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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  top of the charts - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By chris skufca - May 5 - 10:00 am

  handeling great style great performance fabulas just like driving a sports car

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  Impressing!!! Caches the eye!!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By macezra - May 4 - 10:10 am

  I have this van for two years now. I actually have the 2004 model SE, I have no technical problems with it. I am currently driving my van in Germany and it was very very comfortable to drive. The space is huge, ergonomic first class plane seat designed. Excellent performance and steers very well, feels like a car. This is a fast van with 240hp 3.5liter, I clocked in 115 miles/hr and it was a smooth accelaration. Some BMW could not keep up with me. The controls are well futuristic designed compared to other minivans. This is a reliable van to use on long trips. It has dual control temperature at your comfort for both the driver and the passenger. The body style is the eye catcher(SUV or VAN?

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  I love my minivan! - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By SLK41 - April 30 - 2:43 pm

  I swore I would never buy a minivan again, but Im glad that I took a chance on the "un-minivan," as Nissan has touted it. It feels like a car to drive, handling and driving so well you forget you are in a minivan. The stereo is great, and the spacious interior is wonderful. I had 3 large SUVs before going back to a minivan, and I dont miss a thing! The cargo bay is great for groceries and the captains chairs are a nice feature, as are the dual DVD players for both the second and third rows.

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  Migrating from Sports Sedan to Minivan - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Chris Garr - April 26 - 4:20 pm

  I went from driving a 5 speed Turbo VW Passat to this Quest. Overall Im happy with it, but I do miss driving a sports sedan. We considered the Odyssey, Quest, and Sienna. The Quest was the best value that particular month and weve had 4 great Nissans before. The acceleration, steering, and braking are great. Tons of power regardless of its size. Very comfortable to drive. The interior is great, and I think the exterior offers the best styling in the minivan category. The cabin is a bit too noisy. I think its weird to have only one power sliding door. I love being able to make all the seats flat wihtout having to remove any.

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  Bad Paint - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BobbyF - April 25 - 11:10 am

  This is my third Nissan vehicle. Very unhappy with the paint quality on all three. Have had this Quest for around 2 years, never drive it on gravel and am very careful in parking lots but the paint literally is falling off the car. Approximately 2 dozen paint chips on hood already from just everyday use. Carefully washing in manual car wash and large piece of paint fell off with no satisfaction from dealer. Think strongly about this when considering buying a Quest.

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  Odometer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RAJESHKUMAR - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I had 100k warranty, my odometer went down at 85,000 mile and seat heater also Nissan did not stand for this, my seat heater and odometer still not work, I will never buy any Nissan car any more, it is not only me but many of Nissan quest owner are complaining about odometer this must be an recall

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  No regrets, great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By gg2k4se - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  My wife and I, 2 engineers, did a careful comparison. Most features are similar to Toyota/Honda but to our family of 5, the contemporary styling, roomy interior and fold down middle row made it an easy choice. Excellent engine, tranny, handling. For us, the skyroof option is better than roll down mid windows and fold down mid seats beat the split rear. Middle gauges are actually easier to see and Bose stereo is excellent. The 1st year model did have issues but nothing to make us regret purchase. Cold problem auto doors, leaky skyroof were fixed. Other recall issues were not a problem, but replaced anyway. Both brother-in-laws have purchased since us, we are now a 3 Quest family.

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  Best of the bunch - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Martin S. Berlin - April 5 - 1:16 pm

  The many inovative features we were able to get with the Quest were not available on the Honda, Toyota, Ford or Chrysler minivans. We drove them all and with the exception of the Quest, which handled more like a sport sedan, they all drove like the typical minivan. The positioning of the instruments and controls are fine with us because the controls provide passenger access as well as driver which comes in handy on trips. Fit and finish are excellent, just not as fancy as Toyota or Honda. But you dont drive fancy. Reliability and service has been excellent with only two recalls; neither what I would consider major. We have all the bells and whistles. We love it. Good Job Nissan.

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  I love my van! - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By cherylmills - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I balked at the idea of becoming a "minivan mom", but I love my van! The kids can watch a movie during long trips, and theres plenty of space to keep them out of arms reach of one another. I bought it used at a very good price, which made me wonder what was wrong with it, but over a year later and all Ive had to do is fill it with gas and change the oil. Very solidly built, dependable, and comfortable, even for a family of six!

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  Worth the wait for new model - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Mrs. BJ C - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I waited for the new quest, since my 97 Quest was 7 years old and knew a new model was on its way. I get so many compliments on my van, it cracks me up. Theyre complimenting a mini-van! Its comfortable, fast and sporty, and its loaded to the max. I got everything, dual screen tv, nav system, running boards and so on. I drive a lot and average 2,000 miles a month, running my children to sports events. The nav system is great and has saved time getting to events. The handling is outstanding, very sporty. The SKY LIGHTS ARE SO COOL! I just love it!