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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  Family enjoying 2005 SL - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Pat - February 2 - 1:53 am

  Well soon add a new baby seat to the 2 infant seats we have in my wifes Passat, so had to move Minivan. My wife did not like having to give up here sportiness and power, but have found a worthy replacment in the Quest. Compared it to the Mazda MVP, which is also sporty, but was smaller and would not "grow" as well with the kids. Only hit 500 miles so far, but love it. Was worried about getting used to the center consol concept, but it did not take long to adjust. Too early to say for sure about reliablity, but looking good so far, and no obvious build problems.

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  After 27,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By chris - February 1 - 11:56 pm

  Problems with door rattles have been made acceptable certainly not a complete fix. Do not like "searching" shifts with cruise control - will not maintain speed on hills except with abrupt shift to 3rd and will return to 4th requiring a reset. Mileage on recent 7000 mile trip (plains and mountains) was 25 with 28 as a high (70 to 75 mph). Goodyear Eagle LS tires are terrible, one separating at 27K -- there are very few choices for replacement; I plan on going to a 235/55 size.

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  Many Nissans owned - 3 Quests - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Nissan Guy - January 24 - 8:50 pm

  My wife and I have owned an Altima, Pathfinder, two Maximas, and three Quests, 2004, 2007, 2008, all SEs. Our first Quest was great mechanically except for the sliding door rattles that Nissan fixed the next year. We found the road noise to be quieter after replacing the Good Year tires with Bridgestone. 2007 had front end issues fixed under warranty, no door rattles, but we got hoodwinked by the Michelin PAX tires so we just traded for the 2008. I think it will be quieter again after removing the Good Year Eagle tires. I have had Eagles on other vehicles without the road noise but not the Quest. We have loved all of our Nissans. They have rarely if ever had to visit mechanics.

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  pleased owner - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By 16 year nissan owner - January 22 - 10:50 am

  We have enjoyed the nissans we owned. I believe the quality is great, some of the design issues are lacking from year to year, but that is same with all auto makers. Nissan needs to keep features included in cars or as an option. We have had no issues with the car and if we did, it was under warranty. Rear senors are standard with Nissan, look at competitors, high end only. Want to buy or lease new but $ is not in budget $500 plus is for a sports car not a van.

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  love my minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ann - January 22 - 2:46 am

  I love my minivan! Even though my kids are older now and have their own cars, I still cannot think of getting a different/new car! Everyone who rides in my van, thinks we are in spaceship :) The interior room is incredible. The back seating has unbelievable space. My 62" son has no problem with his leg space in the back. The heated seats are great in the winter! I have only replaced standard things (brakes, struts,tires, etc) and have over 80,000 miles. Cannot even think of trading this van yet! Great for taking my kids to college too! The power of this car is great on acceleration.

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  do not buy - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By kit54 - January 20 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Nissan Quest in Jan. 2007 because Hawaii passed a law that children under the age of 8 and weight of less than 80# has to be in a child seat. Because I had a small car and could only put 2 of my 6 grandchildren and nephew and niece in the car at one time I had to get a bigger car. So I picked up the Quest. The side door glide covers fell off while driving and damaged the car. The passenger front seat door was making a whistling sound like the window wasnt close properly. found out the decorative panel was loose. the lights kept falling off the ceiling, the drivers visor kept falling down and dangling in front of the driver. the AC vents fall of the ceiling. Junk car!

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  Look for another van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By logan19 - January 19 - 12:30 pm

  We got this van because it didnt look like your typical minivan. I should have done more research. First of all I have had to replace both sets of brakes twice with only 52,000 miles. My mechanic told me that they would have to be replaced every 20,000 miles. The van is very heavy. After needing new tires, I found out that Goodyear is the only one who makes this size tire. So I had to buy them. The tire pressure indicator goes off when the outside temp drops below 70 degrees. The dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with it and just resets it. So I am in there within a week doing the same thing. I will never know when I flat tire. I am now looking at the Hondas.

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  Very Impressed Customer - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Andrea Murphy - January 16 - 11:06 am

  Our family is very happy with the purchase of our Quest. There is tons of room for our family and friends. The reliability of this van is A+. We never have to worry about going on long trips and having our vehicle break down as we have had in the past. Smooth ride, and plenty of entertainment for our children. Also, exceptional service at our dealer. Everyone that has rode in our van is very impressed. I am approached almost everyday by complete strangers about my van, on how impressive it looks. We are overall, extremely happy with our purchase of the Nissan Quest, and would highly recommend this vehicle or any other Nissan product.

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  Sleeping winner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By drajsc - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The engine is more powerful than I thought-test drove both the Sienna and the Quest beat hands down. The 2nd &3rd row fold into floor seats are easy to use --the interior space is bigger than I thought and surprisingly fit several big boxes of furniture(even the salesperson was shocked that they were all able to fit). Drove well on icy roads and barely slipped (compared with my old Chrysler T & C). Drove down to Florida with 4 kids and everyone was happy -- 2 screen DVD kept kids happy,centrally placed controls and gauges are so convenient and makes it easy to monitor speed and fuel tank.

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  Not Your Average Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mtfbwy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna but picked the Nissan Quest because it seemed like a better value overall. Car magazines rate it below the former two vans but we actually LIKE the interior and exteriror styling. The Hondas interior seems like it was plucked from an Oldsmobile and the Toyotas is a nice compromise. The engine has a throaty exhaust growl and gets great highway mileage while still having a ton of low end torque. The second row fold down seats are also a plus. We got alot more equipment for the money with the Quest as well. Dont overlook this van because of the reviews.