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:

• 

  less than expected - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Fotojoe - May 19 - 8:03 am

  This is our third Quest and we expected this new Quest to be as good as the others and we have been very disappointed. Right off the lot the van has needed repairs for vibrations, rattling doors, seats....too many to go on. Perhaps that is why Nissan increased the bumper to bumper warranty. We love the space and it is great on the road but it just has not lived up to being a Nissan.

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  SE with Wood Dash - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By OCONNOR - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Kids love it, dvd/sound system is tops. Head turner. Skyview roof is fantastic!

• 

  great van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By fireman57 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  i just got the van it is great i love it my whife loves it my son loves the dvd package it is fun to drive it has get up and go power it has ample cargo room and passenger room its an all around great fun to drive van

• 

  Why did I buy this Junk? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sailor - May 14 - 1:13 pm

  Where do I start? From the beginning, front wheel vibration, part fell out of Dash, took 4 months for dealer to replace, A/C wont blow cold when exterior temp is over 90 (I hear there is some sort of common sensor/relay problem). Rattle in back turned out to be 3rd row seat bolt was broken (i hear a common problem). Exterior L/S failed in first weeks. Took dealer 4 months to replace. Brakes shimmy when braking. I hear this too is a common problem. Dealer is either incompetent or under directions from Nissan to Deny, Deny, and obfuscate. Car 3 months old, and has been in shop over 7 times for same or related problems. None have been truly fixed. Plan, dump this junk, take a loss.

• 

  Disappointed - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Tom Hunter - April 14 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car new as I thought it would last a long time. The engine and transmission are mechanically sound, but I have replaced the drive shafts twice. The side window latches do stick. I have had work done on the power windows. I do plan on keeping this car for another few years. The VCR screen did break after 4 years.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dan - April 11 - 11:40 am

  I originally intended to purchase the Toyota Sienna, but after checking out the Quest, I changed my mind. The style and price convinced me. There was a noise from the rear seat area when the car had six passengers, but my dealership fixed it with a new latching system. Mileage has been as advertised and the center console is great. Have had no quality complaints with the Nissans I have owned.

• 

  Worth Waiting - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tapan - April 11 - 2:00 am

  After checking Toyota and Honda we went to see Nissan, and that was it. Every one in my family loves this van. Took almost a month to get the color and options I wanted, but finally I got it and it was worth waiting.

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  Better the second time around - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ourcrew - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Quest, the first being a 1997. It responds and handles well on turns with decent power for a mini van. We love the versality. Everything fits from luggage to a full- size recliner. Our grandkids love the video system. Only complaint is one of the side door windows occasionally becomes unlocked. Very reliable. Highly recommended over the Toyoya or Honda minis.

• 

  NEVER AGAIN. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By hasman69 - March 28 - 1:53 pm

  From what I have been reading, I have been lucky cause I havent had this many problems but all in all if I had to do it again, I wouldnt. Bought it new in July of 2006, I wanted the Honda but wifey liked the Nissan and since its primarily her car I went with it, mistake right there. I do admit I like the roominess of it but thats where it stops. We have only had 49000 miles on it in 6 1/2 years but so far nothing major but its the little things. First of all, its not very quiet, its made cheap from the inside, yes our vents fall off too. The rear sliding door started making noise while driving and dealer kept lubricating but nothing.

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  Always Love Getting Into My Quest! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sue - March 27 - 10:36 pm

  After six months of trying to repair a rattling coming from wheel housing in rear seat, I am finally 100% thrilled with my Quest. The car was in the shop quite a few times to try to figure out how to repair my rattling problem. This is quite common in first year models, so Nissan went back to drawing board and found a way to fix the rattling noise coming from rear seat. Even though it took quit awhile to fix, the dealership did everything possible to keep me happy. They provided great timely service. They also provided a courtesy car for me to use. I would highly recommend Fred Martin Nissan in Green, Ohio.