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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  LONG TIME PARTS - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lazarus - November 5 - 10:00 am

  We waited over 2 months for a part to be delivered from who knows where (JAPAN? It was a simple AC line! I am furious! RUINED our vacation plans - had to take two vehicles for our large family!

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  2012 Quest Paint Problem - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By quest_2012 - October 19 - 5:04 pm

  We recently bought a 2012 Quest SL. It is white pearl in color. When we purchased it we noticed Rail Rust on the paint and some of the chrome trim. We showed it to the dealership and they promised to take care of it. We took it to the dealership bodyshop to be clay bared. After having it a week they called to let us know that some of the spots were too deep and they believe the entire vehicle needs to be repainted. They advised that due to the pearl color that they could not match the paint. We are currently waiting to hear what Nissan wants to do. We are currently in a loaner LE fully loaded Quest. Has anyone else had the same problem? The loaner has the rust on the chrome trim 2.

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  Under Rated - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Mark G - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Although this may not be the best Mini-Van ever made, it is a darn good one! It has a very quiet and solid ride. Very good ergonomics. The engine has enough power. The criticisms about not having enough passing power are stupid. This is a “Mini-Van" not a racecar. The worst thing about this vehicle is the rear bench seat folds up and slides forward, but you cannot take it out. The captain’s chairs in the middle do come out. This leaves a pretty screwy arrangement for the carpet.

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  Nissan admits 04 Quest a "Problem" car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By augcomm9 - September 1 - 9:43 am

  We have had nothing but problems with our 04 Quest SE. 2.5 years later and Nissan has finally admitted to us (sales and service people) that the 04 Quest has had many problems with their electrical and drive motors for several of the amenities (auto open side doors and hatch, heating system, etc.). Nissan corporate will do nothing for us even though we have written many letters and made many phone calls to both teh corportae level as well as the Smithtown Long Island store where we bought the car. Smithtown also cheated us when purchasing the car buy out and out lying about several factors. We have proof but no one will listen from Nissan. I was a loyal Nissan driver, but no longer.

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  Average van at high price - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sunday driver - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We traded in a Silhouette for this. We have been quite disappointed. Wife liked the colr, styling and all the "bells and whistles." Unfortunately, she has been looking to trade it after just 3 months. Depreciated too much and any trade under 6 months voids the warranty to prospective owner. This van and subsequent poor Nissan service is not worth the exhorbitant pricetag.

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  Awesome Van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By mrsv - August 7 - 3:03 pm

  Sold my 05 Altima and bought the 06 Quest at a BARGAIN and love it. My family is growing and we needed more room and comfort, and thats exactly what we got. My husband had the front windows and windshield tinted and that really made a difference on the interior "glare" that I have heard some complain about. The center mounted gauges take some getting used to but overall no complaints. Dual sliding doors and power lift gate are wonderful. DVD player is excellent and fun to have. I have read many unfavorable reviews but I have had no problems and I LOVE IT.

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  80,000 nightmare - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By hi2008 - June 21 - 8:43 pm

  Bought this car last year. It only had 62,000 miles and all service records were produced. Thought we had lucked up, HOWEVER - brakes squeaked constantly - dealer tried to fix, but squeaking continued. A month in, the cd player broke. Went to open the rear gate and the trim that covers the latch came off in my hand! It is funny to count the ones we see around town with that piece missing. While on vacation, the check engine light came on at around 78,000 miles. Got back, called Nissan and was told that the converter was covered up to 80,000 miles, BUT since I had taken the car to my local garage instead of a Nissan dealer, they would not honor warranty. Just a 2010 VW - no more Nissans!

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  Something Different - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By preevyet - June 8 - 11:56 am

  We like the van except for the inferior original tires (Goodyear LS-2). At 25K, needed to be replaced, unacceptable for a family touring vehicle. Why Nissan puts these crappy tires on baffles me. Have had some minor problems, purse holder broke on passenger seat ($13), passenger side seat belt constantly locks up, and auto air system doesnt always work right. Lots of room, comfortable ride hoping to be even better with decent tires. Have taken it on 3 long trips, comfortable for long trips (did 13+ hours just recently). Cant beat the features, looks different than any other minivan out there. The SE was worth the upgrade for the airbags and stereo, would recommend w/out stock goodyears.

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  The Need for More Room - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By CarNut - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe we just purchased a minivan. That was our thought over a year ago once we found out the twins were on their way. With a total of 3 kids, a large dog, and places to be we needed a larger vehicle. We looked at SUVs, crossovers, and we kept coming back to the minivan. For the cost and versatility, it won us over. The Nissan does everything well. Great power off the line, good gas mileage for hauling all of us avg about 20. On highway trips avg 25-26 mpg. The DVD screen is a hit with our 3 yr old and the wife and I love the rear power door. You get a lot for your money on the "S" version versus other makes and models. We picked up a used one for a great deal.

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  2000 Quest a good vehicle - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By beamingup - May 23 - 9:13 am

  For a van, this is an economical and reliable model (much better than the Ford Windstar I owned previously). No major repairs required, just tires, oil changes, transmission fluid change. It has recently become noisier (air leaks, rattles, body integrity issues - NOT the engine - it is fine). Seats are not as comfortable as other vans - could use a little more support and/or padding, as well a little more leg room for rear passangers.