In this week’s Ask Nathan:
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- Will there be a future Nissan Quest Minivan?
- College car: Subaru Impreza vs Chevrolet Trax?
- Has Ford forsaken us?
This first question comes from a fan who wants to know about the future Nissan Quest.
Q: Hi Nathan and crew. I have a question about the unlived Nissan Quest.
I loved my 2007 Nissan Quest, but I loathe the 2013 Nissan Quest I replaced it with. They went from novel and swoopy to bland and boxy. Not only that, I have no driving feel whatsoever. It’s a poorly thought out purchase I’ll admit.
What do you think Nissan has in store for the next or future Nissan Quest? I would like to believe that it will be an improvement. LOL, I sure hope so!
Lina
A: Hi Lina!
Nissan has been quiet about any future Nissan Quest. The sales numbers are definitely in decline and have been on the lower end of the scale for some time. Another issue: the current Quest lags behind the competition in many measurable ways.
The odd part is: Nissan has another minivan that’s doing fairly well. While the Nissan NV200 is primarily a small cargo van, there is a passenger variant that’s used as a taxi. I’m not saying that the Nissan NV200 is a good minivan choice, but why not stop the hemorrhaging and finish off the Quest while temporarily replacing it with a passenger NV200?
Speaking of the Nissan NV200: I was lucky enough to drive the e-NV200 electric van concept a few years back. I have to say, considering where Nissan is with electric vehicles, an all-electric minivan could be an excellent idea. It’s not as if they don’t have the experience – right?
Sorry I could not dig up any answers for you. I will pester the Nissan folks the first chance I have.
UPDATE: A (fairly) reliable source says that changes should take place in the 2018 model. Right now, in Phoenix, Arizona, testing of an all-new platform is (supposedly) taking place. Remember: this is hearsay and rumor…
Cheers!
N
This next question comes from a college freshman who wants a good winter driver.
Q:Hi there! College freshman here. Can you help with this question?
Heading to icy college. Got a great deal for a Trax Premier for LS money. No deals for a loaded Impreza, no deals at all. With that info, Subaru Impreza vs Chevrolet Trax?
(Via: Twitter @NathanAdlen)
A: Howdy!
Not a lot to go on, and I haven’t driven the 2017 Subaru Impreza. Still, it’s a pretty good bet it’s as good as the older one I drove. If that’s the case, it’s the better choice. Don’t get me wrong, the Chevrolet Trax is a great little ride, but it’s more economy car than snow-basher.
When it comes to snow and ice, you can’t go wrong with a Subaru.
N
The last question comes from a viewer who’s upset with Ford.
Q:Hi. I’ve watched your videos for years and I am seeing fewer and fewer Ford cars!
What’s the deal? I see plenty and to many Ford trucks but almost zero Ford and Lincoln cars on your channels. Why has Ford forsaken you? It’s not just you, Ford seems to be at war with their fans too! No auto show unveilings, no events and all of this stupid mobility talk! Ford! You build cars! Great cars and you need to show us you care! I want a Mustang, not a clever way to hail a cab! Maybe they have forsaken all of us and are just relying on social media to reach us. Bad idea.
Sad Ford Fan
A: Sorry my friend, we feel it too.
We hope it’s a temporary thing with their cars, but it hurts when you miss out on events. The good news is: Ford is still doing introductions, just not at auto shows. They do them off site, sharing the spotlight with no one.
We hear that they are going through some internal changes. Hopefully, we’ll be back in the driver’s seat(s) soon!
Best,
N
Speaking of Ford…
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
