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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  Best car ever! - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By scott in virginia - March 1 - 10:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned out of about 13 in my life. It is perfect for my family & I. We love the looks and how well it handles.

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  what i feel - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By zambi - March 1 - 3:13 am

  with just over 15000 klicks, if i am on the highway and apply the brakes my steering wheel shakes. take it to my dealer, problem was solve. right now i am just over 19000 klicks, problem is back.

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  Its early, but so far.... WOW! - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By ramguy22 - February 26 - 12:33 am

  We leased our new black with grey leather Quest SL with DVD player today. So far we LOVE it. What a HUGE improvement over our one-owner traded in 2004 Quest!

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  Year and a half later with the Quest - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sheggaw - February 20 - 6:00 pm

  We traded in a European luxury sedan for the Quest, an appropriate car for a growing family. Both me and my wife drive the van and it takes time to get used to it but once you get over the gas pedal softness, it becomes comfortable. Has ample power and gets OK gas mileage. Some of the materials they used to make the car are cheap and breakable. The only problem so far is the tire pressure sensor. Knowing that there are problems with the sensor by reading similar reviews, it seems like Nissan should have a recall for it. It accommodates 7 comfortably. From the outside, it is better designed than that the other box vans that you see on the road. The kids love it because of the ample space.

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  Disappointing Reliability - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Unhappy ex-owner - February 16 - 8:30 pm

  Very disappointing reliability, just over 60,000/5 yer drive train warranty, required new front wheel bearings, the one month later a new timing chain was needed. Timing chain is supposed to last life of engine. Is a $2,500 service job. Nissan would not cover, decided to trade in. Be very wary if purchasing a used 2004 Quest van if the timing chains have not been replaced yet. Nissan is aware of problem, issues a tech bulletin 1 year ago, but no recall. If buying a newer year, make sure you bring it in for service if engine ever makes a whining sound before warranty is up. I had planned on keeping it more than 5 years and 60,700 miles but could not see spending an additional $2,500 now.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dasher - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The new Quest is not like a mini-van, but more like a car. It rides beautifully, has excellent pick-up, and has lots of great features. My favorite is the sunroof! It is NOT for the person who wants the standard old mini- van. The speedometer and gauges are in the middle of the dash board. I think this is cool, because I can see better from the drivers seat. ALL of the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold down. The 2nd row seats also tilt back and forth individually. And dont forget the heated mirrors in winter.

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  New to Quest - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By New to Quest - February 6 - 2:06 am

  Great car. Been debating b/w odyssey, sienna, crossovers. Very happy with quest. Wasnt thrilled with a minivan but this is acceptable. Coming from an Audi so quality and road noise are not as nice but the amount of room is great. Kids love the van.

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  Ya Really Have to Wonder About Nissan - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By DoubleNissan - February 4 - 3:20 am

  The van is actually built by Ford, and although I have never associated true quality to Nissan, the product is more of a black eye to them, which probably explains their choice to cancel the joint project (Mercury Villager/Nissan Quest) with Ford Motor Co. The Quest was a great product in its first incarnation, but the second generation (this model) that started in 99 was ill prepared and obviously not given much attention, especially in the engine and transmission department. It has decent power, fairly good handling (at least the SE does), and offers decent room. The engine has held up quite well with nearly 190,000 miles on it, and the only major problem was a broken tranny oil pan.

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  unsafe on steep downgrades. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ed Brenneman - February 2 - 2:00 am

  We love and hate our new Quest 3.5S. The problem is the transmission. In low gear, on a 10% downgrade,from a complete stop, the car will accelerate to 50 mph in 0.3 of a mile without ever using the gas pedal. I have since test driven one other Quest 3.5S and a 3.5SL they both performed the same way. If you think it is unsafe please write the NHTSA to get it recalled.

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  Rattle Trap! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By T in T-Town - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Like other reviewers, we were initially attracted to the Quests sleek body style and "non-minivan" appeal; indeed, every day we get comments from admirers. Unfortunately, though, the vehicles integrity does not match its style. Weve had it back to the dealer 3 times for interior/side door shudders, rattles, and other mechanical malfunction, and for starting failure during cold weather. Generally, we receive inconclusive answers from the service department. We would love to keep it but need it to just WORK!!!