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:

• 

  2008 Nissan Quest - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Phil Glasser, Sr - October 26 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 with 500 miles. At the time I wondered why anyone would trade this vehicle with under 500 miles, but was taken with the style and the lay down 2 row seats. Long story short, after my first long ride, over 100 miles, I took the van back to the deal complaining of hard ride that left my kidneys aching for two days. After some counseling, we exchanged tires, used nitrogen, reduced tire pressure, tried every seating position with electronic seat and manual lumbar adjustment during the next week--all to some relief but still could not get comfortable. Talked to managers, other salespersons all to no avail. tried leather seat vs cloth--no

• 

  Family dream - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Gary - October 24 - 7:43 pm

  The Quest is a fun to drive take everyone and everything van with multiple seating arrangements without removing a single seat or head rest. The ride is smooth and effortless, but still fun to drive. Still getting used to the navigation system, but the 3-D view that it offers is great. We gladly would recommend the Quest to anyone considering buying a minivan.

• 

  Love that new Nissan Quest04 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By soules5 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  We really enjoy our new Nissan Quest

• 

  Poor Quality - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By bibe - October 21 - 10:00 am

  First six months has required two major repairs: Oil leaking from engine gasket, and bad alternator. I have 5,000 miles on this car and it has a bad alternator...The Dealer will offer a loaner that is usually a 4 door Sentra...really not a comparable car, note even close! If this POS car is going to be a lemon at least I can get a decent loaner!

• 

  Loved it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ponce80 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  The unique exterior keeps geeting approving glances. Great handling, The DVD and navigation system are a blast. Had to have the navigation system, which was replaced within 2 days, great service

• 

  Best Minivan in the class - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By scfisher1 - October 16 - 11:55 am

  When we came to the point where we pretty much needed a minivan due to two young boys, it wasnt a hard choice once we looked around. Sure the Odyssey has more vans on the road, but one look on the outside of the Quest and my wife wanted it. Inside sealed it for me. Its plush, quiet comfortable, and all the features you could want in a minivan, save the Bose radio we passed on. Priced next to a similarly equipped Honda and we saved thousands. The kids just love it, they have room and are not on top of each other.

• 

  2004 Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By lanyyfan - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Over all the performance and reliablity of the vehicle is outstanding. However, I have experience minor electrical problem with the sun roof and tire pressure gage sencer.

• 

  What more can you ask for. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Firestorm61 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  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 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 child and my wife. We were all very comfortable and driving at 60mi hr got 30 miles to the gallon. .. Go above 75 and yes the milage 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.

• 

  Nissan has Vast "Cargo" Capacity - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RPalmer - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. Most comfortable seating for more than 2 adults. middle seating group allows for long legged (and/or large passengers).

• 

  Spaceship - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By TommasoAS1 - October 7 - 5:33 pm

  I couldnt be more pleased after several months of ownership of my Quest Van 3.5 SL, I am glad I went for the SL. Didnt want leather or skyroof so the SL with Running boards and Roof Rack was perfect, not to mention the 5- SP auto Transmission. Talk about power and room, not to mention all the drivers eyeing my Quest and saying"he really knows how to pick a secret weapon in the large Mini van class. It takes some getting use to because of the beautiful long and wide wheel base, but it is well worth geting use too. My gear plus my full size Lab hound love this van.