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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  Poorly Enginneered AC Lines - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Joe 2 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  My Quest with only 3000 miles on it has already lost the air conditioning. The freon lines that run to the rear evaporator are routed so close to the stabilizer bar, that a hole was rubbed through the AC line, resulting in a loss of all the freon. According to Nissan, the line can only be obtained from Japan and will require pulling the engine to replace it. It has now been 30 days with no ETA for replacement parts. I can not recommend this vehicle to anyone until a recall is made for rerouting the rear AC lines is performed. The dealer shop mechanics could not believe the poor design and the neccessity to pull the engine for repairs.

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  INCREDIBLE - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By qudam - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I TEST DROVE MOST OF THE AVAILABLE MINIVANS IN THE MARKET AND CONCLUDED THAT THE NEW QUEST IS HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST. ITS FUN TO DRIVE AND WITH SO MANY CAREFULLY THOUGHT UTILITY FEATURES, MY LITTLE DAUGHTER CALLS IT HER SECOND HOME. THANKS GOD THAT I DIDNT COMMIT THE BLUNDER OF GETTING AN ODESSEY AND TOOK TIME TO TEST DRIVE MY QUEST.

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  Bad Experiences - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ORD - December 8 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had in the shop so many times with the following problems: - 3 times in shop on "Service Engine Soon" light came up - two or 3 times in shop with steering problems - three times in shop for intermittent power window locking up problem - one time with SRS (Air- bag) lamp on - Door rattles even after the Nissan Recall Initiative - 2 times Interior Dome lights problems - Heater outlet behind first row seats can only be control from front and no heat comes out of ceiling vent - Computer Tire monitor keeps telling flat tire during cold weather - etc. Nissan wont accept responsibility or replace vehicle. Will involve BBB, next News media, and then lawyers. Trip to Disneyworld had 4 problems.

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  If you have to drive a minivan... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Cincinnati - December 4 - 5:26 am

  The hipster parents minivan. Its fast, solid, safe and doesnt look like a refrigerator like all the other minivans. The Quest has been drop-dead reliable - never an issue, though I welcomed it when Nissan extended the factory warranty to 6 full years. Do replace the stock Goodyears though - those were terrible in the rain and wore quickly. The funky dash works better than the new version since the speedometer is closer to the windshield. With the new dash you have to drop your vision to below the top of the steering wheel like on every other van. The Bose stereo is outstanding and the huge side door makes loading toddlers a breeze.

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  Nice Looking but Poor Quality - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By bdunk - December 3 - 4:03 pm

  The quality of this car is horrible. Sliding doors rattle constantly. The car has been to the dealership for numerous recalls and fixes (at least 2 weeks). The dealer offered a "Spam Can" (Nissan Sentra)as lender while car was being fixed and this is unacceptable. I will never buy a Nissan again. The extended warranty that was recently appended to this lemon of a car was nice but I would rather buy a Honda Odysey or Toyota Sienna and I would suggest you test drive each before making a final decision. In addition, dont be fooled by the posted Fuel Economy Rating (20+). Im averaging 15mpg.

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  Poor quality Nissan Quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By taglarry - December 3 - 2:55 am

  I bought this van brand new in 2007. The factory tires were bald at 25,000 miles and the brakes were worn to nothing at 27,000 miles. Just after the 36,000 mile warranty expired both front armrests fell off, the front cup holder broke, both sun visor light covers broke off, and an exterior trim piece fell off while driving. At about 50,000 miles the drivers side sun visor completely broke and two of the TPMS sensors had to be replaced. I just hit 80,000 miles and both front struts and the rear shocks had to be replaced. When compared to my other cars, this Nissan Quest is a constant problem.

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  great value - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Stan - December 1 - 4:40 pm

  We paid $21750 in June 2005 for our S model with auto door and hatch. It has all the safety features we wanted standard and came at a great price. Pros: --huge interior space! --High ceiling, great head room --BIG and comfy seats! --fold flat 2nd row seats!! Beats all competitions except Dodge. --fold flat 3rd row seat. --safety features standard! Cons: --no split folding 3rd row!!! Bummer! Favortite features: back up sensor, auto door&hatch, comfy seats, airy interior, fold flat 2nd and 3rd seats. So far, weve had no problems with the van, except for a few very minor interior squeaks since day one. It gets 20 mpg with mixed driving. Best van for the money!

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  my 2004 nissan quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By vtrahms - November 29 - 10:00 am

  i love my new quest. It rides very smoothly. I love the interior design of the vehicle for its unique style. The Quest has been equipped with many interior tools for convenience like the hooks for hanging things and compartments for storage. Beign able to fold down the seats is definitely much easier on me. We used to have to carry out the seats in our old minivan, but not anymore. With kids, being able to power open the doors is a bonus. I have had this vehicle now for 6 months and I am still enjoying every diving moment of it.

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  I love it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Cristina Cruz - November 26 - 11:50 pm

  I have three children that range from ages 12 to 1 and I love this van. I use to drive an Altima an have always loved the feel of the Nissan. I was aprehensive to get a minivan as I am sure many Moms are but I loved the way it looked. I have had it for a couple of years now and I still love it. I am considering getting a new one at the end of the year. The interior design takes a couple of hours to get use to. But once you drive it for a day it seems normal and user friendly!

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  Great van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dstegman - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Go for leather seats, totally worth it. DVD Not worth the money. Drives very smooth, has plenty of power.