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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  Our new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By OnQuest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After checking out the new Sienna and its premium price, we decided to check out the new Quest (didnt even consider Odyssey). We liked the test drive and decided to buy it. At first, we were concerned about build quality as it is being built in a brand new plant in Canton,MS. But decided to the risk. We had the interior lights fuse blow out as the other reviewer mentioned. But, the dealers mechanic quickly traced the culprit as a interior light trim meltdown. We havent had a problem from them on. As we drive by, we turn lot of heads. We have people curiously looking at the central instrument control. Driving the new Quest is a pleasure.

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  Love this Quest! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By framedcraig1 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  We have just purchased our fifth Quest. This one is amazing. The last one we owned (2000) was a little dissapointing compared to the previous models, But Nissan got this one perfect.Drives like a dream and the styling is a knockout. My wife drives it most of the time, and I drive a 2002 Honda SI. I am always surprised to get as many "looks" in the Quest as I do in the SI. If youre thinking van...check this one out. If youre thinking suv.... check this van out!

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  Not refined - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By rjenk - June 16 - 12:40 am

  Went from a Chrysler T&C to the Quest. Overall, the T&C was a much better vehicle. The Quest is nice but there are too many rattles and interior noise. There have been several problems with noisy rear doors and several other minor problems. While the Quest is visually striking, once you get past the looks and put it on the road you find out there needs to be more there than just looks. It just needs to be refined. It should not rattle like a panel van when driving. Also have issues with the armrest...if you sit with the seat fairly straight up, the armrest is angled downward and is useless. There is also window glare from the angle of the dash. Will be trading it for another T&C.

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  New Quest hesitate to drive in 3 months - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest04 User - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I liked the Van initially when I bought 3 months ago, but now some what I am going away from its first impression. The van started hesitating to drive and I had to tow it to the dealership. Believe me it was not a happy scene as everybody was looking at the tow truck with this van being towed. It took more than a week to fix the problem. Very disappointing!

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  Happy Quest Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 1SEP - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Tried all and selected the SE for the power/engine, the sky view roof to avoid the cave feeling, and the looks. Worried about the reliability, but so far no issues and no rattles after 7 months of daily use (8k mi) with 2 active kids. The 5 speed transmission is a must. Averaging ~18 mpg in daily city driving.

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  Looks Great, Rides Terrible - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By sunshinemom - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I loved the look and style of my Nissan Quest GLE. The wood grain dash and stylish leather seats made me feel like I driving a Lexus. That is until I ran over dirt in the road. The ride is horrible. You feel every bump! I found myself scouring the road for divets and ruts just to avoid them. Otherwise, it was a great vehicle. My kids loved the extras like the overhead video system. And, my husband and I loved the dual function of the sound system. It allowed us to listen to the radio (or not!) while our kids watched a movie with head phones.

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  Nissan Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Kari Foehner - June 10 - 12:16 am

  We absolutely love the Quest. It is very cool looking and very roomy. It also has alot of nice features which are included in the base price unlike other vans. It rides great and handles really well. The seats fold down into the van which is really nice and its user friendly. We would not consider ourselves van people thats why the Quest is so great because it looks like a cross between an SUV and a minivan. Its very appealing to the eye. Great Buy!!

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  A dude in a minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By the Mr. - May 30 - 11:16 am

  I did not want a minivan despite my wifes request until I found the Quest! Suspension is tight with a powerful engine and has great external design. I enjoy driving it and dont mind being seen in it. No mechanical probs in past 3 yrs. It gets 20 mpg regularly despite its weight and power. On our 4 hour drive up north for vacation my wife and I were talking about what a good decision we made to buy this vehicle 3 yrs ago.

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  Good family transportation - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Zfamily - May 21 - 3:16 am

  Purchased in April of 2005. Mostly happy with vehicle. Had to replace right half shaft, under extended warranty, and rotors twice. Went to after market slotted rotors and no more problems. I get 22 mpg mixed driving and 26 mpg on highway driving 70 mph. Seats are wider and pretty supportive for most people.

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  I am disappointed with my 04 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By terri - May 16 - 12:33 am

  We bought the 04 Quest because Consumer Reports on previous years models were so good. The exterior look was so cool, and the interior is unique, comfortable, and large enough for our needs. However, the body integrity has proven a great disappointment. We have been getting water in our trunk area, which weve brought back 3 times and still havent gotten satisfaction. The small air vents in the ceiling fall off occasionally. The passenger side air bag light does not go off, even when a 165 lb. person is sitting in the seat. And it seems that all of the recalls require the dealership mechanics to rebuild this car every time I have to bring it in. Im thinking of selling soon.