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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  Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By rwells - March 19 - 2:00 am

  If you want a van for comfort, style, lots of space and plenty of storage, then this is the mini van for you! We test drove other vans and we went with this one because of the way it handles and the options that came with it! Before you buy anything ~ go test one of these before you finalize your decision!

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  JUST SIMPLE FUN - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By SARGE - March 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS THE MOST FUN VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN, AND I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT OF VEHICLES. THE 3.5 ENGINE IS QUICK AND RESPONSIVE - ANSWERING TO ANY DEMAND YOU PUT ON IT.

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  spaceship on the road - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KathiN - March 19 - 2:00 am

  After having had numerous minivans over the past 15 years I have to agree that this is my best one yet. When I drive this vehicle I do not feel that I am in a truck which was my first experience with minivans. Also the convenience of having space enough to make a large purchase and just put all the seats down to accomodate transport of it, is wonderful. They had thought of all the bells and whistles to make me feel I am traveling in a luxury vehicle.

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  Love my Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Aimmcd - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great minivan. We have two small infants and need two car seats in the car, which fit comfortably. Also in the back we keep a double stroller. There is plenty of room in the car and it is a great ride.

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

  Just dont buy it from Browns Sterling Nissan. Salesperson was good but the managers are horrible.. They have terrible attitudes and dont care about customer service.

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  Cool Minivan with the comforts of Home - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By K and M - March 19 - 2:00 am

  With a growing family we really love our new van. Its styling is so different than the competitors. The kids love the "big screen" DVD player and we love the comfort of the ride. The dash is awesome and very 21st century and very classy. The mileage is better than our old grand voyager. All in all its a very cool ride

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  Impressive Design with Power - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest owner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This past wekend I had to rent a car for work and they gave me a Dodge Caravan. Believe me it is liking driving an old fashioned mini church van. The Quest has taken the van market to a new level. The interior is spacious and well designed. We have been stopped by numerous people just to look at the interior. The exterior is sleek and stylish. Believe me look at the other vans before you look at the Quest or you will not get to the next car lot. This van everythiing you need for all power side and rear doors, power, and the only van with a glass top.

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  Beats an SUV anyday - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DebScott - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I was going for an SUV, however when I drove the new Nissan Quest... I was Hooked... And everybody always complements me on the car... GREAT MINIVAN

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  The Best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kendyl@aol.com - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Best in Speed, The best in sunroof feature, the best in console arrangement, the best in styling, the best in handling. Even when I compared it to the Odyssey.

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  More than I asked for - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Warteman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I travel as an entertainer and I must carry all my sound equipment with me. Its capable and still has room for four. The dash allows night driving without the glare from the instrument panel to reflect on the windshield. The gas mileage stays around 23MPG, only because I drive at 80MPH. At 65MPH, it gets 26MPG. I love it!