Nissan Quest, Nissan Sentra and Oldsmobile Achieva

Nissan QuestThough it's been around the malls and soccer practice fields for a few years now, the Nissan Quest's clean styling is wearing well. So is the functional hardware underneath. About the same external dimensions as a regular-length Dodge Caravan, the Quest appeals to those who value a sense of close-quarters maneuverability. Inside, the quarters are roomy for up to seven humans, but not their vacation cargo. To accommodate varying combinations of people and cargo, the Quest's middle seats are easily removable, while the rear bench slides on tracks that run the full length of the cargo floor. Like its mechanical twin, the Mercury Villager, the Quest is offered with only one engine, a 3.0-liter/151-horse V-6.

Nissan SentraIs that 3 Series BMW you're pining for still a little out of reach? Okay, maybe a lot out of reach? You owe it to yourself to investigate the new Sentra SE. It shares the same styling updates that all '98 Sentra versions get, and also packs a little something extra special under the hood. With a 140-horsepower inline four linked to a five-speed manual gearbox doing the motivating, the SE is a real live sport sedan-ready for a fast trip down the Montanabahn. Upsized 15-inch alloy wheels and Nissan's typically excellent chassis tuning should make this sedan a fine corner carver. The three other Sentra trim levels (XE, GXE, and GLE) are just as competent at their duties. All share a 1.6-liter/115-horsepower inline four.

Oldsmobile AchievaAfter an eight-year run, model-year '98 will be the last hurrah for the Achieva, Oldsmobile's entry-level coupe and sedan. Olds will be emphasizing daily rental fleet sales for the remainder of the Achieva's production run, which will cease by the end of calendar year 1997. The only change to the Achieva for '98 is the switch to lower-power airbags. The basic Achieva powerplant is a 2.4-liter/150-horsepower inline four; the upgrade engine is a 3.1-liter/155-horsepower V-6. The replacement for the Achieva will be called the Alero. This sleek new car will be slightly taller and wider and feature more subdued Euro-Asian styling.