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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  Huge Dissapointment - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sd33 - July 13 - 5:30 am

  We purchased it brand new in 05. We had few complaints for 5 years. In January 2011 it started blowing smoke from the exhaust. The van had 30k miles on it and there were no "warning" lights coming on. Despite proper maintenance, the oil was low and sludgy. To condense a very long and frustrating story; we took it to the dealer multiple times trying to find the problem. $400 later we were told the engine was basically fried and they couldnt explain it. We tried to get assistance from Nissan as the van had low mileage. Our mechanic told Nissan it was not a maintenance issue, they refused to assist because I was missing a couple receipts to prove it was properly maintained.

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  pretty fun...for a minivan - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By rhettsmommy - June 11 - 10:06 pm

  im one of those "i will never drive a minivan" people. then i became a parent, and quickly realized that the only way to successfully transport said baby and his entorage was do (gulp) get a bigger car! we looked at toyota and honda before settling on the quest. for the price, it had a lot of the features that cost $10K more in the ohter two brands! not to mention it was by far the best looking...not that hideous girly shape. we also LOVE all the interior room, and the 3.5 engine (same one as the z car) has a lot of get-up-and-go that i totally didnt expect. i enjoy driving it in spite of myself, and my sons car seat goes in and out effortlessly.

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  Im glad I give the Quest a look. - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By texas_daddy - May 23 - 5:29 pm

  After spending nearly 3 months on and off test driving both used and every new minivan currently on the market, I finally drove the Nissan Quest. Without realizing it, I saved the best for last. My wife and I were both unexcited about purchasing a new van to replace our 10 year old MPV. But after driving the Quest we were finally able stay goodbye and sign on the dotted line. The Sienna, Odyssey just didnt have the same quiet and refined ride that the Quest has. Nor did they have the same level of quality materials used on the interior of the Quest. We were impressed.

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  SLEEK DESIGN - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By mmamman3 - May 5 - 1:40 pm

  After returning from a trip, we rented this vehicle to get from the airport to our home and truly fell in love with it. Four months later, we purchased a 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. So far, we have been very impressed with our purchase. It has much more pep than our previous minivan (Dodge Grand Caravan) and is a quieter ride. The basic features seem adequate and are quite liked by the children, as they now have temperature control in the rear. Standard middle row captains chairs are an added bonus so that the kids dont get in each others space as often:) However, I think the most impressive is the exterior design--very sleek and modern. Its a turn your head and look kind of minivan.

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  - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J Harrison - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were so impressed with the styling, interior space, power and fuel economy, we didnt even look at the SUV we intended to buy. We chose the "S" trim level with rear sonar and 16" alloy wheels, which amazingly provides an abundance of standard features. The ride, handling and powerful engine make you feel like youre behind the wheel of a four door sports car. The cloth seats are vey soft and comfortable, especially the 2nd and 3rd row. The front and 2nd row captain chairs provides a "center aisle" which allows easy access to all seating areas.

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  Shoulda Waited for 2005 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ShouldaWaited - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Weve been to the dealer three times, and will be back again: 1)Leaky skyroof. Took two weeks to receive and two days to fix. 2) Skyview shade not "on track", causing edges tear. Dealer replaced it. 3) Annoyingly low arm rests, and no way to adjust! My 95 Montero adjusts to multiple levels; this should be standard in a $33,000 car. Dealer says "sorry". 4) Plastic back of passenger seat broken at the factory. Dealer replaced it. 5) Temp control knob sticks causing temp to ramp up to 90F. 6) Sunroof wont always close - itll close then come back to half open and stop! This will be looked at this week. 7) Starting to get a "catalytic converter" smell.

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  Nissan Quest lover - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By raaaaaaay - April 12 - 6:46 pm

  My Nissan Quest has great styling and good power. I have never been stranded. It is a good value. This is my second Quest, I had a 1997 model before. I traded it in for a 2001 Mazda MPV. I drove the MPV for two months then put it up for sale. I couldnt stand all the quirks and how small it was. I then went out and bought my 1999 Quest. I cant wait to to trade up to even newer Quest. It has awesome styling and is very reliable.

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  Great four years, then problems. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Jim-Chandler, AZ - March 29 - 11:33 pm

  Van fine until 2009. Brakes went out completely. Cost of new ones $650. April 2010, new belts, catalytic converter and motor mount replaced. Repair cost $600. Plus. Convertor covered under warranty. July, 2010, timing chain replaced and one belt which was replaced in April. Repairs $2,400. Current mileage 82,000. Disappointed in repairs needed over a one year period approx. $4,500. Unsure about purchasing a foreign car again. Had a Ford van previously, because of front end problem and possible transmission, traded at approx. 80,000. Miles. Also, 2 or 3 cross country trips, one pulling a small trailer. Wish we had repaired the Ford.

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  No comparison to other minivans - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By greywulfe - March 28 - 4:58 am

  When shopping for a minivan, I wanted something that had less than bland styling. The quest by far is the most impressive looking minivan out there IMO - it has a very distinctive shape that no other comparable van has. Styling aside, the biggest advantage is the interior. I own an LE model -The Honda and Toyota both have very cheap interiors. Try knocking on the dash on the Toyota. With leather seats, this truly is a luxury vehicle. The cargo capacity is massive. Do you really plan to take out the car seats? These fold flat...anything big - rent a truck.

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  My Thoughts on the Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By John Rumplestien - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It was nice and i like the sunroofs