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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  A truthful review. - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By va24502 - December 8 - 6:05 am

  First, I like the styling of the Quest. Others cite 7 pass capacity as a fault. Nobody has 6 kids these days & if you need this capacity buy a bus.

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  Air compressor was frozen - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By newquestcustomer - December 7 - 11:16 pm

  This Quest was bought brand new. We took it on the first long trip vacation and the air compressor was frozen and belt was torn. We had to deal with Nissan service for the first time and it was a bad experience that I never had with a such low mileage (616 miles) and the air conditioning was being used the first time. I had another the chance I dont ever buy Nissan car again because of the service attitude.

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  Nissans finally done it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mr.cool - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First time we saw the 04 Quest, we said this is for us! It reinforces the image of the owner. We got a lot of praises from curious onlookers; Thumbs-up signs from drivers who pass us by (even SUV drivers). We feel secure and proud inside. Its smooth yet so powerful. Very quiet. First minivan we drove w/ a sports car engine(350Z). Tried the Sienna and the Oddysy but it doesnt compare. finally nissan made a minivan that a dad can be proud of,even boast of!

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Kan - November 27 - 6:46 am

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Quest SE 4 months ago with 7,000 miles on it...let me just say, I love it! It is great and my kids love it as well. I got the Autume Red (burnt orange) with the Burnt orange (rouge) leather with Black interior, 5 sky panels, two DVD and the list goes on, everyone that rides in it or sees it cant get over how stylish and rommy this van is. No problems at all and Awesome fun to drive. Only issue is gas mileage, wish that was a bit better, but over all 10+ rating! Very happy with it!

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  I CALL MY CAR - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By D JONES - November 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND MINIVAN, WHAT A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS ONE AND THE LAST ONE. THE QUEST HAS SUCH GREAT STYLE I GET COMPLIMENTS ALL THE TIME ON HOW GREAT MY VAN LOOKS, SOME PEOPLE EVEN ASK ME WHAT KIND OF "CAR" IS THIS. I LOVE THE WAY THE SEATS GO UP AND DOWN WITH SUCH EASE, TOTALLY UNLIKE MY OTHER VAN. OF COURSE, THE AUTO DOORS ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD!! LOVE THE GEAR SHIFT ON THE CONSOLE. CANT WAIT TO SEE THE 2005 AND SEE WHAT CHANGES YOULL MAKE IF ANY. THANKS FOR AN OVERALL GREAT VAN.

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  What a disappointment! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By quest2005 - November 13 - 8:36 pm

  In one year of ownership, weather stripping came off, wheels needed re- alignment, back hatch squeaks/sticks, need to resurface rotors x 3, something in front engine cracked, air conditioner hisses, CD stuck in player, recall on middle seats,and key stuck in ignition for a day. Service department terrible, nickle and dime every possible way, try to justify needed repairs with "Thats the way cars are made nowadays." Two negative response on customer survey given. No response from Nissan. Very sad. We LOVE the design and roominess. Will miss our van. Looking for new vehicle. Because of service department, will not buy Nissan, again.

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  Love my van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Robin - November 9 - 9:26 am

  I bought my van new it is the first new vehicle I have ever bought and I love it!! I moved from NC to FL and used my van for much of the move. My grandchildren love having the DVDs where they can see it I have the dual screens and both seats can see what they want. Given a choice of riding with mom and dad or nonie they will ride with me. I had an incident and my van was well protected. I have no issues with this van.

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  LONG TIME PARTS - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lazarus - November 5 - 10:00 am

  We waited over 2 months for a part to be delivered from who knows where (JAPAN? It was a simple AC line! I am furious! RUINED our vacation plans - had to take two vehicles for our large family!

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  Outstanding - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Rachael - November 3 - 12:56 am

  This is the biggest van I could find. I searched them all and this one was by far the biggest with the most upgraded standard features. I love this van. It runs great and the kids love it. Its very comfortable and we have so much space to move around.

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  2012 Quest Paint Problem - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By quest_2012 - October 19 - 5:04 pm

  We recently bought a 2012 Quest SL. It is white pearl in color. When we purchased it we noticed Rail Rust on the paint and some of the chrome trim. We showed it to the dealership and they promised to take care of it. We took it to the dealership bodyshop to be clay bared. After having it a week they called to let us know that some of the spots were too deep and they believe the entire vehicle needs to be repainted. They advised that due to the pearl color that they could not match the paint. We are currently waiting to hear what Nissan wants to do. We are currently in a loaner LE fully loaded Quest. Has anyone else had the same problem? The loaner has the rust on the chrome trim 2.