Nissan takes no prisoners. That's our conclusion after viewing and test driving minivan after minivan with little breakout verve. Not so Nissan. It's a no apologies, suit-your-fancy version of the all-American staple. Always a little bit different and bolder. Always a head turner. Not bad for the much maligned minivan category that often can fade into the background on the sheer weight of the design requirements of its class.

Maybe one could think of the Quest as a hint of tongue-in-cheek driving, a quest for the road beyond. There's still that control pod (including shifter) smack in the center of the instrument panel that could be great for curious young backseat riders, older backseat drivers to keep tabs on things, or the occasional driver in the next lane who joked about a previous rendition's IP space pod look while waiting for a stoplight to change. Now it's subtler and more intuitive.

Quest for 2007 is a freshened, well-featured, sleeker-looking redesign. Hi-tech adds include Bluetooth communications capability with hands-free phone, drop-down DVDs with eight-inch screens, MP3 playback, and available RearView Monitor and Rear Sonar beep system and a choice of SIRIUS or XM satellite radio. There's also that obligatory nav system (found here with a 7-inch screen), Stylewise, there are new grille and front fascia treatments, and a saucy new interior color called "Chili." Second and third row seats were redesigned to easily fold away to expand cargo space.

Nissan boasts of the redesigned Quest's responsive handling and ride comfort. All four versions (base model, SL and SE) have standard traction control, tire pressure monitors and the same 3.5L, 235-HP V6 under hood. A five speed automatic is the only transmission. All versions get premium fuel economy of 18/25. Base pricing is $24,350, but trim upgrades and options, including runflat tires, can boost the price considerably. (The SL's $4,050 premium package add-on is the priciest.)

A grabber: The available new "Skyview" panoramic roof that straddles both sides of a front-to-rear roof rail system and houses light, audio and comfort controls plus a drop-down DVD player. (Who said outdoor movies were a thing of the past?)