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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  Nissan admits 04 Quest a "Problem" car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By augcomm9 - September 1 - 9:43 am

  We have had nothing but problems with our 04 Quest SE. 2.5 years later and Nissan has finally admitted to us (sales and service people) that the 04 Quest has had many problems with their electrical and drive motors for several of the amenities (auto open side doors and hatch, heating system, etc.). Nissan corporate will do nothing for us even though we have written many letters and made many phone calls to both teh corportae level as well as the Smithtown Long Island store where we bought the car. Smithtown also cheated us when purchasing the car buy out and out lying about several factors. We have proof but no one will listen from Nissan. I was a loyal Nissan driver, but no longer.

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  Our Quest has begun! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By vince14 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Over 2000 miles on our new Quest SL, its a great-handling living room! Handles and accelerates like a car (think Maxima), great visibility and huge side-view mirrors, really quiet and smooth ride. Excellent braking. 0 difficulty adjusting to center mounted speedometer, (now my wife can adjust the steering wheel without blocking out the gauges!) Incredibly easy access from any row to any row, DVD works great, input jacks usable for a videogame, videocamera, even an ipod! kids love seats, really comfortable and attractive van.

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  2008 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Jimbou - August 27 - 7:03 pm

  This car is excellent when it is new. VERY new. Because at 4 months, it is old yet. the interior sounds like if the car was 10 years old. Wind, rattle, vibrations. Customer support overlooks my problems with arrogance. Nothing abnormal, they say.

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  Great mini-van thatll never regret!!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Danny - August 26 - 4:10 pm

  I had been doing research for minivans for a year and my final conclusion is Nissan Quest. Why? because the dash board is designed in the center that helps me concentrate on the road. And good the best feature is middle sits can fold, unlike any other Japan made minivan. Imagine you need to put a 7 feet fridge, a ply wood w/ standard size 4x8, a big fish tank. Honda & Toyota couldnt do that. Unless you take the sits off. What a hassle.

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  Good and comfortable family vehicle! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Tom - August 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new and has been a blessing since. It is almost 110,000 klicks now and I have only replaced the battery and brakes once. We take care of the van with scheduled services. We go on road trips three times a year with it and the whole family loves it. It is very gas efficient on the highway and very roomy and comfortable. There is always adequate room for luggage if you know how to pack in an organized fashion. If it is only four of us, we fold the third row and we do not even fold up or stack our luggage. We go on trips with another couple two times a year and they love it too. First comment is always "wow, it is so roomy!!" The engine has a lot of power on the road.

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  Recommend Quest 2000 - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Amy Michele - August 24 - 9:20 pm

  This is a very reliabe and practical minivan. Very comfortable seats, and comfortable to drive. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Average van at high price - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sunday driver - August 22 - 2:00 am

  We traded in a Silhouette for this. We have been quite disappointed. Wife liked the colr, styling and all the "bells and whistles." Unfortunately, she has been looking to trade it after just 3 months. Depreciated too much and any trade under 6 months voids the warranty to prospective owner. This van and subsequent poor Nissan service is not worth the exhorbitant pricetag.

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  Agrees with the "lemon" review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mirandayin - August 18 - 10:00 am

  With my new 2004 Quest, power window went “dead” after 1 month. Windshield Wiper - to date, replaced 3 times, still not “hugging” windshield. Air vents fell out during first week. Loose seat covers - after 2 months, fabric sagged as though they were used for years. Skirt under seat - left "hanging", improper installation. Radio Static on all AM stations Weather stripping comes off, occurs again even after new stripping installed. DVD pops in and out after engine shut off; a new dvd player was re-installed. Front windows rolled all way down on it’s own after I locked and left the vehicle.

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  Will keep it FOREVER - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Queen - August 13 - 12:43 pm

  A family must have! A large family is all in and out in no time. Open all the doors and roll the windows down from your house with remote and let it cool out. Very spacious, easy to flip seats all down. It is truly a luxury van. Has such great pickup and horsepower. I have peace of mind knowing that my family is safe with so many safety features. The spare tire is very convenient to get to and the full size tire can be put back in easily. Feel like a queen driving it.

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  Good performer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By fstshrk - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car two weeks ago, fully loaded including dual screen DVD and navigation. Only problem is sliding door that has a rattle one out 10 bumps. No other initial quality or build issues. Drives smooth, cruises all day at 70-80 mph, getting around 22 mpg.