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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  Just my opinion - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sewnqlt - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Quest and it is the best weve had. I thought I was stepping into a space ship with all the awesome controls right at my fingertips. We have two children and the captains seats are wonderful to keep them separated! We did invest in the leather seat package and have no regrets. The Bose sound system is also quite amazing and makes driving long distances a joy.

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  2004 Nissan,quickest Mini Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Kathleen Mcintyre - June 2 - 2:00 am

  A fun and fast Mini van that handle like a sports car...Had a Toyota Sienna before, this Van is much more fun to drive....

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  Highly recommend buying a Quest!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Owner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  We owned a 1994 Quest and absolutely loved it. Never had any problems with it,never needed any major repairs.Now we also love our 2004 Quest. They totally changed the look of it which makes it very stylish and fun to drive.There is also alot of room inside and we love the center console!!

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  Awsome - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By pevo2 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van. Looked at T&C and Honda. They could not compair. There is so much more room in the Quest. The power of this van is awsome. Puts the others to shame. Its got the get up and go that you need. If you are looking for a van or larger SUV give the Quest a look. With its interior room, neat gauges and cool style I think you wont be disappointed if you gave it a test drive.

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  Our Mini-Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Hargett Family - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Had an adjustment issue with rear window and problem with drivers side sliding door. Other than that Ive enjoy driving this van. Hardly miss my SUV, especially at car-pool.

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  If you must drive a minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DONNA S. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In preperation for the birth of our twins, we purchased a Toyota Sequoia. As the babies got bigger, we found it increasingly difficult to lift them in and out of the car. Putting them in their car seats was tough, and I had to climb in with one hand first. After only eleven months, we traded it in for the Nissan Quest. Not only is this van stylish, but the features are amazing! If you have to own a minivan....the non- minivan design and amazing features sure do make the transition into motherhood a whole lot easier!

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  LOOKS, POWER, SPACE, RELIABLE - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Bill C - May 30 - 12:30 pm

  I Must say after reading some of the comments, it appears some of these folks are not educated consumers and are unfairly rating the vehicle. What are they comparing to a sedan? No its a van. This is the 3rd Quest in my family. This model is by far the best. The styling is great, by far more attractive than its peers. Drive? Drives great with plenty of power.I agree the interior is not the finest. Its not the styling, its the plasticy finish. Resale isnt the best with Nissan but youd pay more for an Odyssey or Toyota. If you paid 39k for the van, paid $350 per tire your [violative content deleted]. Shop around I paid no where near these prices. Very reliable car, hwy milage is good,great cargo space. Compare

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  the undiscovered van. - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By van man - May 19 - 2:00 am

  this van is an extremely quiet even at cruising highway speeds with a fairly decent mileage. i have also got used to the leather seats etc.

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  For a van, its tops - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By carolanddavid - May 16 - 12:36 pm

  Ive driven many vans, even if only brief test drives or rentals. This one hands-down feels like a nice ride compared to others, which simply felt like a van. Honda was decent, but Nissan has more sport and maneuverability feel to it. Quality is high; only the most minor of things required attention. After 2 years Im still discovering nooks and crannies for storage. Im not sure its worth the price difference to many, because the rising cost of fuel also means lesser mileage vehicles are yet more expensive to own over the life of the vehicle. But to me, the enjoyment of its comfort, handling, convenience and quality IS worth the difference. Im looking at the 2007 models now..

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  Just drove the 2011 Quest today - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By spookydoo - May 8 - 12:25 pm

  My wife and I drove the 2011 Quest today. Nothing stood out one way or the other in terms of its handling. However, the seats were incredible. They are big, beefy, and Sooooooft. It was cold outside so we turned on the seat heaters. Warmed us up quickly. We didnt want to leave the vehicle. Middle row seats were decent. Back row was ok. Had to move the middle row seats up a little to get enough back row footroom, but nothing that would bother a child and most adults. The exterior boxy back is a little weird, but like most things in life, Im sure well get used to it. Who knows, in a year, we may all be raving about it. We are shopping for a minivan. It is between this and the new Odyssey.