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:

• 

  Car Needs to know how it be fixed - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lynskee - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I dont know if anyone know it yet but when the car gets cold it does not start and they do not know how to fix it. My car had to be towed to the Atlantic Auto Mall and they still do not know how to fix it. First they said it was the fuel pump, now it is the sensors etc. this has been going on for a week and a half and it is still in the shop.

• 

  Great overall - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sgthr - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely comfortable, spacious, feels solid on the road, handles like a sports car. Incredible turning radius. Brings standard a lot of factory features that would be extra options in other vehicles. It is very quiet, and has a lot of power. The seat configurations are very easy and useful (second row seats fold flat, no need to remove). plenty of trunk space even with the third row seat in the up position. Very good fuel economy. Great warranty and service.

• 

  Cool Car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Motherlode57 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about the car, especially how itlooks, how it handles and the engine power. There is a rattle in the side door that Nissan has yet to solve which is the only draw back

• 

  Quest Review - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Meaux - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this hybrid SUV/Minivan

• 

  Nice Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Anthony LoCicero - March 19 - 2:00 am

  It has made riding on trips a pleasure. Since it has the optional DVD the kids no longer complain. On our first trip I didnt hear the words Are we there yet? The van is quick and responsive with plenty of head and leg room.

• 

  Best - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Caverly - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I am so impressed with this vehicle. I drove a number of other brands.

• 

  my new quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bob Caruso - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the uniqueness of the desgin and endless list of features. I get stopped at least once a day by somebody asking about it.

• 

  AWESOME OVERALL MINIVAN - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quest is best - March 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS AMAZING. IT HAS SO MANY NICE LUXURIOUS FEATURES.

• 

  Finally XM & Nav - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By David Demers - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just traded a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica because of the constant shifting due to lack of performace. I went for the Nissan Quest because I required Navigation System as well as XM radio. It surprised me that Toyota Sienna did not have XM radio available. Even Lexus only has one model (LS430) that has XM. If you like music it is a must have item. Worth every penny. This new Nissan has it all, including good fuel economy!

• 

  2004 QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WENDY MITCHELL - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY NEW 2004 QUEST FOR SEVERAL REASONS. FIRST ALL THE SEATS FOLD DOWN AND AWAY SO I AM ABLE TO GET MY GRAMDMOTHERS RASCAL SCOOTER IN THE BACK . I DO NOT HAVE TO FUSS WITH BENCH SEATS AND MOVING THEM IN AND OUT. IT IS VERY COMFY TO DRIVE AND GREAT GAS MILAGE. I WOULD AND HAVE RECOMENDED THIS MINI TO OTHERS. I LOVE THE ROOM IT HAS AND FEATURES SUCH AS THE MIDDLE CONSOLE MAKE DRIVING FUN.