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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  Not quite, but almost a lemon - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Southern CA - February 3 - 2:00 am

  During the first 8000 miles, Ive been back for warranty repair 5 times. All were a/c problems, the last 3 were for gas leaks, and if it required a 4th visit, then the CA lemon law would have applied. I needed to seat 7 and I thought it was a good value. I would not buy it again because of the poor quality. With 14000 miles on it, windows rattle, tail gate sags, tires loose 5lbs of air every 2 weeks, strange metallic sounds when the engine starts, and a musky odor from the air vents. Im just hoping it last until I can afford to trade it in.

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  No major troubles....but - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sticks4 - January 15 - 10:17 am

  We had no major troubles, but brakes did seem to wear out fast. Alignment in the rear tires, the shop said they were wasnt enough adjustment left and could only get them close. Backseat drink holders were ripped off from the seats several times by our kids(poor design), Nissan declined to cover while it was under warranty. After reading a lot of horror stories as I debated holding on to this vehicle, a slight flutter in the idle convinced me to trade it in. Up to that point, really tires and brakes, no major repairs at 74,000. Body was just starting to rust, I dont think I would buy another Nissan. Traded it for a Honda crv!

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  Best Minivan on Market - Hands Down - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Wonderfulslob - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I looked all of the mini-vans on the market. Price was not an issue. After driving one of these, it became evident that this was by far superior to any other mini-van on the market. The interior room is by far, the roomist of all of them. The seating comfort is unreal. The leg room when sitting in the seats directly behind the driver, is like a first class airplane. Handles more like a high performance vehicle than a mini-van. I truly-truly enjoy this vehicle.

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  Great/Wonderful Vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Love this vehicle!!! - January 9 - 11:30 pm

  We had an 04 Quest. Loved it. Thought since we loved it so much we would just upgrade what kind of change could they make that would make me not like it since I love this one. Hate the 07 by the way. The 04 was much more spacious, more storage, better quality of things, way better gas mileage. This was the best vehicle I have ever bought. I wish I had never traded it in. If looking to get one, do they are great. We never had any issues with ours. It was perfect we were just looking to upgrade and shouldnt have!! THE 2004 Nissan Quest is a wonderful vehicle!!!

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  Average van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Frosty1 - January 7 - 8:43 pm

  Bought used in 06 with 18,000 miles. Liked looks compared to others in class. Problems have included broken rear wiper, door gaskets falling off, replaced rear lift gate motor. Tires were shot by 30,000. Replaced all 4 rotors, pads, and rear calipers. Extended warranty covered defective calipers, but brake job still cost $600. Have gone on a few road trips of more than 1000 miles and performance was O.K. Gas mileage on the highway is around 25 mpg with city near 20 mpg. Ride is a bit noisy at highway speed compared to an Odyssey or Sienna. I most likely would not buy another Quest. Honda or Toyota would be my first two choices.

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  Love The Van - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By cobiay - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I finally broke down and bought a minivan, 2 kids. I LOVE IT. The entertainment center is wonderful!! I have riden in many minivans and nothing compares with the Quest, even the Odyssey. I have no idea what the editors were looking for in their review to give only a 4.5 rating.

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  Love our van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By J - December 31 - 1:36 pm

  When I caved to the need of a mini-van (hated the SUVs), I immediately liked the Quest new style. My husband was more satisfied with the design and didnt feel like he was driving his "wifes" car. Like the oversized chairs and roominess for driver, I personally love the center console and would not have changed it!! Downside has been the tires - headache to replace with weird size and they dont wear well, and the brakes have been ridiculous!!! Overall a good purchase for our family which includes a big teenage boy and preteen girl.

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  DO NOT BUY!!! - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By DO NOT BUY!!! - December 31 - 10:03 am

  We traded our 04 quest for an 07 quest. Huge mistake. The 04 is nothing like the 07 at all. Storage is very limited. Seats are uncomfortable. Air barely blows any air. Heat takes forever to heat up and blow. Cloth seats get very dirty due to pattern chose on material. Lots of things that are plastic have broken, air vents, cup holders, etc. It gets horrible gas mileage. I drive to school and back and I use a tank in three to four days. That is going nowhere else approx. 14-17 mpg... not good at all! Not very roomy. Our sliding door kept popping dealership said couldnt fix when window shattered in a million pieces!! DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE!!

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  103k and going! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By karoline - December 27 - 6:06 am

  Weve put over 100k miles on our Quest and are still loving it! I am going to switch to Yokohama AVID TRZ tires rather than the OEM Goodyears for a better ride. Other than the recalls, we have had no problems other than a broken passenger armrest. I was leery of buying the first year of production - but glad to say I didnt need my 100k warranty!

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  Timing Chain - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By willima wallace - December 22 - 3:33 am

  The experience I had driving this car was wonderful. Very comfortable smooth really nice, I know some mechanics so I change my brakes, driver side Windows switch, but the fun ended when I started to hear a noise coming from the engine. I was not worried because ever since I bought this car I have changed the oil and oil filter every month no matter the mileage, I did always use Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Well to make a long story short the timing chain broke, and it damaged the engine. I took it to the dealer and I was 2 months shy of my warranty expiring, but my mileage was 120,000 they told me I was out of warranty. They told me I needed a new engine total cost $6600 good luck with your quest.