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 Jury Is Out - 2004 Nissan Quest
By C K - June 28 - 11:56 amThis is our first minivan and we are very happy early on.We felt the best value was in the S. The option packages in the S & SL are NOT worth it. A big selling point was the aesthetics inside and out. The engine is strong and you can set the cruise at 80 and it will go effortlessly. Fuel economy is disappointing. 22 MPG on the highway is about all, but it is over 4000 pounds - minivans arent "mini" any more. Inside the fit and finish are not in the class of the new Odyssey or Sienna. The cabin is quiet and the ride smooth. The fold down seats are great. We noted some bad reviews on the internet but were bolstered by the 5 year/60K warranty.
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rental but still reliable - 2005 Nissan Quest
By barry fredrickson - May 31 - 10:33 ami was hesitant about buying a rental, but the dealership and the performance of the vehicle are excellent. i had two minor problems, one a light was out and two the cd player/radio failed, both items were replaced. I had a nissan frontier as a trade in but the cab was two crowded for a man of my size, the van has more than enouth head, leg and overall room for the driver and passenger. The cargo space is very large. The roof racks do not appear to have much use, there isnt any cross bracing to stop the load from shifting front to rear.
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Quest 04 Not Reliable - 2004 Nissan Quest
By mecquest04 - May 28 - 6:10 pmAttracted to the styling and drivetrain of this vehicle. Unfortunately quality is a large concern. Brakes wear out prematurely. Tires are in need of replacement after 30k miles. Noisy doors that get better and then worse again. Mirrors with intermittent problems. Company does not stand behind this vehicle, either. Delay you with excuses until items are out of warranty and then you pay. Refuse to admit any issues are not normal wear and tear. Cannot recommend this vehicle or Nissan in general based on our experience. Beware used Quests if 04!
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Great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
By mr weezul - May 22 - 2:00 amGreat so far. Gas mileage not what is purported to be. Never thought I would be excited about driving a minivan, but I am. Parking assisst is a great feature.
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Hmmmmm...lets wait and see - 2000 Nissan Quest
By Vanmom - May 21 - 10:00 amNow that we are coming up on 30K I am surprised about all the little things we have had to deal with. The entertainment system has been replaced and looks like it will need it again. We have needed to replace 2 cup holders and other latches, etc. Also, I consistently get 15-18 mpg (that is worse than my 94 Plymouth Grand Voyager got!). For the $24,000 price tag, I have expected more. So, well wait and see. We havent had any trouble yet with engine, etc.
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Excellent Nissan van - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Rus - May 11 - 10:00 amI have had this van for two months and love it! It is very comfortable with lots of room. I had the DVD package for the kids and it is the best thing. The engine is very powerful.
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My Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Gary Macquire - May 11 - 10:00 amMy wife and I spent several weeks researching, viewing and driving minivans and suvs. My Nisson Quest sl beat them all in power, comfort, ergonomics, style and features. The DVD play/sound system is a real plus for long trips. The placement of the console/shifter is unique.
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The minivan of minivans! - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Mark N. - May 5 - 10:00 amIf you willing to spend $26,000+ for a vehicle it is worth the time to analyse the competition so that an intelligent decision is made. Here is what I found out. GM: Minivans have only 185hp, poor styling, seats dont fold into the floor also typical reliability problems, such as fuel pumps and warped rotors. Ford: Overpriced, bland styling, again fuel pump and transmission issues. Mazda: too small. Dodge: Love the seats but factory recalls too numerous to count (like 13-15). Honda: nationwide recall for major transmission problems. Toyota: too many packages and the price is too high, conserative styling. Nissan has it all, fold away seating, 240hp
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Bad Paint - 2004 Nissan Quest
By BobbyF - April 25 - 11:10 amThis is my third Nissan vehicle. Very unhappy with the paint quality on all three. Have had this Quest for around 2 years, never drive it on gravel and am very careful in parking lots but the paint literally is falling off the car. Approximately 2 dozen paint chips on hood already from just everyday use. Carefully washing in manual car wash and large piece of paint fell off with no satisfaction from dealer. Think strongly about this when considering buying a Quest.
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No regrets, great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
By gg2k4se - April 10 - 10:36 pmMy wife and I, 2 engineers, did a careful comparison. Most features are similar to Toyota/Honda but to our family of 5, the contemporary styling, roomy interior and fold down middle row made it an easy choice. Excellent engine, tranny, handling. For us, the skyroof option is better than roll down mid windows and fold down mid seats beat the split rear. Middle gauges are actually easier to see and Bose stereo is excellent. The 1st year model did have issues but nothing to make us regret purchase. Cold problem auto doors, leaky skyroof were fixed. Other recall issues were not a problem, but replaced anyway. Both brother-in-laws have purchased since us, we are now a 3 Quest family.
