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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  Best Quest ever! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By OnAQuest - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Only have had it for 1 week and we just love it! We actually feel less stress driving in it which I can possibly attribute to the extra roominess compared to a much smaller car such like an older model Niss. Altima. Smooth acceleration and good braking characteristics. We love the body styling given it. This is our first minivan and we have no regrets about it what-so-ever.

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  Serious safety issue still unresolved - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By hedgehog26 - April 30 - 4:48 am

  First let me say that the van, for the price that I paid for it, is hands down a much better buy than the Odyssey or the Sienna. The exterior styling is I admit a personal preference, but we like it. Interior is awesome! The SL I think is the best trim for the value. I wouldt pay more for some extra features for the LE (not for almost 10k more!). The only major flaw in this van, which Ithink everyone should be warned about before they buy it is the fuel tank problem. This is not the software problem addressed bybthe March 2012 recall. Nissan thought that will fix the problem but it didnt. That recall fix even negatively affected the gas mileage of the van.

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  04 Quest SE Pleasure to Drive - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Robert Simon - April 24 - 10:33 am

  We bought this vehicle used with only 25k miles. We have had no major problems mechanically other than a hairline crack in catalytic converter weld unknown cause. Caused Nissan a headache but got us new sensors, fuel injectors, new computer and assorted other fuel savings goodies. We love the entertainment features, navigation system (other than expensive to update it) but other than the Low Tire Pressure Sensor going off when the temp changes more than 10 degrees but its not a big deal once you turn the alarm off and you dont have a real flat. We have driven it from east coast to texas to nevada and back to texas and it drove great and smooth. Nice body style and roomy inside.

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  Top Recommended Mini-Vans/Vans - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tyrone Ellis - April 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves this vehicle! Before the 2004 Quest hit the market, she was very against purchasing a mini-van because the current selection lacked "sex- appeal" and "coolness". As a young mother, she only considered SUVs as an option. The new Quest changed that perception.

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  NISSAN QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By angel quezada - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy all the extra features especially the digital console and the powerful engine.

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  Best Minivan ever to come to production - 2014 Nissan Quest
  By evanlloyd321 - April 23 - 2:34 am

  FINALLY: Space and Fuel efficiency come together. My family finally decided to get a spacious car. Much better than [non-permissible content removed] Subaru outback. **Average 21 MPG, Enough to carry 7 Adults comfortably, and it looks good too. I like this car a lot! Hope it lasts.

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  BRAKE PROBLEMS - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By NISSANCT - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have had our van for almost 4 years and we constantly have to replace the front brakes. None of my other cars have had this problem, but it seems every 6000 miles the brakes are completly shot again. It is in the garage again today and the brakes are 90% gone. They are covered by a warranty for work, but it is a pain to keep bringing it in. We have also had a problem with the gas pedal sticking when you go to hit the gas. My daughter is just learning to drive and she noticed it also.

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  love it hate it ...back again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By love it & hate it - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Well after 55 days in service dept. they did finally fix the interior light problems, which I still believe to be electrical malfunctions. That was Dec.,this is April so far so good. Now just really annoyed by rattles and squeaks. Pass.side slider, driver seat, also losing the motor on the rear wiper already. Having some acceleration hesitation, which I share with another local owner of a new Quest. Hes been in often for service too. Starting to regret decision on a 1st time model. Should have waited til 05 or 06. But...it still turns heads!

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  This Van Turns Heads - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MaryAnn - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Mini Van, and the best so far. We love it. After test driving both the Sienna and the Honda..( The Honda had very sloppy handling ) The inside of the Quest seemed to be roomy for both my husband and son..6ft 5 and 6ft 3. The Sunroofs were also a plus. After a Grand Caravan, GMC Safari, and a Mazda MPV this Van is dream come true. It handles well is fun to drive, overall we are more then happy with it. I would say the only draw back is the attention it gets were ever you go. If your not in the mood to talk to anyone dont take this car out for a drive.

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  2000 Quest SE - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By placebo6 - April 14 - 8:33 am

  Perfect minivan for a family of five. The middle control panel is ergonomically user-friendly by both driver and front passenger and isnt obstructed by the steering wheel. Kids and grandmother have a great ride, too, with two DVD screens. The only downside to this car is the lower quality plastic used in the interior that creates some rattles.