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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  Pretty Good vehicle - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By quest888 - August 18 - 1:53 am

  I bought my Quest brand new in january 2006 and I take good care of it, always have. It has paid me back well since I have never had any engine problems and its going on 128,000 miles now. this van has taken me and my family everywhere. the only thing i have replaced is the engine mounts, one catalytic converter and lower control arms all after hitting the 5 year mark. it was expensive to replace these but considering the amount of driving ive done on it i didnt feel too bad and chalked it up to wear and tear. as far as the engine goes, no problemo! still running smooth like new! just take care of it and do not neglect regular maintenance services and this van will keep running well......

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  What a van! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Bleu50 - August 17 - 7:26 am

  I sold a 2001 Windstar to get this van. Its HUGE inside! It handles and stops like a sports car. It flat flies! Its getting about 3 MPG more than my Windstar! There are no blind spots! The Bose system is worth every penny. The DVD system is excellent. The build quality (fit and finish) is far better than the Windstar. It doesnt look much like a mini-van, it took a while to get used to the center guages, but I kinda like them now. Tons of storage inside, all over the place.

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  Our first ever Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FirstNissan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great styling and fun to drive. Great center console. Comfy seats and killer Bose sounds system. Had problems with rear distance sensor and driver side sliding door not closing. Dealer fixed eventually and everthing works well... except the radio. Not sure if they used college students in Nepal to design it but the reception is worse than my clock radio next to my bed. They should be ashamed of how aweful that is. Glad we got the CD player! Got two flat tires in the first month (sorry not under warranty). Really like the power everything for side doors and trunk

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  First Mini-van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By badtime - July 23 - 8:16 am

  Air compressor was frozen on the first trip (350 miles away). Spend your own money on hotel and food if you dont buy the Security+Plus package.

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  quest 2004 SE review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quest5 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I found the 2004 SE model to be an excellent van for my family. It is fun to drive, smooth as silk. One problem we have had is a rattle in the side door which we have to take it in for repair. Otherwise, many options on this model and love the entertainment package.

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  Was worth it - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Michael G. - July 12 - 3:36 pm

  We (my wife and I) cannot be more happy; I love the acceleration, space, comfort, sound and the feel driving this car.

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  Nice and with good features - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Param - July 9 - 12:43 am

  I Purchased 2007 Nissan Quest SE (Smoke color with gray leather interior) recently from Fairfax Nissan. This minivan is loaded with cool features, very comfortable ride. Yet to test the fuel economy on this. Dual screen DVD is a plus and 10 speaker Bose system with 6 CD changer and MP3 playback is sweet. Automatic seat adjustments and heated seat options are well thought of. The tech package includes Bluetooth connectivity to the cell phone. Unfortunately, my cell phone is Audiovox and it is not listed as its compatible phones. So, yet to test this feature. Overall, very satified with the car. The second row fold away is good option, but doesnt completely folds flat.

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  So far, so good! - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By Cliff Biggers - July 4 - 3:40 pm

  The Nissan is the only van Ive ever owned that drives like a well-made SUV rather than like a van. Steering is responsive, the engine seems confident and responsive, and the mushy ride of my prior Sienna & Odyssey is nonexistent here. The seating is more comfortable. The Bose stereo is much better than my two prior vans, making even XM sounds good. Nissan should have gone one step further and designed the second row seats to fold absolutely flat rather than almost flat. The central command console/stack is a bit too large and rounded, intruding slightly into the knee area. An intuitive redesign of climate & sound system would help, as would improved iPod integration.

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  Issues-resolution - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Issues-resolution - July 4 - 2:43 pm

  The Quest is a great van, I even managed to get 32 miles per gallon, (cruise at 67 miles per hour). On the other hand there are two main problems with the car, first front driver side seat moves. Second the tire bounces, but that is not a Quest problem that is a Goodyear problem, you cannot balance the tires the only way to eliminate this problem is to have the dealership replace the tires. Nissan dealer tested 16 tires before they found 4 good ones – test was called road force, it fails every time. It’s not dangerous it’s only irritating. I also had problems with vibration while braking while driving through hills of West Virginia.

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  The Cool Minivan - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By jas - June 27 - 7:46 am

  We just recently bought the new Nissan Quest after owning a Honda Passport and needing more room. I love it. I fought the whole minivan thing because I could never find one I actually liked looking at and riding in! The Quest is so different. It drives beautifully, very similar to my husbands Infiniti I30. It doesnt feel to me that Im driving a minivan and I actually am surprised when I turn around and see so much room. Plus it gives me the safety of the Odyssey without having the same car as most of the other moms in my sons carpool. All in all, Im thrilled. I have the room I want while still driving a car that is safe, reliable, and cool!