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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  I Love This Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Rick - August 18 - 11:16 am

  I remember first seeing this van at the Cleveland Auto Show as a concept vehicle. My wife and I loved its looks and could not wait for it to come out. In the summer of 2003 when my previous Quest lease was up, I shopped around and bought this van. OK, to be honest, being a first year model, there were some quirky recalls and as well as some rattles. We had to go back to the dealer several times to get things fixed, but because of all the trouble, Nissan extended the warranty to a full 5 years. How many companies would do that! Anyway, I love the power, the comfort, the size, the ride and I do love the pod and the location of the instrument panel. This has been a great van!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Driving! - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the Quest in preparation for our first child. We wouldnt have changed a thing. The Quest is perfect for anyone who wants a larger vehicle that offers convenience as well as plenty of passenger and cargo space.

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  2004 Quest S Model - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By cher0519 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle. First time owning a minivan, which I said I would never drive. This is not your typical minivan. Nice smooth ride. The only problems I have had so far is the CD player works for a few days then doenst work for a week and this keeps going on and on. Gas pedal seems real jerky. Dealership tells me I must have a lead foot but I dont think that is the problem. Kids love the car. Especially the DVD player.

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  Quest Is A Sleeper - Be Sure To Take A Look At It - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By r_inboston - July 30 - 3:01 pm

  Have 3 growing teenagers and need 3 rows to keep the peace. Had settled on the Pathfinder until we read how poor the build quality is. Decided to (reluctantly) look at minivans. Looked at the Quest last out of frustration with the Odyssey and Sienna - both nice but the interiors have too much hard plastic. The Quest has a beautiful interior and is a near-luxury vehicle in SL or LE trims. Yes, seats only 7 but the ride is superb and the view out is like an SUV with loads of glass. We bought the SL and too new to evaluate overall reliability yet, but will return after 3000 miles to update. Nissan doesnt sell many so dealer may have to locate. You can drive a hard bargain for one too.

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  The Magic Bus - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By New Mini Van Mom - July 21 - 1:06 am

  Going from a Camaro to an Altima and now to the Quest (Due to our ever growing family) Vehiclewise, some major adjustments have been made. I was very opposed to getting a van thinking that the "stigma" would be too great to deal with. Ill admit the 1st few times I drove the van I felt "older" but after you get over the stigma of "Ill never drive a minivan AKA grocery getter" its actually nice! My children love the room and for now, they still think its cool. The price was amazing and by far the Quest is the best looking van on the road. So far we have nothing major to complain about and things have been great! We love the comfort and roominess.

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  QUEST IS THE BEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By JANETMGILMORE - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After searching for over one year for a van ... always walking away because it was missing something I FOUND THE QUEST. It is like driving a cloud with all controls at your fingertips. With plenty of room and seats that fold down effortlessly. Doors side and back open and close with the remote making loading and unloading a snap.The acceleration and handling is the best of any of the vans I have tested. The STYLE is just the BEST. People stop me nearly every day to question me about my QUEST. I cant wait to tell them how much we LOVE it.

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  My New Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dball - July 10 - 10:00 am

  While researching info for a new mini van, I eliminated the Quest. I had the Quest twin, Mercury Villager, in 97 and assumed the new Nissan would be the same. They are too small for my needs. SUPRISE! My Consumer Reports arrived with mini van tests. Nissan redesigned the Quest. I looked, I bought. The car is great. Loaded with standard features. First trip- 26MPG.Try one if you are looking for a great mini van.

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  Worth for Money - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By akshay2 - July 9 - 11:43 am

  I have 2004 Nissan Quest, i got it from private party and being 3 owner it still run like charm. Its been almost year and i havent had single problem. The build quality and feature makes it worth for money.

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  First Mini-Van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Jimbo_810 - July 8 - 11:20 pm

  With an expanding family it was time to upgrade from the Murano and the Quest was a no-brainer. Lots of room, fold flat seats and the special edition SL has all the options that a family of 7 requires. I do wish Nissan Canada had a little more information available with regards to the Sattleite radio availablility, but other than that its been a dream.

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  The best kept secret in minivans..... - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By dking1995 - June 28 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a 2014 Quest SV two days ago. I replaced my 2009 Honda Odyssey. As I shopped for vans - the usual suspects were first - Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. I like a mid-level van with lots of features, but no leather (too hot where I live) - so as decked out with cloth as I can get. The SV fit the bill. The Toyota Sienna frankly felt cheap inside - no soft touch surfaces and the plastics on the dash were flimsy. The 2014 Honda Odyssey was well put together, but felt basic unless you got the EX-L or Touring. The Nissan stood out hands down - with lots of soft touch surfaces, wood grain dash, and leather wrapped steering wheel standard on the SV.