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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  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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  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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  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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  Quest, anything but a "minivan" - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Frizzell - October 16 - 3:53 pm

  As a 28 year old mother of 3, I give the Nissan Quest a 10+! Not only is it fun to drive, but it also quite sporty. I always swore that Id never be a "Minivan Mom" but the Quest is anything but a "minivan". Im a young mother and I want my minivan to reflect that. Thank you Nissan!

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  Oh Yeah! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By citbret - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I was anticipating buying an SUV. Had my heart set on Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade or the Hummer H2. Went to the nissan lot to test drive a used 2002 Tahoe. The dealer asked if we had seen the "NEW" Quest. I quickly told him, I was not interested in a minivan. He drove it around anyway and it was "Love at first sight." The vehicle more than accomodates my family of five. The kids abosultely love this car. It handles far better than I ever imagined. If you havent driven it, you have really missed out.

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  Wife Now Happy to Be a Minivan Driver - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By happydave_ct - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After swearing she would NEVER own a minivan, my wife is proud to tell her friends she is now driving a 2004 Quest SE (many questions and comments from other other moms in the nursery school parking lot). The styling is cool and sporty. It is easy for her to get the kids and groceries in and out (especially with the auto-open passenger doors and hatch). Great performance from the V6 engine (much better than her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero LTD). Who said a practical car had to be a drag to drive? Much applause to Nissan for taking the risk on styling!

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  Happy with Quest 07 - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Anna - October 8 - 11:23 am

  In addition to an excellent safety rating, it had the most features at a reasonable price. Spacious interior, excellent V6 power engine, smooth and quiet drive, easy fold 3rd-row seat. We like the sleek exterior style, as well as the re-modeled interior (2007).

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  Best Damn Mini Van Out There - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Dawn Bowman - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I test drove several Mini Vans when we were looking for one and wound up with the Quest for the comfort and handling of it. I love it! I have always owned a Nissan and I cant believe that we actually thought that the Pontiac Montana was more a good Van. If oyu want my opinion, stick with Nissan they hold there value and are very reliable cars.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By JamesCarter - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with the room and comfort. Love the style and the Navigation system is awsome!