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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  Shoulda Waited for 2005 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ShouldaWaited - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Weve been to the dealer three times, and will be back again: 1)Leaky skyroof. Took two weeks to receive and two days to fix. 2) Skyview shade not "on track", causing edges tear. Dealer replaced it. 3) Annoyingly low arm rests, and no way to adjust! My 95 Montero adjusts to multiple levels; this should be standard in a $33,000 car. Dealer says "sorry". 4) Plastic back of passenger seat broken at the factory. Dealer replaced it. 5) Temp control knob sticks causing temp to ramp up to 90F. 6) Sunroof wont always close - itll close then come back to half open and stop! This will be looked at this week. 7) Starting to get a "catalytic converter" smell.

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  Love my Quest! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Val - April 20 - 8:00 pm

  I purchased my quest online on Ebay and just hoped for the best! I was very, very surprised that the vehicle, considering it was used, ran extremely smooth and quiet. I replaced the tires and did some minor repairs all at a cost of under $1,000.00 and feel that the van will last a very long time. It is not great on gas, but for its size and weight I cant expect more! I am very surprised at its comfort and ease of operation. Yes, the controls for the A/C unit are difficult, but taken the time to figure it all out makes it all worthwhile, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who has a family or who has to haul stuff around. Its a great van!

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Mollari - April 14 - 9:23 am

  We immediately took the vehicle on a 1000 mi trip (round trip miles). DVD player was great to have. I think theyre too conservative in their gas warnings.

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  Nissan Quest lover - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By raaaaaaay - April 12 - 6:46 pm

  My Nissan Quest has great styling and good power. I have never been stranded. It is a good value. This is my second Quest, I had a 1997 model before. I traded it in for a 2001 Mazda MPV. I drove the MPV for two months then put it up for sale. I couldnt stand all the quirks and how small it was. I then went out and bought my 1999 Quest. I cant wait to to trade up to even newer Quest. It has awesome styling and is very reliable.

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  i highly recommend this van - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By miked - April 11 - 2:13 am

  weve had the van for 3 months now and love it. Its an eye catcher, drives really smooth, has plenty of power and interior space. The gas tank doesnt fill up with 20 gallons but 16 so that saves us on gas allowance. Ive been recommending the van to everyone that asks what is it and answer all their questions because Ive also researched all the vans for a year and a half before we bought it with 5000 dollars off the sticker price. It was the best value for the high quality. Odyssey too overpriced and overrated, T&C/Caravan too unreliable, sienna not flexible enough with middle seats not able to fold down, and Sedona too heavy in total weight not flexible enough and unknown.

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  Nothing Compares to it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Killer - April 1 - 10:00 am

  if you are a van owner you need to check this new nissan van out, it is the greatest auto out there, van wise

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  No other minivan comes even close! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hijodDIOS - April 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle; beats the Sienna by far, which by the way is the only minivan that could compare on this league. Honda, Dodge, Ford, etc are on a sub-level below. Take this from an all-time Toyota owner, in fact all my cars in the past have been Toyota (Tercel, Corolla, Celica, & 4Runner)!!! But this new redesigned Nissan Quest has everything and more than any other model of other names, plus a revolutionary dash design, more room, wider doors, should I continue? Oh! and dont forget to look at the ski at night through the radical and elegant Skyview, its like sitting at your a Home back-porch.

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  A van I am pleased (and proud) to drive - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MEB from Mass - April 1 - 10:00 am

  When we set out to find a replacement for our Subaru Forester (a car that was excellent - just too small), my wife expressed a strong desire to purchase another minivan. We had owned one when my kids were very young and thought I was past this part of my life. I was adamant that we should buy an SUV with three rows instead of another minivan... that is, until I actually drove the Quest. This vehicle is excellent. We test drove, the Odessey, the Sienna and the MVP. All were excellent vehicles, however, none provided the "whole" package better than the Quest -- performance, handling, function and style (both inside and out) truly set the Quest apart.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Disappointing Quest - March 31 - 7:23 am

  The new Quest looks great for a minivan but overall quality is disappointing. Interior features fell cheap and we had to replace some interior seat parts within a few months of ownership. Rear lift gate power strut broke, transmission gets stuck in 2nd gear, gas gauge stays on empty after filling up, nothing major yet but just lots of annoyances.

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  Biggest problem is the 3rd row seat.. - 2016 Nissan Quest
  By Xin Xin - March 31 - 4:38 am

  Our family and relatives all drive different minivan over the past 20 years. From Dodge Caravan and Town and Country, Ford Aerostar and Windstar, Honda Odyssey, Totoya Pervia and sienna, I have tried many of them. Overall, this Nissan Quest, the driver seats and 2nd row seats are great. It is compatible to Honda Odyssey and Sienna. In fact, I like the driver seat and front panel design more that Honda and Toyota. However, from practical purpose, the 3rd row seats leg room just too small comparing to Honda and Toyota. An average 5 7" tall adults knee will touch the back of the 2nd row. Thats the main reason we didnt buy the Quest.