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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  nice ride - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By Dave - September 11 - 4:46 pm

  I am not dissapointed I traded my gas guzzling Titan for this gas sipping van. the truck was no longer practical and driving 30K mls a year, I will save about $150 a month in fuel alone. great ride and handling, unique style.

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  My German Quest - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By GrafBaby - September 9 - 12:23 pm

  I bought my Quest in Washington, and then we got stationed here to Germany (we are military). I used to hate vans, and never thought I would own one. But after looking at it, seeing that there is a 5 star crash rating, and all the little extras the Special Edition has, I bought it, and I have no regrets! I LOVE this van! I take it on the autobahn from time to time and I got up to about 120mph w/no problems. I love the strong horsepower, great for passing cars on these little German roads. This van is not sold here in Germany, so I get stared at by the Germans everywhere I go, and have gotten countless compliments. They are most amazed by the power lift gate.

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  Last Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By joe siudock - September 8 - 9:53 am

  Bought a 2005 Quest 3.5, last November. Drove it out of the lot and little radles started. Both side doors made numerous little sounds that would come and go. The seats were very comfortable on long trips over 1000 miles. Had to stop every 100 miles. Never buy cloth seats again. Just not up to Nissan quality. When I traded it in there were now sounds coming from the front doors. The dash in the middle needs to be larger and bigger button for the radio. Like the shifter up high really good taste.Great exterior with the modern front end. Need Altima back lights. Interior lighting was great. Drove like a full size car. My 17 year old daughter loved it when she went out with friends

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  Toyota owner impressed by Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tina from Texas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of two Toyotas during the past 13 years I was pretty sure Id end up with the 04 Sienna when it was time to get a minivan. I tested the Honda, Toyota, and the Nissan minivans all on the same day under the same driving conditions. The Honda was okay on performance, but seriously lacking in style and comfort. The Toyota had nice styling and was very comfortable, but didnt have great acceleration or power. The Nissan has all of the above! I decided on the Quest and have been very pleased. (Other minivan drivers have been checking out my stylin new ride!)

• 

  Fun but.... - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Ted - August 29 - 6:26 am

  enough power, interior design and material is poor. Fun to drive but materials inside is so poor it gets dirty quick.

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  My 5th Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ann B - August 28 - 10:00 am

  We have always enjoyed Nissans design and technology and were especially pleased with this 2004 design. We have had a problem with both sliding doors making various annoying noises while driving our 2004 and, after reading some of these other reviews, I see we arent the only ones. The doors still make noise after being adjusted 2 timesb and this seems like one of those problems that will never be fixed permanently. This door noise problem is the first problem we have had with a Quest. I hope Im not one of the people with the "under 30 degrees" problems...I live in Chicago and I guess Ill find out next winter.

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  Its not German Engineering - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By J R - August 27 - 4:43 am

  The Quest provides a lot of utility, is very adequate on the highway, and provides decent gas mileage. After 20,000 miles, I am not happy with the number of times that I have been to the dealer (4 in 16 months) to have the sliding doors adjusted. Dealer says they all come back because the bushings wear out frequently. Exterior styling is very good compared to other minivans but the interior uses a lot of plastic and lower grade materials.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Lover - August 26 - 11:40 pm

  The Quest is a Minivan which is, when you think about it, a TRUCK. I did not buy a car, this is not a Lexus and I do not expect it to be one. Since May of 04 I have put 7600 miles on it. I drove to Disney from NJ with three children and my wife. We were all very comfortable and driving at 60miles per hr and got 30 miles to the gallon. .. Go above 75 and yes the mileage drops. This van is fast, handles great and looks cool too. Everything works. A few rattles yes. Again this is a VAN and has huge panels of sheet metal. My friend had the Honda Odyssey. He said the Honda had more rattles than Ebenezers ghosts and the Quest had way more interor room. The standard safety items and awsome engine sold me.

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  Very, very good minivan - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By DJS - August 25 - 9:33 pm

  Compared this vehicle to the new Honda and Toyota Sienna. We liked the exterior styling; the huge interior; foldaway second row seats; big side doors; outstanding engine/transmission setup; excellent manueverability and road holding for a minivan.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sukhi kohli - August 17 - 1:30 am

  My wife used to hate the thought of driving a minivan until she drove Quest. Its the best family car, with ample legroom in front, rear and third row seats. We love taking this car for long drives and will soon drive cross country. I recommend Quest to everybody. Enjoy your ride.