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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  Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By connorkate - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I think it is a great family car, has VCR and movies as standard.

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  this car sucks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Greg Terterian - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Had major problems with both side sliding doors. Too much noise (took the car to the dealer 5 times) and the noise is still there... it just get worst... Door closes itself, while peope are trying to enter to the vehicle. Door stays half open while you are closing and than you have to open manually. Both, front passanger and driver seats are the most unconfortable seats in the world... try to put your head to the headrest...

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  Love van but OH the problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By so-so - February 27 - 11:10 am

  Previously owned a Dodge Caravan Sport which had no problems throughout 80k miles. Loved styling of Quest,bought 09/04. Travel freqently and very comfortable on long trips. Dealer service dept. has been great however we have been there to many times. Numerous recalls/service bulletins. transmission not smooth in low gear. All 4 rotors turned twice then finally replaced under warranty. Interior fit and finish not great. Only 35k out of goodyear eagles. Squeaks, wind noise, rattles very bothersome. power window mechanism replaced already. rear hatch pistons replaced already. Exhaust system was rattling upon start up. Wheel studs sheered off almost lost rear wheel on highway.

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  Best value for your buck - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By ray - February 23 - 3:00 am

  After looking at the all new 2006 Kia Sedonna, and some of the other vans we decided to go with the Nissan Quest. I cant se why more people dont choose this van over the competition. We got a incredible deal on it and due to that we were able to go with the Special edition (love the power sliding door). This is the best looking van hands down for me. Doesnt have the same bland look of the others. At first I didnt care for the interior dash design, but after looking at the same dash on the competitors the uniqueness of it grew on me. Some of the car magazines bashed Nissan for poor grade dash materials. I find them of a higher quality that the dodge and kia.

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  MINVAN LIKE NO OTHER! Thumbs up 2 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ARNEL C. - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This Van is simply awesome! Admired the 5 skyview sunroofs & auto doors with pinch technology. Looks very much like an SUV on some angles yet drives nimbly & smoothly like a car, with great mileage too! Pick-up power is just like a sports car but is super quiet. Design is not boring & elicits stares on the road or park lot even from drivers of stylish, newer SUVs. A few SUV drivers couldnt resist approaching me about it. Standard quip: "Man, thats a great lookin car you have, good choice! Passersby gives me a thumbs up sign... Kudos to Nissan quality and innovation!

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  Finnaly Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Raju - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Good Mileage; Perfect Family minivan; Quit and Comfortable; Convenient; Powerful; Bit Price;

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  So far so good! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By HIPAULINO - February 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had this car for almost a week. So far, we love it! We have 2 kids and the family entertaiment center keeps them happy on our road trips. We emailed various Nissan Dealerships to get the best price quote! From now on that is the way we shop for cars! It is the easiest, headachefree way to buy a car! We will write a followup in a couple of months after we have had time to really put it through some paces.

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  The 2012 Quest is the Best - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By kilkel - January 29 - 7:32 am

  Just bought the 2012 Quest in Feb and love it. Looked at all the others, Honda, Toyota, Kia and Dodge and none compared to the Quests value and looks. We have owned a Pathfinder, Titan, and now the Quest. I believe we are a Nissan family. Went for the low end model and, other than 1 or 2 features, we dont really mind. If youre in the market for a mini-van, stop by a Nissan place and take a look, youll be surprised.

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  Happy with Quest but it has Issues - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By NJQuest - January 21 - 10:46 pm

  My 2004 Quest is a long distance dream but it has issues that Nissan should have corrected. 1) Brakes wear out TOO fast. I have replaced both the Front (15K) and the Rear (20K). 2) The rear seat rattles (fixed) 3) The door where repaired for a recall and had to be repaired again. 4) The fuel economy is around 16.5 MPG City and 20.1 MPG Highway (Long Distance runs NJ to FL). 5) My Radio was problematical after my LoJack was install and had to be replace by the dealer (only took eight months). On the Plus side. 1) Its roomy! 2) The DVD player keeps the kids quiet! 3) Can swallow anthing I want to transport. 4) Fun to drive. Great for those long trips.

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  Buy the Quest and Forget the Rest! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Buddy and Soul - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This the second Quest I bought. That tells you something. Not to waste alot of time but I checked the others out like many people did. Same story. The Quest was the best! I have purchased many new cars since I bought my first one in 1969 and this is by far the best vehicle I have owned. The dealership had alot to do with it also. I have purchased 8 cars from them since 1998. My 4 yr old loves it and one of the reasons I got it was that it has the curtain air bags all the way to the 3rd row. The Quest is a very safe vehicle. I would not let my son ride in one that was not. Buy it, buy another! I love the sunroof and he loves the back top glass. Best ride, service and warranty! Great stereo!