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 901 through 910 of 969.00-
Buy Honda or Toyota - 2004 Nissan Quest
By Bill - September 17 - 3:33 amThe Quest was the most unique minivan when we purchased it. In retrospect, we should have gone with a Honda or Toyota. We have had problems that one would not equate with Nissan. The end-links on the rear stabilizer somehow self-destructed, the horn fuse continually blows, the original brakes only lasted 27,000 miles. The rear brakes were shot after this period! Ive never experienced this in ANY vehicle I have owned of any make! Radio is flakey and just goes mute on its own at times. Transmission has gotten stuck in one gear and required me to stop the car, shut it off and restart it. I planned on keeping this vehicle for a long time but now Im not so sure.
-
Great style - 2004 Nissan Quest
By CarlosArguello - September 16 - 2:00 amI searched and test drove every major brand. I ended with the Quest for its style, passenger style driving, big engine and lots of room. No regrets!!!! Love the van. Get the DVD system, best option I ever paid. Kids were great on the long trips.
-
Minivan sports car - 2004 Nissan Quest
By thebrit1970 - September 16 - 2:00 amNot only did I have an excellent experience at the dealership, but has been extremely impressed with the van. It drives like a sports car, but has the space of a minivan and the comfort of a luxury SUV. Could not be happier with my purchase.
-
Family of 5 loves the Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
By vmrush - September 5 - 10:00 amIve owned my Quest SE for 4 months now and have waited to write my review to see if any problems arose. Im pleased to say that 7000 miles later I have had no problems. I absolutely love to drive the Quest. I love the unique look inside and out, the smooth quiet ride,the roominess inside and powerful engine. We took it on vacation through the mountains and it did wonderful. I really like the rounded off center console. It takes no time at all to learn where all the buttons are. I dont feel that the gas mileage is too bad either, its a big heavy vehicle. I average 18-20 miles per gallon. My kids love the DVD player and the sky lights.
-
best car ever - 2004 Nissan Quest
By nicolas0318 - September 5 - 10:00 amI like driving new nissan quest.
-
Been driving for 3 years and... - 2005 Nissan Quest
By MommaOf3 - August 31 - 5:06 pmI bought this van brand new and loved the styling of it. For the most part, this is a great van. I love the skylights in the back, dual screens, heated side mirrors and leather seats, etc. That being said, another reviewer was right. Nissan should have equipped it with better tires. Mine have already been replaced and I dont really drive that much. Also, the drivers side power sliding door motor burned out after only 3 years of use. Since the warranty expired in Feb 08 and this happened in May, Nissan refuses to assist with the cost (which I think is poor cust service since its a major repair and so new out of warranty. Not sure Ill go with Nissan again due to cust service.
-
Best Van Ever - 2005 Nissan Quest
By Alexes - August 28 - 7:46 pmThis was one of the best investments that I ever made. My Quest is very comfortable and luxurious to me. My family and I love it. It is absolutely great.
-
No complaints here - 2004 Nissan Quest
By jasinke - August 26 - 2:20 pmWe love this van. The interior space is incredible, like a full-size van. The "experts" dont like the center- console instruments, but they take it for one test drive and make their verdict. After a couple of drives, it seems natural to look there, and its a whole lot better than trying to look around the steering wheel. The ride is very smooth and it has lots of power. My young kids love how easy it is to get into the van, and the gas mileage is fantastic - 25 mpg highway, 20mpg city.
-
Highway Robbery! - 2006 Nissan Quest
By mrsthomas - August 23 - 11:00 amWe bought this van with 13 miles on it. Have since had to take it for repairs more times than you should for a NEW vehicle that we paid over $34,000 for. Ridiculous things such as the drivers visor, breaking six times! Have had the heater in drivers seat replaced and it still does not work. Heater control only works if you strangle it. Drivers window motor replaced in first six months.I do not have the time to have take it in everytime something breaks, especially as things break repeatedly!!!! Dealer was unsympathetic, perhaps not surprised? We have also had the breaks done and new tires, which seem to have little effect on how crappy it drives. Will NEVER BUY Nissan EVER again!
-
Best Minivan to purchase - 2005 Nissan Quest
By S. Jackson - August 21 - 7:33 amThis was the best and wises thing that I could have ever done. It is very roomy, good on gas, different in style, not very many riding around town.
