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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  My views on mini vans have changed - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By moms taxi - August 18 - 11:26 pm

  My husband and I decided on the Quest after finding our 3rd son was on the way. We purchased it when I was around 5-6 mnths and had ample room for the 2 boys who were 4 and 7 at the time . The car seat went in one month before I was due AND still the 2 boys had AMPLE room to roam from sit to seat. Had some recalls on them but most of them were minor things that took no more then a day to fix and wasnt a real inconvience for m me. The Quest is great for growing families my 3 boys have enough room to stretch and have their "space" from each other .

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  I must be alone - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Plutosmom - August 18 - 12:16 pm

  When I purchased this car, I loved the features. Now, almost two years later, I regret buying it. While still very pretty, for a mini van, every thing is breaking. The rear cup holders, the rear sonar, the rear cover. Every little piece of plastic that can break is breaking. I could understand if I was hard on the vehicle. But it is mostly city driving, which the mileage is horrible, 11-13 miles per gallon.

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  Happy Mom - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Mom - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the look of this vehicle. It certainly doesnt look like all the other minivans. As parents of two teenage boys and a baby girl, we were looking to purchase a vehicle with lots of room. We looked at the competition, Honda and Toyota, but we werent impressed. The Quest is perfect, with pleanty of room for baby equipment and generous leg room in all three rows for our almost 6 tall son. I love it!

• 

  2007 quest quality - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By junkyride - August 16 - 1:16 pm

  Worst vehicle I have ever owned. Auto door did not work. Dealer repaired. Fuse block blew I had to fix $400. Major issue was front suspension components. Just replaced control arms, ball joints etc. $1150 my expense. I have worked for Nissan suppliers before and thought the quality would be there. Wrong! I will never buy another Nissan. Service from dealers is poor and very expensive ! Presently there is a shimmy and cant get it out. Beverage holder next to second row seating poorly thought out. Easy for someone to drag their rear end across them and break them. Worst job of Japanese engineering ever. Made in Japan now instead of Mississippi. No more Nissans for me.

• 

  the best van - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By fabosic - August 13 - 4:03 pm

  this is really the best van in the market. I was very impressed. the new styling now competes with its competition.

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  Disappointing - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By m j - August 7 - 12:00 pm

  I read many reviews, loved the styling, peppy engine etc. Problem is, the the thing is poorly built. Constant rattling, noisy ride, brakes are touchy. The car has plenty of acceleration and on the highway in overdrive the engine does not labor. BUT..... I would not lease another. Thankfully my lease is up in May. I also own a Saturn Relay, which has its own short comings, but I find it superior to the Quest.

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  Rattle and Hum (and gulp) ... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dzurej - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this m.v. (my first) for 2 months. The engine and drivetrain certainly hum along. The passenger-side power door rattles over every bump. Im avering just 18 mpg to-date (well below expected). The center console takes some getting used to, but it grew on me (but not everyone). Handles surprisingly well in both rain and snow. My overall opinion is still positive, but Ill reserve long-term judgement until I see how quickly Nissan fixes the door rattle and the interior wears with age.

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  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By m78uygf - July 31 - 10:00 am

  great car to drive, good stereo, excellent features

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  rattles that irritate everyone - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hellsone - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Rattling sliding doors. Had it at the dealership 4 times and they cant fix them. Little squeeks inside the dash, cant find it. I solved the rattling doors myself by inserting black tubing inside the door rubbers. It made it more stable and the doors didnt rattle metal against metal anymore.

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  After more than a year of ownership - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By texasstyle - July 30 - 11:53 am

  I own this van for a little more than a year now. I am please with it. It never gives me any problem. The engine is smooth and powerful, and reliable in the rough weather. The entertainment system is great.