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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  Stylish and has power - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By ramy - May 12 - 1:50 am

  Drives like a car not a mini-van. Looks great and has more power than expected. It also handles very well.

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  WOW!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Picky SUV Shopper - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Was shopping for SUV from Honda and Toyota when we came across with the new Quest at a local dealership. Looks alone inside and out is already outstanding, but you dont buy cars for looks alone. After test driving it, there was no question about buying it. Comfort, technology, design, entertainment features, and power are all excellent deciding factor.

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  Minivan with personality! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By minivan reborn - May 6 - 7:50 am

  This is a great minivan. I keep looking for excuses to drive it. Its comfortable yet exciting with wonderful engine, crisp 5 speed automatic transmission, tight around corners, distinctive styling, ample interior space (Im 6ft tall and I can easily walk from the driver seat to all the way back to the 3rd row.) This is the only minvan with personality.

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  SLEEK DESIGN - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By mmamman3 - May 5 - 1:40 pm

  After returning from a trip, we rented this vehicle to get from the airport to our home and truly fell in love with it. Four months later, we purchased a 2012 Nissan Quest minivan. So far, we have been very impressed with our purchase. It has much more pep than our previous minivan (Dodge Grand Caravan) and is a quieter ride. The basic features seem adequate and are quite liked by the children, as they now have temperature control in the rear. Standard middle row captains chairs are an added bonus so that the kids dont get in each others space as often:) However, I think the most impressive is the exterior design--very sleek and modern. Its a turn your head and look kind of minivan.

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  Not a bad van after all. - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Anthony - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Its no Odyssey but for the price and equipment not even Honda can touch it. The TV is a plus,it rides really well. Ive been to Florida 5 times already.(9 hr. trip) My kids love it to death.

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  The Un-minivan Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hotfun96 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven minivans before, but none like the Nissan Quest. Its unbelievably large inside, with outrageous innovations and safety features. The performance is nearly sportscar like (salesman told me it was a version of the 350Z engine...believe it!!). Most importantly, my wife doesnt mind driving it at all...actually thinks it looks cool!!! The glass roof panels are awesome, and the interior is laid out like a luxury jetliner!! Thanks Nissan!! Youve got some great products lately!

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  Best Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By olh7510 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The options, Engine Power, styling, price and Factory Interest rate on the Nissan Van were the best of any Minivan we looked at.

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  - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J Harrison - May 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were so impressed with the styling, interior space, power and fuel economy, we didnt even look at the SUV we intended to buy. We chose the "S" trim level with rear sonar and 16" alloy wheels, which amazingly provides an abundance of standard features. The ride, handling and powerful engine make you feel like youre behind the wheel of a four door sports car. The cloth seats are vey soft and comfortable, especially the 2nd and 3rd row. The front and 2nd row captain chairs provides a "center aisle" which allows easy access to all seating areas.

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  The Wood Review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dale Wood - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is our third Nissan Quest van, we previously owned a 1996 and a 2002 model, all were reliable and good sources of family transportation. However, the 2004 model blow both of these older models away!

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  the quest is best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By leah meyer - April 27 - 10:00 am

  we love driving our new quest van! It has been our favorite car of all time and is so roomy and versitile.