall dimensions, adopting a bold, avant-garde exterior styling characterized by an arched roofline, prominent wheel arches, and available SkyView glass roof panels running above the second and third rows. Power came from Nissan's acclaimed 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine, mated to either a four-speed or five-speed automatic transmission depending on the trim level and production year. At launch, the cabin featured a controversial center-mounted instrument cluster and a cylindrical center console. Responding to customer feedback, Nissan executed a comprehensive facelift for the 2007 model year that replaced the dashboard with a conventional driver-facing gauge cluster, enhanced interior materials, and refreshed the front grille and bumper design. The V42 Quest was aimed primarily at the North American market, including the United States and Canada.