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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 969.00-
Minivan with some pep! - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Blacks in VA - December 28 - 10:00 amMy wife and I said we would never own a minivan. However, Quest has won us over. We like the fact that it has the Maxima engine in it and is fun to drive. The van has some pep. It also has been a lifesaver with our kids. We can pop in a DVD and they actually stay quiet in the back. Gret for road trips!
-
Not Safe - 2004 Nissan Quest
By RH - December 21 - 3:50 pmMy family was in a car accident head on FORTUNATELY no one was hurt. However, no ones airbags deployed. Read the reviews before you BUY. If my car is totaled. I will buy a toyota or honda
-
Lots of Problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Susan - December 16 - 11:56 pmThe style of this Nissan is great. The kids love the skyview windows, which makes the interior seem very cavernous. It seems like Nissan released this vehicle before the ironed out all the kinks though. Should you decide on the Quest be prepared for many problems, such as sunroof/roof leaks, interior trim breakage, rattles, a very confusing control panel, and power door problems, just to name a few of the common ones. Do your research before purchase!
-
Best of the best - 2008 Nissan Quest
By atf - December 13 - 9:43 amWe just bought a 2008 Quest after looking and driving other make(Honda & toyota), but in my own opinion this is the best among them, in terms of performance, comfort, finish quality and value. This van runs like my E 350 MB, very smooth and responsive, and more features for your money. Reliability and dependabilty, I like nissan, this is our fifth nissan car.
-
The best minivan - 2013 Nissan Quest
By carlsbad2 - December 11 - 5:51 amWe had Honda Odysseys for 12 years one if them a top of the line Touring. No real complaints but the Quest LE is better. The vehicle is luxurious. The ride is superb for a van. This van is overlooked by many buyers and as a result there are big discounts to be had on remaining 2013s. Every gadget you could imagine . Technically less cargo space than others but the seats fold flat to a Make cargo room rather than get removed. Leg room in the first row is wonderful. I am 6.4 used to feeling crowded in most vehicles not this one
-
Earlier models may have some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Jessica Jordan - December 7 - 10:10 pmLove to drive the car- very fun. Have had numerous little problems with the car. Linking sun roof, exhast problems- all have been covered under the warrenty but not what a would expect after paying so much for a new car. Hopefully Nissan worked out these problems with the later models.
-
WORST CAR EVER PURCHASED - 2007 Nissan Quest
By WOOODYWOOD - December 7 - 1:16 pmI bought this van with 3 miles on it! I wanted a family car and I really liked the way the quest looked. Thus, I bought one. This was the worst purchase I have ever made! It has been to the dealership 7 times since March! I have had 4 tire sensor problems, that the dealership cant fix! I also had a mildew smell coming out of my vents! The dealership told me that something could have crawled into the van and DIED and that this would not be covered under my warranty! I would have to pay for them to fix this problem! A brand new van!!! Finally, the dealership has the smell in the vents fixed, but the tire sensor is still flagging and the van doesnt qualify as a lemon per Nissan. DO NOT BUY!
-
soccer moms-here we come! - 2006 Nissan Quest
By The Ozmores - December 2 - 5:53 pmNever thought we would own a mini van! We looked at large suvs as we needed room for 6,(two pre-teens and two teenagers), and after price shopping, comparing mileage, room, functions and options-this was the best choice all around. We got many upgrades that we woulnt have in a suv. Handles smooth and quiet, sleek "buzz-lightyear design" and teenager approved-dvd player, wireless headphones,and legroom! The Quest doesnt have the boxy feel or look of a traditional mini-van, and coming from long time owners of suvs, we were hesitant to even test drive one, but once we did, we were sold! Unlike other mini-vans, you actually have room for duffel bags and suitcases even with a load of passsengers
-
some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Dude - December 2 - 2:00 amWe bought car 2 weeks ago. This is an awesome vehicle, the 5 sky views, sunroof and auto doors excellent approach. But we got some problems all ready: Sunroof badly leaked and van now at Dealership for sunroof replacement for the second day. DVD didnt worked, mechanical noise in area of the second row right chair or door. Dealership still working with it. I think for a new car and for 2 weeks a lot of problems. What else we should expect?
-
Excellent decision - 2005 Nissan Quest
By Faye - November 29 - 11:20 amI have had nothing but a postive experience with my 2005 Quest. It came with all the bells and whitles for less than lesser equipped Siennas and Odysseys. It has the style of a SUV with the convenice of a minivan.
