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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 969.00-
After one year - 2005 Nissan Quest
By David M Johnston - October 29 - 1:13 pmA good looking, good driving van. It draws compliments wherever it goes. Fit and finish is good in and out but interior materials seem cheap to me. A vehicle that sells for over 30k shouldnt have to use a prop rod to hold the hood open, Air conditioner works well but fan is noisy. Heater is barely up to the task.
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New Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
By swanny123 - October 27 - 10:00 amVery well equipped. Engineers did alot of thinking to add the details of the features.
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2004 Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
By sushi96720 - October 27 - 10:00 amThe Quest has more power than the american counterparts however the engine noise is rather loud as compared to Dodge Caravan. The seats are not as comfortable as I initially thought. You dont get the feeling of support from the seat.
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The Jetsons Minivan Has Arrived - 2004 Nissan Quest
By DKinAZ - October 2 - 10:00 amShopped at Toyota for a 2004 Sienna - too many extras made it expensive, plus no airbags for passengers. Shopped at Honda for an 2003 LX, it was nice - but not nice enough, safety features extra. Waited for Nissans new 2004 offering and, after a few weeks, received call from the dealer - they had a RED base model Quest without any gimmicks. I saw it, my wife drove it, we bought it on the spot. It was worth the wait. The base model really has everything you need. We paid MSRP and not a penny more. This is a must see before you buy.
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Overall a Keeper - 2004 Nissan Quest
By KMMN - September 26 - 10:00 amI love driving my Quest. I am very tall and having the displays in the center of the console prevents the steering wheel from obstructing my view. Automatic side rear and back doors are wonderful with two small kids. So are the fold down seats and ability to pull second row seats forward to access third row, even if second row seats have child seats installed.
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Dont Mind Making the Payment - 2011 Nissan Quest
By flowerlover3 - September 18 - 3:19 pmOther than the battery issue we had to begin with, the van has been great. It feels like a Mercedes inside, nice and cushy, and drives like a luxury sedan. It doesnt hurt that I got a great deal on a left-over 2011.
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One thing after another - 2005 Nissan Quest
By OneThingAfterAnother - September 15 - 7:00 amProblems encountered since purchase: 1) ABS actuator failed at 28,000kms 2) Alternator failed at just over 60,000kms 3) Wiper motor failed 69,000kms 4) Electronic fuel gauge and odometer sometimes becomes faint to the point where it is not legible
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Not just another minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
By UMA the Cat - September 8 - 10:00 amI dont think the Nissan Quest is really a minivan. There is something good going on under the hood. I was truly impressed with the handling and acceleration. The interior was intelligently thought out to give those backseat occupants another dimension when travelling. The skywindows add that missing feature not found in any other minivan. The dash is a bit "retro", but could very easily grow on anyone for its shear simplicity and user friendly interface. I hope what the dealers are telling me about not worrying about the CV joints when towing anything up to 3500# is true. That is my only reservation I have for the vehicle at the moment.
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Nissan Quest good family van - 2002 Nissan Quest
By travelsus - August 18 - 5:16 amI love my van - not too big, but big enough to be comfortable. The VCR is a big hit on trips & we can hook up the Nintendo also. Mileage is 20mpg. I would like better, but what do you expect for a vehicle that will transport 7 people!
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Not too happy!!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
By Anita Love - August 9 - 12:46 pmWe are a family of 5. We purchased our Quest a year ago. We have been in and out of the dealership about 8 times. What an inconvenience when you have children. It started out with a bad leather installation. Next came the recalls. Now its the engine and bad connections between lights,door,and alarm. When ever we think something is fixed,and leave the lot something else goes wrong. A direct quote from the dealership "we only sell them we dont make them" and after talking to the service manager he said "would I ever buy a Quest? No Way!" So thats our experience. Good luck to the rest of you. My advice "dont do it" look around.
