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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  My views on mini vans have changed - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By moms taxi - August 18 - 11:26 pm

  My husband and I decided on the Quest after finding our 3rd son was on the way. We purchased it when I was around 5-6 mnths and had ample room for the 2 boys who were 4 and 7 at the time . The car seat went in one month before I was due AND still the 2 boys had AMPLE room to roam from sit to seat. Had some recalls on them but most of them were minor things that took no more then a day to fix and wasnt a real inconvience for m me. The Quest is great for growing families my 3 boys have enough room to stretch and have their "space" from each other .

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  I must be alone - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Plutosmom - August 18 - 12:16 pm

  When I purchased this car, I loved the features. Now, almost two years later, I regret buying it. While still very pretty, for a mini van, every thing is breaking. The rear cup holders, the rear sonar, the rear cover. Every little piece of plastic that can break is breaking. I could understand if I was hard on the vehicle. But it is mostly city driving, which the mileage is horrible, 11-13 miles per gallon.

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  Disappointing - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By m j - August 7 - 12:00 pm

  I read many reviews, loved the styling, peppy engine etc. Problem is, the the thing is poorly built. Constant rattling, noisy ride, brakes are touchy. The car has plenty of acceleration and on the highway in overdrive the engine does not labor. BUT..... I would not lease another. Thankfully my lease is up in May. I also own a Saturn Relay, which has its own short comings, but I find it superior to the Quest.

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  Rattle and Hum (and gulp) ... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dzurej - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this m.v. (my first) for 2 months. The engine and drivetrain certainly hum along. The passenger-side power door rattles over every bump. Im avering just 18 mpg to-date (well below expected). The center console takes some getting used to, but it grew on me (but not everyone). Handles surprisingly well in both rain and snow. My overall opinion is still positive, but Ill reserve long-term judgement until I see how quickly Nissan fixes the door rattle and the interior wears with age.

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  Service Problems - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By hipaulino - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We brought our 2002 Nissan Quest GLE from Performance Nissan in Everett, WA. It has been in for service there three times without the problem being fixed. We live about 45 miles away and have to drive up there every time to try to get it fixed. We brought the car there that’s why we drive up there to get it serviced; this was a huge mistake! The problem on the Mini-van is the passenger sliding door window. We have wind noise at speeds over 30 M.P.H. and problems with the window popping open when we hit a bump or slide the door close. How can such a small problem be such a major pain? . LOVE THE CAR, HATE THE SERVICE!

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  Terrible first month - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KHL - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My experience is not good at all, and really gave me a bad impression over Nissans manufacturing quality control. In the first 3 months, I had the car repaired 4 times. Mostly, bad QC! Body panel dropped, sliding door rail mis-aligned, truck light not connected, plastic covers failed off when touched for the first time! I must have one of lemon car coming out of Nissan factory. Very disappointed.

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  Long Term Quest Update - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By irloyal - June 28 - 10:23 pm

  After having owned this Nissan Quest for 3 years and 36,000 miles I felt a long term review would be helpful to others. Pros: The Vans styling is still unique and turns heads. The engine runs as strong as the day purchased and is plenty potent for any type of driving. Only routine manintenance has been reqired for the most part, but exceptions are noted in the con section. The dealer ships have been very good about handling warranty issues, and they have increased the warranty to 60,000 miles at no charge. Cons: Horn Stuck. Over-sensitive tire pressure sensors. Replacement tires require new size unless you buy Goodyear. Overall Rating: B Overall Value: B+ Buy Again? Yes

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  The Quest Continues - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DREWSTER - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve had a quest for a month and a half with about 2,400 miles traveled. Im beginning to worry about the build quality. The two side doors are rattling and it refused to start during some cold weather (possibly frozen fuel).Two days after getting the van home we had a flat tire. The Goodyear service center told us the bead of the tire was seated properly. The Quest feels great on the highway and is comfortable to travel in.

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  I hope this Nissan I know - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By marklea - June 5 - 2:53 pm

  Nissan did a nice job in concept of this van. Radical exterior look, roomy lay out of interior, functional features. The reason I personally bought this van was for my personal track record with the 3.5 engine and overall Nissan reliablity. I have owned other Nissans and interior appointments have not always been A+, but Nissan cars look good,perform with a sporty edge, and most importantly are reliable. So far I am somewhat concerned based on what I read in other reviews. I have had a few quality issues in first 2 months, trim falling off, rear heater not function, ash tray compartment not fit etc. Nothing major though. Extended warranty helps though

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  LEMON - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DEBORAH FABRY - May 11 - 3:43 am

  I have had so much trouble with this van. The first week I had it the sliding door jam. I pulled it and the cable broke and scaratched my side panel. had to be repainted and door put back on. Tire sensors keep going out have 2 more out now.. glove department door hinge broke. I took back twice for the air bag said was off when someone was sitting in front seat, rubber gasket came off around back door. hinge that held up trunk broke [hit me in the head]. i have had lots of new cars and i spend a lot of time at the dealership very unhappy