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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  Finally XM & Nav - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Demers - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just traded a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica because of the constant shifting due to lack of performace. I went for the Nissan Quest because I required Navigation System as well as XM radio. It surprised me that Toyota Sienna did not have XM radio available. Even Lexus only has one model (LS430) that has XM. If you like music it is a must have item. Worth every penny. This new Nissan has it all, including good fuel economy!

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  2004 QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WENDY MITCHELL - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY NEW 2004 QUEST FOR SEVERAL REASONS. FIRST ALL THE SEATS FOLD DOWN AND AWAY SO I AM ABLE TO GET MY GRAMDMOTHERS RASCAL SCOOTER IN THE BACK . I DO NOT HAVE TO FUSS WITH BENCH SEATS AND MOVING THEM IN AND OUT. IT IS VERY COMFY TO DRIVE AND GREAT GAS MILAGE. I WOULD AND HAVE RECOMENDED THIS MINI TO OTHERS. I LOVE THE ROOM IT HAS AND FEATURES SUCH AS THE MIDDLE CONSOLE MAKE DRIVING FUN.

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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By exalcazar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Nissan Quest and owned it for 5 years. My family used it for everything: road trips, vacations, day excursions. Even my teenage daughters learned how to drive using the Quest. After selling it I bought a different vehicle. Ultimately, this year I decided to go back to the Quest. We all love it and it is most definitely one of the best cars Ive had.

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  Dream to Drive - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WandaJane - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the most comfortable Ive ever owned for driving and riding. The interior design makes accessibility for passengers easy. The ability to fold down the center two seats rather than having to remove them is brilliant. We were able to use the vehicle for hauling stuff on a long trip and then convert easily to hauling people. Heads turn when I drive this automobile!

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  2004 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Kick - March 19 - 2:00 am

  From a family man who avoided buying a minivan like a disease, once I looked at and test drove the Quest I was sold. It looks pretty cool(in minivan standards) has tons of room, easy to deal with interior, and a really great ride that blows away all the other minivans by far. Love the acceleration (240hp) and the handeling. Kids like it too.

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  Questing 2004 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By CPBOB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The new Quest has a smooth ride lots of power and as a hockey coach I have plenty of room to for hockey bags, pucks, water, bottles, sticks, kids, and parents. The offset information console is a little diferent at first but after a short time you realize its better than looking through the steering wheel.

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  Love our nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By websters - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Truly best Vehicle my husband and i have ever owned....great room,comfort,and style

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  The Final Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Navidar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we are well pleased with the Quest. The problems incurred were annoying rather then operationally dibilitating. They were also addressed by the dealership and Nissan. This is the first in 14 vehicles owned over the years, that I feel I am superviseing not driving.

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  First Minivan since 1964 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By George Nelson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Found the vehicle to be very versitile in that the second row seats lay down flat to the floor. Seems to get reasonable gas mileage though not as good or responsive as my old Lincoln Continental. Radio volume can be set to increase automatically as speed increases. Best gas mileage to date is amount 22mpg.

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  Satisfied Customer and Repeat buyer - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By Mary - March 18 - 10:00 am

  My experience was good. The van was very comfortable and reliable. Also, the 99 SE Quest was a first year model, so it was fun being one of the first out on the road. The problems I experienced were not out of the norm for a first year model and Nissan dealers were very good about resolving any issues I had. As a matter a fact, I just turned in my 99 SE Quest lease (Convenience & Leather package) for another one. Im now leasing a 2002 SE Quest lease (Comfort/Convience, Auto Diming mirror and Protection Package. Ill be back to report on that one too.