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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  This is a great car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Shanda Northup - March 12 - 8:10 pm

  I really love this car. My kids are very comfortable and love showing it off to their friends. I would definitely buy another Quest after this one because it is such a great car.

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  Quest gives style to a minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RevRacer - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Our first minivan, and after months of debate and test driving Odyssey, Sienna, Pacifica, Pilot, XC90, T&C, Grand Caravan, Rendezvous, MDX, and V70, we realized that that you can call a crossover what you like but there ends up being a compromise in the real functionality of a minivan. Quest does not compromise style or performance for functionality. We can take turns similar to our 98 Maxima, strap the kids in the seats without over extending like some of the 3rd rows in the SUV, Bose sounds great, 17" wheels look sporty and the features for price seem to be one of the best.

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  I love my nissan - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By mother of five - February 22 - 11:56 pm

  I love this vehicle. It is comfortable on road trips, gets great gas mileage, and is the hottest minivan on the road in looks. I am sold on this van and will own another after this.

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  `~Master of them all~` - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lary - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The paint barely chips, (I have two kids and their bikes scratched my toyota camry 02 very badly). The kids dont argue in the back (because of all the extras). When I drive this minivan I do not feel like I am driving a old station wagon! In conclusion the 2003 Nissan Quest is a great buy, and my kids, my wife, and I love it.

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  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Stacey116 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My family loves the Nissan Quest. Its very roomy, comfortable, and easy to move around in. It rides quiet and smoothly.

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  So good I had to get another one!!! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By salseroboricua - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1995 Nissan Quest with 125,000 on it. Not once did I took it to the shop in the time that I had it. It was such a great vehicle that I decided to get another one and so far I am loving it!!!!

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  We love it - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By tobyk - January 20 - 1:46 pm

  Has been awesome for our family. The folding/sliding back seat awesome

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  Mom of 4 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By yvette - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I am totally in love with my new Nissan Quest! I love everything about it! I get so many complements on the looks and from my passengers on the way it rides. My husband who drives an Jaguar Xjs even loves to drive it.

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  A Nice Van - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By kulunphan818 - December 19 - 6:30 am

  My SE Quest includes dual DVD screen + navigation system. The main reason for purchasing the Quest because all my family members like the style, interior designs of the van, even though I am not very confident of the long-term reliability of the Quest. However, I was willing to make the bet. It is no question that the Quest has much better exterior and interior designs, comparing with other major vans (Odyssey, Sienna, etc.). The only thing I did not like is the uncomfortable front seats. But the van is much quieter than Sienna or Odyssey.

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  Daily Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ben flores - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I give the Quest 2004 a 9 out of 10. Ive driven its 2 major competitors,Sienna and Oddysey, and I favor the Quest for its power, stability and style. It drives like a car and can make turns very easily unlike the Oddysey which can only make wide turns. On the other hand, Sienna is a much quieter ride but it lacks the power of the Quest which a car enthusiast like me looks for. The Quest engine roars smoothly as you accelerate and shifts like a sports car. One downside I observe is the glare on the dashboard and the "hard to learn" controls of the front console. The interior design is both unique and futuristic which makes the Nissan Quest on top of its competitors.