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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Great Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
By parshooter - June 27 - 2:00 amterrific vehicle, comfortable, great looks a great ride. Only problem has been the in the third seat. There is a stress rattle when in the up position. They are looking at the attachment brackets and hopefully will have a fix in soon.
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Smooth Ride - 2011 Nissan Quest
By lexluthier - June 16 - 7:50 amMy 2011 Quest LE is the finest family vehicle I have ever had, and I own a Mercedes and a Lexus. The CVT and time tested engine do not have the hesitations of the Odyssey and the interior is the most plush of any of the vans, The kids love the dual sunroofs and Mom likes the XM radio, traffic, and weather alerts. I love the sound system and even with its weight, the tight handling. Go for the LE. It is worth the extra cost.
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2nd Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
By Hot Tamale - June 14 - 2:00 amThis is our second Quest and I believe this is the best van for the money. The Toyota and Honda are priced much higher for the same package and the touted resale value of both is more lip service than reality. We had a 1997 Quest and we were very happy with the resale value. The only problem is that our 8 year-old has a hard time getting into the back seat with two infant seats in the captains chairs.
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Reliable!! - 2000 Nissan Quest
By Casto Family - May 21 - 10:00 amThis Van has been a reliable vehicle for us. We have over 148,000 miles on it and it still runs wonderful.
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Love my Quest 3.5S 2005 - 2005 Nissan Quest
By Mastrocalo - May 11 - 4:40 amI get a great price Thanks to Edmunds.com. I figure the price I can paid for the Minivan 2005 3.5S, the price was at Dealer $25,850.00 and I make deal for $23,500.00 + 6% NJ Taxes and few xtras..(close to $ 2000.00) Great Minivan, run like a Mercedes and is fast.Use to Own a Caravan 98SE..another good one, but this one is far out in Luxury, Xtras and great price. I use the Internet to get prices without giving Phone#, only name and address (salesmans dont come home).AllBrands was the best.. Mileage looks better that my Dodge Caravan 98SE, so far 330 miles and feel great. Wife love it..Stereo is a Symphonic..great brakes and ride..the best!! Too many xtras like sonar,Electric doors,etc...
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top of the charts - 2004 Nissan Quest
By chris skufca - May 5 - 10:00 amhandeling great style great performance fabulas just like driving a sports car
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Impressing!!! Caches the eye!!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
By macezra - May 4 - 10:10 amI have this van for two years now. I actually have the 2004 model SE, I have no technical problems with it. I am currently driving my van in Germany and it was very very comfortable to drive. The space is huge, ergonomic first class plane seat designed. Excellent performance and steers very well, feels like a car. This is a fast van with 240hp 3.5liter, I clocked in 115 miles/hr and it was a smooth accelaration. Some BMW could not keep up with me. The controls are well futuristic designed compared to other minivans. This is a reliable van to use on long trips. It has dual control temperature at your comfort for both the driver and the passenger. The body style is the eye catcher(SUV or VAN?
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I love my minivan! - 2007 Nissan Quest
By SLK41 - April 30 - 2:43 pmI swore I would never buy a minivan again, but Im glad that I took a chance on the "un-minivan," as Nissan has touted it. It feels like a car to drive, handling and driving so well you forget you are in a minivan. The stereo is great, and the spacious interior is wonderful. I had 3 large SUVs before going back to a minivan, and I dont miss a thing! The cargo bay is great for groceries and the captains chairs are a nice feature, as are the dual DVD players for both the second and third rows.
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Migrating from Sports Sedan to Minivan - 2008 Nissan Quest
By Chris Garr - April 26 - 4:20 pmI went from driving a 5 speed Turbo VW Passat to this Quest. Overall Im happy with it, but I do miss driving a sports sedan. We considered the Odyssey, Quest, and Sienna. The Quest was the best value that particular month and weve had 4 great Nissans before. The acceleration, steering, and braking are great. Tons of power regardless of its size. Very comfortable to drive. The interior is great, and I think the exterior offers the best styling in the minivan category. The cabin is a bit too noisy. I think its weird to have only one power sliding door. I love being able to make all the seats flat wihtout having to remove any.
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Best of the bunch - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Martin S. Berlin - April 5 - 1:16 pmThe many inovative features we were able to get with the Quest were not available on the Honda, Toyota, Ford or Chrysler minivans. We drove them all and with the exception of the Quest, which handled more like a sport sedan, they all drove like the typical minivan. The positioning of the instruments and controls are fine with us because the controls provide passenger access as well as driver which comes in handy on trips. Fit and finish are excellent, just not as fancy as Toyota or Honda. But you dont drive fancy. Reliability and service has been excellent with only two recalls; neither what I would consider major. We have all the bells and whistles. We love it. Good Job Nissan.
