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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  Great four years, then problems. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Jim-Chandler, AZ - March 29 - 11:33 pm

  Van fine until 2009. Brakes went out completely. Cost of new ones $650. April 2010, new belts, catalytic converter and motor mount replaced. Repair cost $600. Plus. Convertor covered under warranty. July, 2010, timing chain replaced and one belt which was replaced in April. Repairs $2,400. Current mileage 82,000. Disappointed in repairs needed over a one year period approx. $4,500. Unsure about purchasing a foreign car again. Had a Ford van previously, because of front end problem and possible transmission, traded at approx. 80,000. Miles. Also, 2 or 3 cross country trips, one pulling a small trailer. Wish we had repaired the Ford.

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  Nissan Quest hands down best van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Rusty - March 29 - 11:03 am

  This was my second Quest, previous was 04, which indeed was a great van, put tons of miles and zero problems. Love the engine, no complaints, perfect for family!

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  No comparison to other minivans - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By greywulfe - March 28 - 4:58 am

  When shopping for a minivan, I wanted something that had less than bland styling. The quest by far is the most impressive looking minivan out there IMO - it has a very distinctive shape that no other comparable van has. Styling aside, the biggest advantage is the interior. I own an LE model -The Honda and Toyota both have very cheap interiors. Try knocking on the dash on the Toyota. With leather seats, this truly is a luxury vehicle. The cargo capacity is massive. Do you really plan to take out the car seats? These fold flat...anything big - rent a truck.

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  Happy with the Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Larry - March 27 - 9:20 am

  The vehicle was well improved on the interior from 2006 to 2007. It has a great amount of power for a minivan. It is not your mothers minivan. It has space that others do not have.

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  best van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mlocane - March 19 - 2:00 am

  the quest se is the most exciting mini- van ive driven, it drives like a sedan the flat folding seats are a wonderful concept. i have fallen in love with the mini again.

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  I love it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ginger Presley - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a 63" woman and I have found that there is room for me to sit in any of the seats in whatever position they are in. I have 2 children is carseats and the accessability to the backrow was important. I love the color line as well as the style. Several people thought it was an SUV at first glance. It is great for those transitioning to a van but are still denying it.

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  My 2004 Nissan Quest Review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Martin Harrington - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive, and a pleasure to travel long distances in. I have three teenage boys and I need room inside a vehicle and the Quest fulfills my needs.

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  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kathymc - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this van, I researched a lot before investing and havent looked back. There isnt a day that goes by that someone doesnt comment on the "shape" of it.

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  My Thoughts on the Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By John Rumplestien - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It was nice and i like the sunroofs

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  Pure Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By amun913 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Have been waiting for a Pure Nissan van, not a Ford/Murcury van with Nissan parts. This was worth the wait.