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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rental but still reliable - 2005 Nissan Quest
By barry fredrickson - May 31 - 10:33 ami was hesitant about buying a rental, but the dealership and the performance of the vehicle are excellent. i had two minor problems, one a light was out and two the cd player/radio failed, both items were replaced. I had a nissan frontier as a trade in but the cab was two crowded for a man of my size, the van has more than enouth head, leg and overall room for the driver and passenger. The cargo space is very large. The roof racks do not appear to have much use, there isnt any cross bracing to stop the load from shifting front to rear.
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Quest 04 Not Reliable - 2004 Nissan Quest
By mecquest04 - May 28 - 6:10 pmAttracted to the styling and drivetrain of this vehicle. Unfortunately quality is a large concern. Brakes wear out prematurely. Tires are in need of replacement after 30k miles. Noisy doors that get better and then worse again. Mirrors with intermittent problems. Company does not stand behind this vehicle, either. Delay you with excuses until items are out of warranty and then you pay. Refuse to admit any issues are not normal wear and tear. Cannot recommend this vehicle or Nissan in general based on our experience. Beware used Quests if 04!
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Great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
By mr weezul - May 22 - 2:00 amGreat so far. Gas mileage not what is purported to be. Never thought I would be excited about driving a minivan, but I am. Parking assisst is a great feature.
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Hmmmmm...lets wait and see - 2000 Nissan Quest
By Vanmom - May 21 - 10:00 amNow that we are coming up on 30K I am surprised about all the little things we have had to deal with. The entertainment system has been replaced and looks like it will need it again. We have needed to replace 2 cup holders and other latches, etc. Also, I consistently get 15-18 mpg (that is worse than my 94 Plymouth Grand Voyager got!). For the $24,000 price tag, I have expected more. So, well wait and see. We havent had any trouble yet with engine, etc.
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Reliable!! - 2000 Nissan Quest
By Casto Family - May 21 - 10:00 amThis Van has been a reliable vehicle for us. We have over 148,000 miles on it and it still runs wonderful.
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Design Flaw Causing Significant Leaks - 2004 Nissan Quest
By keifferz - May 16 - 2:00 amOur 2004 Quest is a disaster. Two days after we bought it, it rained and the van filled up with water, apparently from a misdesigned sunroof and interior panels that were not properly welded at the factory. The van has been at the dealer since -- almost a month -- and at two body shops. More troubling is the nasty Nissan attitude, the refusal to replace the vehicle and the corporate approached of doing only the absolute minimum under applicable law while ignoring the warranty. We are now suing Nissan to get our money back. Until Nissan fixes the design problems on the Quest, it should be shunned.
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Excellent Nissan van - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Rus - May 11 - 10:00 amI have had this van for two months and love it! It is very comfortable with lots of room. I had the DVD package for the kids and it is the best thing. The engine is very powerful.
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My Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Gary Macquire - May 11 - 10:00 amMy wife and I spent several weeks researching, viewing and driving minivans and suvs. My Nisson Quest sl beat them all in power, comfort, ergonomics, style and features. The DVD play/sound system is a real plus for long trips. The placement of the console/shifter is unique.
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Love my Quest 3.5S 2005 - 2005 Nissan Quest
By Mastrocalo - May 11 - 4:40 amI get a great price Thanks to Edmunds.com. I figure the price I can paid for the Minivan 2005 3.5S, the price was at Dealer $25,850.00 and I make deal for $23,500.00 + 6% NJ Taxes and few xtras..(close to $ 2000.00) Great Minivan, run like a Mercedes and is fast.Use to Own a Caravan 98SE..another good one, but this one is far out in Luxury, Xtras and great price. I use the Internet to get prices without giving Phone#, only name and address (salesmans dont come home).AllBrands was the best.. Mileage looks better that my Dodge Caravan 98SE, so far 330 miles and feel great. Wife love it..Stereo is a Symphonic..great brakes and ride..the best!! Too many xtras like sonar,Electric doors,etc...
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The minivan of minivans! - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Mark N. - May 5 - 10:00 amIf you willing to spend $26,000+ for a vehicle it is worth the time to analyse the competition so that an intelligent decision is made. Here is what I found out. GM: Minivans have only 185hp, poor styling, seats dont fold into the floor also typical reliability problems, such as fuel pumps and warped rotors. Ford: Overpriced, bland styling, again fuel pump and transmission issues. Mazda: too small. Dodge: Love the seats but factory recalls too numerous to count (like 13-15). Honda: nationwide recall for major transmission problems. Toyota: too many packages and the price is too high, conserative styling. Nissan has it all, fold away seating, 240hp
