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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  major defect - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 2 quest owner - March 18 - 10:43 pm

  Have owned 2 Quests. A2000 and a 2004SE On Xmas morning we went out to load presents and opened the passager side to find smoke coming from the seat.After spraying under the seat with the fire extinguisher and disconnecting the battery we found the motor that adjusts the seat back and forth was to the point of catching on fire.The car was in our garage and had been turned off all night.If we hadnt been up at that time our garage and house would have burned down!!!!If you own a 2004 SE please be careful

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  Not So Good - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Dean Jones - March 15 - 4:40 am

  The transmission was replaced at 10,000 miles. At 17,000 miles the seal on the new transmission had to be replaced. Yesterday I was driving and the transmission would not shift out of second gear. Yes the overdrive was off and the transmission was not in low. Thats the same thing it did before the first transmission was replaced. The rear sliding passanger door rattles. It has been repaired three times. The back of the drivers seat fell off. And the A/C works poorly. Im hoping to lemon law this thing.

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  MINIVAN IN STYLE - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By DAVID PANG - March 12 - 7:06 pm

  I dont agree that the consumer report rated right on acceleration for the Quest. The acceleration should be Excellent instead of Good. We did test drive on 2005 Honda Odyssey EX and 2005 Toyota Sienna LE together with 2005 Quest. The Quest excels on acceleration, overpass and uphill climb with high speed driving on highway. The Quest kept up its pace without acting as if it was being flogged like Odyssey and Sienna. We like the Quest smooth ride on the high speed over 75 miles/h. Other facts made us the purchase of Quest 3.5, are the bold Style, powered sliding door/gate, and the value over the price.

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  Not Great, But Definitely Good - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By NissanFan - March 10 - 4:53 am

  We purchased this van with 45k mi on it and have added another 60k w/o a major problem. I change the oil every 5k, and thats about it for service. Brake, shock, and tire wear have all been minimal. It starts and runs well in all weather, with one exception of a moderate lag at idle speed when the A/C compressor turns on. MPG is fair, usually 20-22. Seats are firm and comfortable. Driving position/feel is more carlike than other minivans. A little rust is beginning to show at the bottom of the sliding door panels, but the rest of the paint is good. One annoyance is that the latch on the passenger side sliding door window will not stay screwed in, but I would still buy this van again.

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  Quest Comforts - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kim - March 9 - 7:30 am

  I am not happy with the seats in the front. On very long trips the drivers seat tends to be a bit uncomfortable. I have the leather seats, dont know if that makes any difference.

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  What a Great MiniVan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Appst8 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Anyone looking for a mini-van or a "crossover" SUV should consider the new Quest. The styling makes it "cool" to drive a Mini-Van. I liked the fuel economy of the crossovers but could not justify price for flexability/storage. The Quest delivers 25-26 MPG, forward looking styling, the same engine found in the Nissan Murano, and loads of flexability and storage space and "legitimate" 7 passenger seating. You wont believe the cargo area with the bench seats and captains chairs folded to the floor. Nissan did thier homework and came up with a vehicle that should lead the market! Safe, comfortable, fuel efficient but still plenty of horses, and stylish.

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  Its fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Sharon - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my minivan over a year now and I still love it. The model is the 3.5 SE, It has all the skylights, bells and whistles. Mine is dark gray with the rouge and black interior. We took it on a family vacation last year from Massacusetts to Washington DC, to South Carolina. I have 3 kids and there was room for all of them, and all the luggage we brought with us. I have the 2 DVD package, and the navigation system and it definitely was worth the money.

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  Love my van! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Liz - February 26 - 11:10 pm

  I got my Quest in Dec. 2003, one of the first to have the new design. Love all the bells and whistles! Great storage space, cup holders, etc. I know the 07s have some nice improvements (like not having to remove the headrests on the rear seat before folding flat). Some other things I would like addressed: I had to replace all 4 tires and all brakes after 2 years - I hear this is a fairly typical Nissan issue. I would love the rear seat to be split so you could fold only half if needed (with 3 kids this would be helpful). The front wheels are so far forward it makes parking straight tricky. Overall - very happy, will get an 07 in December when lease is up!

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  New Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By LiL Jo - February 21 - 10:00 am

  My family has purchased 5 Nissans in the past 3 years. We think they are the best Japanise car on the market. I think everyone should take a second look at Nissan. We had Toyotas before the Nissans and had trouble with every one.

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  Love my Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By laymakeup - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my quest. Im not a mom nor do I have a pack to travel with, but I thought this was the most comfortable and cool looking van Id ever seen. The only thing I dislike is the low gas milage. It averages 18 miles to the gallon. Other than that its great.