Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Quest has typically had a supporting role in the minivan market. The first two generations, in particular, were rather anonymous and subpar. The more recent third-generation Quest made a huge leap ahead in terms of styling and performance, though it, too, never really caught on with the public.

The newest and latest fourth-generation Nissan Quest, however, is the most competitive model yet. Its bold styling, interior refinement and smooth V6/continuously variable transmission (CVT) place it firmly in the discussion among the leaders of the pack: the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Current Nissan Quest
The Nissan Quest minivan is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 making 260 horsepower, put to the ground through a CVT. There are four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE.

The base S is sparsely equipped for a minivan, but still offers an auxiliary audio jack and a few other niceties. The SV adds a wealth of other items such as alloy wheels, power-sliding doors and high-tech items like Bluetooth and an iPod interface. The SL trim is more luxurious thanks to its leather upholstery and one-touch folding third-row seats, while the top-trim LE gains a navigation system and an advanced "Around View" parking camera, while offering an optional panoramic moonroof spanning nearly the length of the roof. The kids will be thankful that a DVD entertainment system is available on all but the base S.

Inside, the Quest's controls are logically grouped on the center stack and easily navigable. Interior materials are the best you'll find in a minivan, with the leather-appointed cabins in the range-topping trims feeling especially premium and luxurious. On the downside, the Quest's standard second-row captain's chairs eliminate the option for an eighth passenger. And although the Quest's seats fold neatly into the floor, this design results in about 40 cubic feet less cargo capacity than other mainstream minivans.

Overall, though, the Quest is a legitimate, if commonly overlooked, choice for a minivan. Thanks to its compliant ride, composed handling and smooth power delivery, it should serve families quite well.

Used Nissan Quest Models
The current, fourth-generation Nissan Quest was introduced for 2011. There have been no significant changes since then.

The third-generation Nissan Quest was produced from 2004-'09 (there was no Quest for the 2010 model year). At its debut, it shook up the minivan world with its avant-garde body styling, unique cabin design and a marketing campaign that did its best to disassociate the van from its soccer mom image. The Quest's pillar-style center stack was certainly distinctive, but the multitude of similar buttons made operating often-used functions a hassle. Thankfully, the busy center stack was replaced by a much more user-friendly layout in a 2007 refresh.

All Quests of this generation were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 235 hp, and power was sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Four trim levels were available -- the base 3.5, 3.5 S, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE -- each with an increasing number of features and conveniences. Oddly enough, none of these trim levels included rear seats -- forcing customers to pay extra for a seat package that included second-row captain's chairs and a flat-folding rear bench.

This Quest had a few things in its favor, including a roomy interior and handling that was a cut above most other minivan competitors. However, downsides were numerous, including a third-row seat that wasn't split, a relative lack of cargo capacity and limited availability of stability control. Overall, minivan shoppers would be better served by other top choices in this segment.

The second generation of the Nissan Quest debuted for 1999. Offered in base GXE, midlevel SE and leather-lined GLE trims, this Quest featured a 3.3-liter V6 with 170 hp, as well as a unique sliding (but not removable) third-row seat that could be stowed right behind the front seats -- after the second-row seats were taken out. The van's questionable ergonomics, iffy build quality and poor crash test scores, however, made for a last-place finish in an Edmunds minivan comparison test. The model run continued through the 2002 model year, but there was no Quest sold for the 2003 model year.

Introduced in 1993 and sold through 1998, the first-generation Nissan Quest had a 151-hp 3.0-liter V6. Base XE and uplevel GXE trims were offered and seven-passenger seating was standard. The biggest change for this generation occurred in 1996 when a minor face-lift yielded a new grille, bumpers, headlights, taillights and dashboard.

The first two generations of the Quest were rather anonymous and subpar. It might also be helpful during the shopping process to know that these Quests were also nearly identical to the Mercury Villager from the same time period. With either variant, however, minivan shoppers are still advised to consider better-ranking minivans first.

User Reviews:

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Sylvia Myers - December 25 - 3:43 pm

  This van has been a sorry purchase from the start. 7 months after we got it, I called the nav number and they told me I needed to buy a new $280 disc as any addresses newer than 5 years in Houston could not be located, next the tires have gone bald after only 32K miles, Nissan canceled this feature and now we are to pay for all new tires and sensored rims as Michelin or Nissan will come thru. It is cheaply made and has all the packages on it, even tho we cant get some to work. Head rests are uncomfortable, also leg room on front passenger side. For the price its an utter failure and cant believe Nissan wont stand by owners problems

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  What a joke on the consumer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By $38000 piece of junk - June 25 - 1:50 pm

  $38000 piece of junk. Leaks they cant fix, squeaks and rattles they cant find. From week to week it has been endless trips back to dealership for more bull. Windows go down, but not up, doors on side both rattle, even the radio had to be replaced, due to a bad one. Compression leaks, exhaust leaks, and when it rains, watch out. They cant find where it is coming in from, so deal with it. I was told that windows are not going up, because i dont give the relays time to adjust, funny just drivers side. Warped rotors, brakes etc.I have ust 10,000 miles on this junk heep. Nissan extended warrenty, 50,OOO MILES 6 YEAR. Like im going to keep this this long! Should have gotten the Honda.

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  do not buy - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By kit54 - January 20 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Nissan Quest in Jan. 2007 because Hawaii passed a law that children under the age of 8 and weight of less than 80# has to be in a child seat. Because I had a small car and could only put 2 of my 6 grandchildren and nephew and niece in the car at one time I had to get a bigger car. So I picked up the Quest. The side door glide covers fell off while driving and damaged the car. The passenger front seat door was making a whistling sound like the window wasnt close properly. found out the decorative panel was loose. the lights kept falling off the ceiling, the drivers visor kept falling down and dangling in front of the driver. the AC vents fall of the ceiling. Junk car!

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  Nissan Selling Lemons - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 1unhappyowner - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Talk to dealer who sold me car, have purchased vehicles from him before. Said that this vehicle is causing major headaches for Nissan. Has a whole slew of problems. Said he sold three last week and already had to tow two of them in. Do not buy this car and if you have already, I hope you have one of the good ones! I have already had the vehicle into the dealer for repairs, had to be towed once because it just stopped working and this is a brand new vehicle with only 8k miles on it.

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  Design Flaw Causing Significant Leaks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By keifferz - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Our 2004 Quest is a disaster. Two days after we bought it, it rained and the van filled up with water, apparently from a misdesigned sunroof and interior panels that were not properly welded at the factory. The van has been at the dealer since -- almost a month -- and at two body shops. More troubling is the nasty Nissan attitude, the refusal to replace the vehicle and the corporate approached of doing only the absolute minimum under applicable law while ignoring the warranty. We are now suing Nissan to get our money back. Until Nissan fixes the design problems on the Quest, it should be shunned.

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  NEVER!!!..Ever, Ever, Ever buy!!! - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Jeff - October 22 - 4:38 pm

  I concurr with everyone who has had problem with this Van: interior quality is Cheap- mirrors/visors easily break, AC zips sues, Driver & Passenger Windows stop working but the very rear vent Windows work..changed out motor, controller, fuses (inside & out) and still dont work; rear end went out, power steering pump went out, rattling, siding on interior seats started coming off. THIS VAN is HORRIBLE!!!! Do not buy, New or Used !!!!!!!

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  More than its worth.. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jerlyn Goodwin - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The car was bought manily for my use. I use a mobility scooter and my sister thought it would be heathful. She pretty much bought the first car she saw on the first day we went looking. I was not in favor of the buy. First the car was to big and clumbsy. It is diffcult to drive I cannot get comfrtable in it and for such a large mini/van it seems small inside. I have arthriris and let just say Im glad when the ride is over. I had a rear- in accident with a ford pick-up. Oct 13. We didnt get the car back until Nov.22. That is a bit long. I hit him going less then 15 mph. I admit the car stops traffic but there is no way I can recommend it.

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  6 year review - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Evgueni Minev - January 29 - 2:50 pm

  It is really comfortable and easy to drive car, but up until 80K. After 80 K, nothing but problems. We bought the extended warranty, so the cost is minimal. The van is at the shop frequently. The dealers excuse - you have driven 105K, what do you expect??? Transmission died at 89K. Towed. Solenoid valve at 91K. Replaced. Engine sensor died at 105K. Non stop at the dealership. It has been serviced at the same dealership since purchase. Luckily, we still have a year left on the warranty, we will trade it in as soon as it expires.

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  I hate Quest but not Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By UnluckyOwner - October 19 - 10:00 am

  From day one it rattles. Delearship tried to fix it several times. They were not successful. Lot of Wind noise. I can not hear my radio when driving the vehicle. Very low millage. The seating is not comfortable. Most of all sliding doors will not stop while closing even if there is an object in the way that could be dangerous to the kids,because they are the ones that use the doors to get in/out.we demonstrated the risk to sale person at Nissan Delearship. I did not file case under lemon law. Before some thing happens to my children, I got rid of this vehecle. I traded my vehicle back to dealership for a loss of $3000 and brought 2004 Maxima

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  Highway Robbery! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By mrsthomas - August 23 - 11:00 am

  We bought this van with 13 miles on it. Have since had to take it for repairs more times than you should for a NEW vehicle that we paid over $34,000 for. Ridiculous things such as the drivers visor, breaking six times! Have had the heater in drivers seat replaced and it still does not work. Heater control only works if you strangle it. Drivers window motor replaced in first six months.I do not have the time to have take it in everytime something breaks, especially as things break repeatedly!!!! Dealer was unsympathetic, perhaps not surprised? We have also had the breaks done and new tires, which seem to have little effect on how crappy it drives. Will NEVER BUY Nissan EVER again!