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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  a world of excellent for families - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dominguez - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This mini van is the best in its class. It was made to make all ages in your family happy and very comfortable. It drives like a car, instead of a mini van. The Quest performance is behond words.

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  A few chinks in the armor - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Satisfied Almost - September 20 - 8:53 pm

  We did alot of researching before making our purchase. We wanted a vehicle that was tops in passenger room (212 Cu Ft), cargo volume (150 Cu Ft, 2nd only to Chrysler w/Stow N Go) and had all the safety/convenience features. We got it. It has the most headroom and legroom of any minivan. At the time, it was the only van to have both 2nd and 3rd row fold flat seats. Huge sliding doors for easy access to 3rd row. Loved the 3-D Navigation system, not to mention that its the only minivan to have available TWO DVD screens, one for each row. We are worried about the reliability results weve heard of late, but knock on wood (we had that added to our dash/etc) we havent had any noteworthy problems

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  Our First Mini-Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dcran42 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife has pestered me for years to buy a mini-van. I have resisted because I disliked to boxy look they all seemed to have. When I first set eyes on the 2004 Quest, I knew that the time had come to join the legions of mini-van owners. We are retired and travel frequently to new destinations. This is a sweet ride! The new Quest is head and shoulders above the competition in styling, safety, and amenities.

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  Love it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jennifer - September 10 - 4:36 pm

  I have had my van for 6 years and have never had any major problems. There have been a few nuisance issues, but nothing serious. Since it was a new car, I knew before buying it that there would be a few bugs. Out of curiosity, Ive been reading reviews of the 2004 Quest lately and, I have been shocked at all the reported problems people have been having. I have never had any major issues with my van just the usual wear and tear. I have yet to see a minivan as stylish and at this point wouldnt dream of replacing it.

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  Great vehicle. Poor auto sliding doors. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By minivan dad - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing the Nissan, we drove the other two logical choices (Toyota, Honda). We found the ride, & handling of the Nissan to be superior. However,we live in the Northeast U.S and discovered that the automatic sliding rear doors do not close when the temperature dips below 30 degrees. Weve been back to the dealer umpteen times for repairs. They still have not corrected the problem. So, unless youre living in Sub-Saharan Africa, do not purchase this vehicle with power sliding doors.

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  My Van, Your Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kameosis - September 4 - 10:00 am

  My kids play a game calling out all the other minivans they see driving by!! Ours is the shiznic! Too many glances for comfort! It does not look like a minivan!

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  2004 Quest-Affordable Quality - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Kangas - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Nissan Quest after considering several vans. I found that the Quest was reasonably priced and offered an excellent package of options. I seriously considered a Sienna but a comparably equipped Sienna was running $28,342 at the dealer versus the $24,700 (tax, tags and license) that I paid for the Quest. The Nissan dealer agreed to install the roof luggage rails to clinch the deal. I like the Quests grip on the road, the roomy interior and yes even the instrument panel. The stereo system is very good and overall worksmanship is good. I considered the Odyssey but it reminded me too much of a Civic. The MPV had a Ford engine no thanks.

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  Like it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DHORTON - August 14 - 4:36 am

  We definitely like this minivan. I also have a chrysler town and country limited, 1999. The nissan has more interior room and the access is great. Wish it had more insulation to give a more solid feel and sound. We tested toyota and honda before buying. Overall the nissan was the winner.

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  Stylish Alternative - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By mama moderna - August 13 - 11:16 am

  This van offers style & performance for those of us who still love driving but need to accommodate lots of passengers & gear. The sky view package adds a unique airiness to the interior & the kids love it. With the skyview package, there are 2 TV monitors for the integrated DVD w/ 2 cordless headphones so adults can listen to radio when the kids are watching a movie The rear view camera/sonar system is indispensable for the reverse- driving-challenged. The foldaway seating is easy to use, & the interior design has thoughtful, practical details. Definitely order the PAX/Navigation package if you like the latest technology (I didnt & wish I had). The low city gas mileage is the only downfall

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  Glad We Waited - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Noddy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  We almost bought the Odyssey, but waited to see the new Quest. Its new design, features, and SPACE sold us. It has noticeably more room than then any other minivan. The seats are wide and comfortable and the folding seats were a plus hauling all of our camping equipment. Handling, acceleration, and ride have exceeded my expectations. Our friends and family are thoroughly impressed, and strangers have approached us with many compliments regarding styling.