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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  nissan quest - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By chad hoffman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Quest over a year ago and I have no problems with. The drop-down tv is great for my two year old on long trips. The Toyota was nice also but I wasnt willing to pay the extra money for it. Nissans quality is just as good anyway. The quest is a good van for a family on a budget. Its not a porsche, but it will not break down on you either.

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  less than expected - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Fotojoe - May 19 - 8:03 am

  This is our third Quest and we expected this new Quest to be as good as the others and we have been very disappointed. Right off the lot the van has needed repairs for vibrations, rattling doors, seats....too many to go on. Perhaps that is why Nissan increased the bumper to bumper warranty. We love the space and it is great on the road but it just has not lived up to being a Nissan.

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  Better the second time around - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ourcrew - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Quest, the first being a 1997. It responds and handles well on turns with decent power for a mini van. We love the versality. Everything fits from luggage to a full- size recliner. Our grandkids love the video system. Only complaint is one of the side door windows occasionally becomes unlocked. Very reliable. Highly recommended over the Toyoya or Honda minis.

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  Always Love Getting Into My Quest! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sue - March 27 - 10:36 pm

  After six months of trying to repair a rattling coming from wheel housing in rear seat, I am finally 100% thrilled with my Quest. The car was in the shop quite a few times to try to figure out how to repair my rattling problem. This is quite common in first year models, so Nissan went back to drawing board and found a way to fix the rattling noise coming from rear seat. Even though it took quit awhile to fix, the dealership did everything possible to keep me happy. They provided great timely service. They also provided a courtesy car for me to use. I would highly recommend Fred Martin Nissan in Green, Ohio.

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  major defect - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 2 quest owner - March 18 - 10:43 pm

  Have owned 2 Quests. A2000 and a 2004SE On Xmas morning we went out to load presents and opened the passager side to find smoke coming from the seat.After spraying under the seat with the fire extinguisher and disconnecting the battery we found the motor that adjusts the seat back and forth was to the point of catching on fire.The car was in our garage and had been turned off all night.If we hadnt been up at that time our garage and house would have burned down!!!!If you own a 2004 SE please be careful

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  Not Great, But Definitely Good - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By NissanFan - March 10 - 4:53 am

  We purchased this van with 45k mi on it and have added another 60k w/o a major problem. I change the oil every 5k, and thats about it for service. Brake, shock, and tire wear have all been minimal. It starts and runs well in all weather, with one exception of a moderate lag at idle speed when the A/C compressor turns on. MPG is fair, usually 20-22. Seats are firm and comfortable. Driving position/feel is more carlike than other minivans. A little rust is beginning to show at the bottom of the sliding door panels, but the rest of the paint is good. One annoyance is that the latch on the passenger side sliding door window will not stay screwed in, but I would still buy this van again.

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  Quest Comforts - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kim - March 9 - 7:30 am

  I am not happy with the seats in the front. On very long trips the drivers seat tends to be a bit uncomfortable. I have the leather seats, dont know if that makes any difference.

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  Good value for money - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Bergolive - February 13 - 11:50 pm

  We drive that car on horrible northern Canada roads and up to now (2 years of ownership) absolutely no problem with it. We knew the Odyssey reliability is better than the Quests, but the price and style of the Quest finally got us, and we do not regret at all. The front seats are not very comfortable, but the rest is good. Good value for the money.

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  Quest, Too Many Issues - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Keibie - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We are a month into our new 2004 Nissan Quest, and we are not pleased with the number of issues that have surfaced with this vehicle since the initial drive home from the dealership. 1) The Passenger Manual Door Rattles, 2) The Rear Pop-Out Windows Rattle when they are open, 3) The 3rd Row Bench Seat Rattles continuously when erected (not when it is folded down into the floor), 4) The vehicle takes too long to start after it has not been running for an hour or more, 5) The Front-End and Steering wheel vibrates at expressway speeds during both driving and braking, 6)The A/C Compressor makes a load bang noise when it intially engages.

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  Good Driving-Body interior ? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bcreasman - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The motor and driving is excellent so far. I have had problems with the body such as a rattle in the back electric hatch, window wind sound, and electric side door popping sound. All these were fixed. Hunt Nissan is where I purchased it, they are wonderful, they follow up on any complaint and make it as pleasant as possible to bring your vehicle in.This is a new body style, I think these are fixable problems. Although The Nissan Murano is NICE!