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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  Awesome Van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By mrsv - August 7 - 3:03 pm

  Sold my 05 Altima and bought the 06 Quest at a BARGAIN and love it. My family is growing and we needed more room and comfort, and thats exactly what we got. My husband had the front windows and windshield tinted and that really made a difference on the interior "glare" that I have heard some complain about. The center mounted gauges take some getting used to but overall no complaints. Dual sliding doors and power lift gate are wonderful. DVD player is excellent and fun to have. I have read many unfavorable reviews but I have had no problems and I LOVE IT.

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  I like this vehicle very much - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Thomas J. Russo - August 1 - 2:33 pm

  the vehicle is very unique and has a very good performance as well as very functional. I like its looks as well as its price value.

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  My Odyssey Has Become A Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FormerOdysseyOwner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  As a former 2001 Odyssey owner, I had high standards when I shopped for a new minivan in September. Of course, another Odyssey was considered -- until I stepped into a 2004 Nissan Quest and discovered what Ive been missing! I thoroughly admire the central control panel and display -- this IS the 21st century, isnt it? Shouldnt digital displays, tactile/touch-controls, self- monitoring tire gauges all be standard by now? This vehicle draws the curious whereever I go and its sure to turn heads for years to come. My Odyssey has ended. But my Quest has just begun.

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  Best in its class - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By moore - July 2 - 8:20 am

  I bought the SL trim from a local dealer. I did extensive research on this trim before making the decision. There is no other mini van model that provided the features that the nissan quest comes with. The only feature that I missed on the quest is that it doesnt come with the turn indicators on the side view mirrors and the rear windows are fixed. Gives u the best features that u could get for the named price. The best comfort that ur $s could get you. Overall layout of the gadgets is one of a kind.

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  What a joke on the consumer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By $38000 piece of junk - June 25 - 1:50 pm

  $38000 piece of junk. Leaks they cant fix, squeaks and rattles they cant find. From week to week it has been endless trips back to dealership for more bull. Windows go down, but not up, doors on side both rattle, even the radio had to be replaced, due to a bad one. Compression leaks, exhaust leaks, and when it rains, watch out. They cant find where it is coming in from, so deal with it. I was told that windows are not going up, because i dont give the relays time to adjust, funny just drivers side. Warped rotors, brakes etc.I have ust 10,000 miles on this junk heep. Nissan extended warrenty, 50,OOO MILES 6 YEAR. Like im going to keep this this long! Should have gotten the Honda.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MShernandez - June 25 - 10:00 am

  The Quest looks radical and is totally different from the competition. The skyview roof is awesome and viewing the sky thru the roof panels, make the interior feel very open and spacious. It handles beautifully. I gave up my SUV for this, and I made the right choice!

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  80,000 nightmare - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By hi2008 - June 21 - 8:43 pm

  Bought this car last year. It only had 62,000 miles and all service records were produced. Thought we had lucked up, HOWEVER - brakes squeaked constantly - dealer tried to fix, but squeaking continued. A month in, the cd player broke. Went to open the rear gate and the trim that covers the latch came off in my hand! It is funny to count the ones we see around town with that piece missing. While on vacation, the check engine light came on at around 78,000 miles. Got back, called Nissan and was told that the converter was covered up to 80,000 miles, BUT since I had taken the car to my local garage instead of a Nissan dealer, they would not honor warranty. Just a 2010 VW - no more Nissans!

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  Sports Car Ride in a Minivan - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Richard Stair - June 17 - 11:23 am

  I test drove all four comparible models and then chose the Nissan Quest. I liked its sporty exterior styling, the tight sporty drive (I drove a Maxima right before it), the comfort and room. I thought I might find the placement of the gauges a little strange, but actually found that their placement gives you more road visability both day and night. the comfortable ride for passengers was also a plus. While the rear seat fold up is a little heavy, its not unmanageable. I also noticed that it is the quietest ride of the four. Amazingly, the Honda was the noisiest and the least fun to drive. The plastic parts listed as cons by Edmunds are not really a negative. they are easy to maintain and are very "wearable".

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  Smooth Ride - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By rlhinmi - June 8 - 12:13 pm

  After comparing with Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Hyundai, and Mazda5 we decided that the Nissan Quest was the best minivan for our family. After 2500 miles we continue to be very satisfied with our selection. The 3.5L V6/CVT combination is very smooth. Although the exterior design is an acquired taste, we like it better than the Honda design. Toyota seemed to cut costs on interior materials--too much hard plastic. Chrysler and Hyundai build quality still seems lacking. We decided that the Mazda5 was too small for our desired use. So far the Nissan has been a very capable family hauler. MPG average has been 22.5 with mixed driving. We managed 24mpg on a recent road trip.

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  Something Different - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By preevyet - June 8 - 11:56 am

  We like the van except for the inferior original tires (Goodyear LS-2). At 25K, needed to be replaced, unacceptable for a family touring vehicle. Why Nissan puts these crappy tires on baffles me. Have had some minor problems, purse holder broke on passenger seat ($13), passenger side seat belt constantly locks up, and auto air system doesnt always work right. Lots of room, comfortable ride hoping to be even better with decent tires. Have taken it on 3 long trips, comfortable for long trips (did 13+ hours just recently). Cant beat the features, looks different than any other minivan out there. The SE was worth the upgrade for the airbags and stereo, would recommend w/out stock goodyears.