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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  nissan quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By joann - February 19 - 4:56 am

  fun to drive .comfort is important to me, becase i am disabled and can not sit for very long in same spot. the seet adjust to my back so i can sit in comfort. i like my new nissan quest very much. thank you nissan

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  Best van choice - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By BOB - February 11 - 11:30 am

  Evrything is wonderful. More helpful items than expected when purchasing. Love the lights inside at night. The remotes are awsome. Auto doors,auto lighting,displays are incredible. This is my 3rd van. Last two 350000 miles and 246000 miles. But this one is the most appreciated on interior design and overall appearance.Im proud to drive it.

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  We Love It! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By cbraschl - February 6 - 6:03 pm

  After we purchased the Quest, we did have some of the issues that have been listed on other reviews. We had what we thought was a door rattle, and that turned out to be that the latches that hold down the rear seat were rattling. This may be something that the rest of you may want to investigate if you havent resolved the problem yet. The dealer couldnt solve the problem, so I placed electrical tape around the latch pins and the rattle went away. We also had a fuel pump failure within the first 2,000 miles. The dealer was very responsive in fixing this problem. Overall, we are extremely impressed with the Quest.

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  I like it! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By ScottChase - February 5 - 7:43 am

  Enjoy driving this much more than I enjoyed my Ford van.

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  quest se - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By jb2 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  just took a 700 mile trip,loved the navigation system. the van was quiet smooth and comfortable. our gas mileage was in the low 20s driving near 80 mph. we have had no squeaks, rattles or problems. (1800 miles). The controls require a few days to become second nature, and everything is simple and easy to reach.

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  Not just a new standard, a new approach! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FenderDen - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought an 01 Olds Silouhette becasue of the free extra warranty coverage and the extra level of appointments at a mid-range price. After spending some time looking around for a replacement (we were going to wait for aug 04), we looked at the Odyessy (boring), Windstar (soon the be freestar) - sorry its a Ford product and we dont do Fords anymore, and we even looked at the VW van thingy eh yeah if thats what it is... Enter the Nissan. Now I am not one to get excited over a Minivan (we but it because of necessity of having 3 children) but wow! This thing has a new approach to family moving.

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  No Complaints - 1st Time Minivan Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Nissan Twingle Mom - February 1 - 9:53 pm

  I have complaints about my 2004 Nissan Quest. I vowed never to buy a minivan and become a soccer mom. However, with a 15 yr old son who is already 6 tall and 6 yr old twins and the constant sports activities and furnishing of rides to tmy childresns teammates a larger vehicle became a necessity. I could have chosen an SUV and almost purchased one, however with increasing gas prices and a desire to have a fuel efficient but spacious vehicle, the Quest won the votes of my family hands down. I am more than pleasantly impressed and surprised.

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  6 year review - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Evgueni Minev - January 29 - 2:50 pm

  It is really comfortable and easy to drive car, but up until 80K. After 80 K, nothing but problems. We bought the extended warranty, so the cost is minimal. The van is at the shop frequently. The dealers excuse - you have driven 105K, what do you expect??? Transmission died at 89K. Towed. Solenoid valve at 91K. Replaced. Engine sensor died at 105K. Non stop at the dealership. It has been serviced at the same dealership since purchase. Luckily, we still have a year left on the warranty, we will trade it in as soon as it expires.

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  very happy camper - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By wayne - January 25 - 5:10 am

  Purchaced in NC. Drove it back to Ny in the Hurricane. It handled every watery twist , turn, & sudden stop. The van was fully loaded with household items. Not top heavy as many vans are. Handled sudden lane changes and exits well. The adjustable brake pedal is great.The heated seat was a blessing for my bad back.I still have my 1987 Maxima Wagon, it has 226,000. miles. still looks and runs well. I hope to have the van for as long.

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  My new Nissan Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By My Nissan Quest - January 21 - 5:03 am

  The Nissan Quest van beats its competitors with its bold design and features, but there are some quality issues which Nissan needs to address, like the Rattle sounds in the doors. The console even though looks very impressive, very hard to locate and operate the buttons. Overall this is a good van for the price