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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  love my van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dianne - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best purchase i have ever made. It is roomy enough for my grandchildren and my two poodles everywhere i go. The features are very neat and easy to work. I like that the seats go down to floor level. Even i get to enjoy the dvd player if someone else is driving. Theres enough luggage room since the back compartment drops down about 1foot. Even once the grandchildren are gone i will always go with a van. and as long as Nissan continues to make them as great as this one, i will continue to purchase them. Thanks Nissan

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  Nissan Engines design to require timing chain replaced after 100k miles - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By ctylr12 - February 27 - 4:47 am

  I have been a Nissan fan and loyal customer for 20 years. The 2007 Nissan Quest was a huge disappointment when it came to reliability. When I had the major service done at 105k miles, three Nissan dealers informed me that I needed a new timing chain kit and would cost $3,200. The purpose of a timing chain is to be maintenance free unlike timing belts. Nissan told me that this is a normal wear and tear item and is normal to replace every 100k + miles. My 2000 Infinity has 235k miles and never had a problem. Several independent mechanics have told me that all Nissan and Infinity vehicles after 2006 have poor engine design. Its a metal chain riding on plastic guiders. Purposely set up to fail

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  Very Pleased with 2013 Quest - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By 2013questowner - February 22 - 1:11 pm

  I thought it was only fair to wait several months to do a review on the van. In short, I’m extremely pleased with it. I looked at all the major minivans and would say this is the best. Nissan was giving the best incentives as well. Two tone dash and leather are well done. With a high center of gravity there is a little roll, but the ride is on a par with a full size sedan for smoothness and quiet ride. To get a flat cargo bed you can easily lay down the second and third row seats. You don’t need to take anything out of the van like you do in other models to get a flat surface. The gas mileage seems to be approximately what it is rated at 19 city and 25 on the highway.

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  All I Asked For - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Warteman - February 9 - 4:13 pm

  We could not have asked for more out of the car. It has not been back to the dealer, except for re-call items and tires. My only complaint were the tires and they had to be replaced within two weeks, because they were not round and could not be balanced. I travel alot of highway miles and we average 25 highway all the time and 21 local.

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  A Farr Out Van! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By farroutt3fan - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the S model with upgrade package and DVD. We absolutely love! We feel safer and more fashionable than we ever thought possible in a minivan. It is fun to drive, and the kids have never been so excited. It comes with more standard features than most entry level vans. Not many manufacturers are offering a DVD in the entry model, not to mention the multitude of other features the others only offer in high end models, or for more money. If you really want a great minivan that stands head and shoulders above the rest of the class, the Quest is the answer. Thanks Nissan!

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  Fun & Sporty - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tammy - January 25 - 2:00 am

  So far the Quest is a very nice comfortable ride for our family.

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  Durable Van - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By corsicachevy - January 24 - 4:06 pm

  I have enjoyed a trouble free first year of ownership. What attracted me to the Quest is the vehicles reputation for long-term durability and low up-front cost. Admittedly, this vehicle is no longer on the cutting edge. The engine is old and a little weak, but it does have decent low end torque. The body does groan and moan a bit - I suspect this van was designed before the push for super-rigid body structures. I love the interior, handling and over-all appearance of the vehicle.

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  My first non gm - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kfj743 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  sky light leake fixedd, was replaced, right rear door had rattles,fixed somewhat

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  Best ever - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By caribeth3 - January 14 - 6:46 pm

  This is the perfect vehicle for those people who need the space a minivan offers, but dont necessarily WANT to drive a minivan. It looks cool, drives as nice as any car Ive been in, has lots of great features. Its one of the safest cars out there, and sits nice and low to the ground (easy to get in and out of, especially for young kids).

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  Lemon from the Start - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Disappointed in Tenn - January 13 - 6:40 am

  Within a month of the purchase date, we had the van back into the dealer with a shaking problem when braking from extended driving periods. It was taken to the same dealer 4 times before it was finally diagnosed. It was not a safe feeling to be on an extended trip and wonder if you were going to make it home or not. Within a month of the last service visit, the driver sliding door began to rattle and squeak when driving over any type of bumps in the road. Then water began dripping through the sunglasses holder just above the rearview mirror. This was caused by improper sealing of the front windshield and they are having to replace the entire windshield. Bottom line...DONT BUY A QUEST!