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 a minivan for ME! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By waydetheblade - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The fact that its a family car to go on vacations, a vehicle to drive to work and back, and to haul various kinds of gear is just too good to pass up. The dealership was willing to negotiate while Toyota wasnt and was too arrogant. It took several hours, but I was treated fairly. Thus far, the vehicle is running great. The minivan does set a bit low to the ground (hence the great, controlled steering) but it does have a tendency to scrape the ground on some driveways that have abrubt inclinations or declinations. For the EVERYTHING type if vehicle, I dont think theres a vehicle that beats it. (And you have three trims to choose from.)

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  Thank Heavens I didnt get an Odyssey - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Nole Mom - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Quest in August. It is October and we are already close to 5,000 miles. I insisted on buying an Odyssey until my husband told me to at least look at the Quest....well, I saw and then test drove both engines (SL and SE). No comparison!! Bought the SE. Only problem is if you want to add the DVD system after purchase it cant be done. Nissan is not even selling the system for alternate installation, so get it now!!

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  Good Family Minivan - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By rfallert - December 12 - 12:10 pm

  We purchased the Nissan Quest back in February and so far we have not had any problems. It continues to ride smoothly and comfortably. The interior is very nice and still enjoying the luxury feel. The performance and handling is good and it continues to be fun to drive. I believe it is a good value for what you pay. My only concern would be the third row seats. It seems a little low for the average adult to sit. I would consider another Nissan vehicle in the future.

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  2012 Nissan Quest SV - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By ep1 - December 10 - 2:52 am

  Just bought my Quest it was used at 43,000 miles and it still drives very quite, the ride is supple with no rattles and compared to my 2004 Pacifica the Quest is right on par with the German engineering and in ways even better! Now after a year of ownership and putting on 20,000 miles the Quest still manages to be very quiet where you can have a conversation inside with out raising you voice, all this car needed in a year was new brakes, tires and oil changes. My wife just loves this vehicle

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  Awesome People Hauler!! - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By kris - December 9 - 10:20 pm

  Just bought the 08 Quest. Car drives excellent and has a lot of room for my child, his stuff, my huge dog and all of his frisbees and all of our show equipment. I traded in an 01 Sentra that was exclusively maintained at the dealership and ran trouble free for us till we decided on a bigger vehicle. The van is very nimble and drives more like a car. Did consider the sienna and the odyssey, but the quest simply drove better and felt better. It was also cheaper by several thousands!

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  my family car - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By t-bpne - December 5 - 10:00 am

  this car drives great and has lots of creature comforts, like rear heating , air conditioning, and a power sunroof

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  Best Minivan Ever? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J. Brown - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great styling, comfortable, and powerful. We have not owned it long enough to predict reliability but as of now it has the best over all compliment of features and functionality that we have ever owned.

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  really liked the van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By questowner - November 25 - 10:00 am

  It has all the bells and whistles you can think of. Love the way you can work 2 audios at the same time.....when kids are watching "Shrek" for the nth time, give them the headphones to use and you can enjoy your favorite CD....love that feature.

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  My Golden Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Linda Pardue - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have driven Lincolns and Caddys. This Van drive and handles better. For a Large vehicle, when inside it seems like you are in a small RV. Easy handling and turing. MANY compliments on this Van. I like not seeing the hood from the drivers side making it easier to park. The total inside has the ability to walk from the front to the third row. Even has hooks thru-out for those alful plastic grocery bags.

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  Nissan Quest 2004 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Matt Ferdock - November 22 - 9:56 am

  We are lifelong Nissan customers, but after this car we are switching. The problems weve had include 2 new sets of tires in 50,000 miles, wheel alignments every other time we change the oil, leaking roof, leaking driver and passenger door seals, left front wheel clunks when turning hard left and the car "floats" when its loaded down. This last issue is particularly troubling because when the car has 4 men in it and suitcases, it does not handle the road well. Turns and bumps cause it to fishtail and you truly feel like the car is floating. Very disappointing.