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:
Showing 791 through 800 of 969.00-
mini-vans - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Lar S.,Sr.,M.D. - October 7 - 10:00 amsuperlative engineering,design,perfomance,styling and reliability. Ive owned over 100 vehicles; including Benz, Porsche, Jag, Lexus, and all of the domestics.Ive raced cars. The Quest is the best mini- van produced to date. Period.
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Excellent - 2004 Nissan Quest
By dennma9 - October 7 - 10:00 amThe updated styling and features kick the butt of my old Grand Voyager!! We love it! When we looked before Nissan couldnt compete with the Plymouth engine.... So far so good with the performance!!
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Lemon Beware - 2004 Nissan Quest
By T H - October 7 - 10:00 amMy Quest has only 8K miles on but has been towed in twice already. The engine just wont start in the cold wet day. The right powered door squeeks. The backing sonar quit working intermitantly. So far the service people doesnt know what going on. All they do is just re-calibrate the engine and it run again. There is must be some thing wrong for the engine out of calibration heh???
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The best car made - 2005 Nissan Quest
By cheeky1 - October 6 - 1:46 pmI purchased my Nissan Quest 2005 when it first came out. I have driven it throughout California, north and south. And let me tell you something I would never sell this car if someone paid me a million dollars! I just love it, its fuel economy friendly. A full tank ($50) lasts me 2 weeks on average, including driving to work and sending kids to school everyday and also entertainment out of town at least once a week.
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"Impressed" - 2007 Nissan Quest
By Rick - October 6 - 4:46 amVery nice van. Was a little hesitant when I bought it because of the Honda and Toyota reliability reputation. Have driven a Toyota, Honda and Caravan since I bought my Quest and I DO NOT regret my decision one bit!!! Again...Very Nice Van!
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I never thought Id be a minivan owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
By KKC - October 1 - 10:00 amMy husband and I became tired of filling the SUV tank so often and decided to look at minivans. We immediately liked the sky lights and the "first-class airline seat" feel of the interior. Our kids, ages 6 & 8 LOVE it! In fact, we decided to drive from Maryland to Florida for vacation. The trip was smooth and fun! We didnt hear ,"Are we there yet?" on the trip down or back. We are now planning to take more road trips because of the comfort of our 2004 Quest.
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Better than my old SUV - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Karate Mom - October 1 - 10:00 amI traded a Nissan Xterra for this van after having my second child. Three days before traveling 300 miles for vacation. Stuck in Rainy Congested Traffic for 6 1/2 hours I was feeling like the smartest Mom in the world. With more comfort than my SUV and more space the kids hardly seemed to mind that it was taking so long to GET THERE. I always said that I would never get a minivan now I dont know what I ever did without one. This is by far the best car I have driven.
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Great Vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Quest
By BKMurray - October 1 - 10:00 amThis is our 3rd Quest and 6th Nissan product since 1984 and this is one is the best of the best! Nissan has a true winner with this vehicle.
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Beware of Nissan Corp issued TSBs - 2007 Nissan Quest
By Marie Reyes - September 28 - 7:43 amI never thought I would be a minivan owner but I saw the style of the quest..I fell in love with it. I read reviews vs other minivans and all seemed great on the Quest. Shortly after my warranty expired I started to notice a whining noise coming from the engine. When I took it into the dealership they kept it over night,charged me $100 to diagnose it. I was floored to find out that the estimate to replace my timing chain both primary and secondary along with the guides was going to cost $3,000!! I took it to for another opinion and at that time I was informed that Nissan KNEW this was a problem for years and has a Technical Service Bulletin out. I had never even heard about a TSB!??
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A very good mini-van. - 2005 Nissan Quest
By arcticslalom - September 25 - 8:29 pmWeve owned the car since fall of 07 and its been a really beauty. I had to put a front wheel bearing in each side, but the van is now at 170,000 miles and still going very strong. Interior fit and finish isnt the best, but overall Nissan makes a very good engine and transmission. I cant complain. I would recommend a used Nissan Quest to anyone with kids or bulky stuff to haul. So MUCH more room than other SUVs out there. Dont buy an SUV to be in the in crowd. Accept the fact you have kids and get a van, save gas and haul all your stuff in comfort.
