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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  The Jetsons Minivan Has Arrived - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DKinAZ - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Shopped at Toyota for a 2004 Sienna - too many extras made it expensive, plus no airbags for passengers. Shopped at Honda for an 2003 LX, it was nice - but not nice enough, safety features extra. Waited for Nissans new 2004 offering and, after a few weeks, received call from the dealer - they had a RED base model Quest without any gimmicks. I saw it, my wife drove it, we bought it on the spot. It was worth the wait. The base model really has everything you need. We paid MSRP and not a penny more. This is a must see before you buy.

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  Re: Back to the drawing board - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By soccermom - September 28 - 7:10 am

  My husband and I purchased a 2004 Quest sl after owning a 2001 odyssey that had its fair share of problems as well, and they were major problems as well transmission. Honda was much better at standing behind thier vehicle. Our quest has had doors checked three times, starter replaced after fighting the dealership after it broke while I was christmas shopping (we had to pay the tow bill Nissan was to refund the money it still hasn`t been done!), And materials in the interior are begining to fall apart the moldings in the rear doors, the heating ventin the passenger`s side in the front, and the engine having problems shifting as it starts out in lower gear.

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  Not a soccer mom! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Donna Bero - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Were expecting our 3 child in december and decided wed better get a vehicle to accomodate our growing family. I was hesitant about the "mini-van" stigma and was convinced by my husband to check out the new Quest...alas, a mini- van that gives us moms respect and dignity while driving around town. I could not believe the power and sleek design this van has!I bought it that day. I drive around in my van--head HIGH

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  Nissan Quest a winner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mark and lori todd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning three Quests this redesign is truly a work of art. Just about anything that we felt could be improved the engineers and designers at Nissan have incorporated in this new unit. We had seriously entertained the idea of changing vehicles this time around but were blown away when we test drove the new 2004. Thank you Nissan

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By blmon88 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my van. Rides great, large seats for added comfort. No cramped feeling. Cool ride.

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  Overall a Keeper - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KMMN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Quest. I am very tall and having the displays in the center of the console prevents the steering wheel from obstructing my view. Automatic side rear and back doors are wonderful with two small kids. So are the fold down seats and ability to pull second row seats forward to access third row, even if second row seats have child seats installed.

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  Dont Mind Making the Payment - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By flowerlover3 - September 18 - 3:19 pm

  Other than the battery issue we had to begin with, the van has been great. It feels like a Mercedes inside, nice and cushy, and drives like a luxury sedan. It doesnt hurt that I got a great deal on a left-over 2011.

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  One thing after another - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By OneThingAfterAnother - September 15 - 7:00 am

  Problems encountered since purchase: 1) ABS actuator failed at 28,000kms 2) Alternator failed at just over 60,000kms 3) Wiper motor failed 69,000kms 4) Electronic fuel gauge and odometer sometimes becomes faint to the point where it is not legible

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  Cool minivan with a few quirks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mklavan - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife had to have the smoke/rouge with navi and dual dvd. Thumbs up for Nissans website for their "Search Inventory" feature. I found the exact match online without visiting every dealer within a 100 mile radius. I tried dealers "locate/trade" option four times with no luck. Overall I am satisfied because its about the price, too. $100 over invoice. We couldve saved more if we were flexible on the interior color.

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  I love my Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By PatriciaS - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a beatiful an comfortable car. The design is very modern and makes the car looks strong. It does not looks as a van. It is also economic compared to SUVs, it makes 19.5 mpg. Easily acomodates 7 passengers. The third row is easy to hide to get more cargo space.