of the competition. Crucial liftover height at the rear is four inches more (and more at the side) than a Dodge Grand Caravan. Because of the body shape, however, rear opening height is virtually the same.

My test vehicle was the SV model, a level above the basic S and below the SL and LE. In SV trim, the Quest adds a rearview camera, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and two more speakers to the sound system (for a total of six). Surprisingly missing from even this trim level were items such as the universal remote garage door opener and power tailgate, both offered on the SL and LE.

It may not have been loaded with every novelty under the rising sun, but it definitely had other qualities. Minivans are not meant to haul anything but cargo and passengers. This one, however, gets out of its own way and can handle a curve. By no means is this to imply that the Quest is a sports car, because Corvette drivers are not going to line up to trade in their fiberglass-bodied

Sidebar: Family Day Trip: The Pagoda, Reading, Pennsylvania

Anchored atop Mt. Penn in Reading, Pennsylvania, the Pagoda has been a beloved local landmark and popular day-trip destination for decades. Although closed for the rest of December, the Pagoda lights will flash at 9:00 Christmas Eve to let the children of Reading know Santa Claus is on his way. The Pagoda will be open New Year's Eve starting at 10:00 p.m.

The only such structure in the world with a fireplace and chimney, the Reading Pagoda features a bell cast in Japan in 1739. Admission is a requested $1.00 donation, and it will take you 87 steps to climb to the top.

VITAL STATISTICS

Wheelbase: 118.1 inches
Length: 200.8 inches
Width: 77.6 inches
Height: 71.5 inches
Curb weight: 4,389 pounds
Engine: V6, 3,498-c.c. DOHC 24-valve
Horsepower: 260 @ 6,000 r.p.m.
Torque: 240 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 r.p.m.
EPA estimated m.p.g. city/highway: 19/24
Base price: $30,900
As-tested price: $32,240, including $810 destination
Also consider: Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan