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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  Service Problems - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By hipaulino - July 28 - 10:00 am

  We brought our 2002 Nissan Quest GLE from Performance Nissan in Everett, WA. It has been in for service there three times without the problem being fixed. We live about 45 miles away and have to drive up there every time to try to get it fixed. We brought the car there thatÂ’s why we drive up there to get it serviced; this was a huge mistake! The problem on the Mini-van is the passenger sliding door window. We have wind noise at speeds over 30 M.P.H. and problems with the window popping open when we hit a bump or slide the door close. How can such a small problem be such a major pain? . LOVE THE CAR, HATE THE SERVICE!

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  Very Dependable and safe car - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Nissan Qwest Owner - July 27 - 9:36 am

  Bought the 2001 Qwest brand new on 1/1/2002. We have owned it for 7 1/2 years and it has been very dependable. All we ever had to do is the routine maintenance and oil changes. In all that time we just had one window latch break on the van. It has been through a stress test of three children.

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  Nissan Quest SE - Limo Of Minivans - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By relentless1 - July 22 - 2:36 am

  Never thought Id buy a minivan but wife, 2 kids & I are very pleased & impressed with our 05 Q. Traded in 96 Land Rover Discovery SE7. We also considered Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, but chose the Quest due to its unconventional, sporty & unique design & comfortable ride. Have 30k trouble free miles. Responsive engine, love the spaceship like instrument cluster & unique dashboard. Currently shopping for dashbrd kits to enhance interior. Just repl OEM tires 225-60r-17s (Gdyear)for 235-55r-17s as OEM tires are odd size but love the new (Pirellis) all season. Only maintenance performed: oil changes, 2 tire rotations & 1 nail in tire. Will schedule 30k checkup. Need to check in- cabin filter.

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  Proud owner - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Harley Scogin - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 8 Mini-vans in my life. Before this purchase, I drove all of the major manufacturers mini-vans and the Nissan was the best driving and riding of all tested. The independant rear suspension, rear wheel disc brakes, fold down seats, and most important, the engine power which is outstanding and other quality items left me with only one choice, which was the Nissan quest. The more I drive the more I love it.

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  Won me Over! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Deanna & Steve - July 5 - 10:00 am

  As someone who was on the waiting list for a Toyota Sienna, I was a hard sell on the new Quest. But after taking a look at the new "not your typical" minivan styling and comparing features/price/performance purchased the new Quest right away. Definately worth a look if youre in the market for a minivan (and even a great alternative to an SUV for space and better comfort).

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  Terrible first month - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KHL - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My experience is not good at all, and really gave me a bad impression over Nissans manufacturing quality control. In the first 3 months, I had the car repaired 4 times. Mostly, bad QC! Body panel dropped, sliding door rail mis-aligned, truck light not connected, plastic covers failed off when touched for the first time! I must have one of lemon car coming out of Nissan factory. Very disappointed.

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  Shhhhh... Dad loves the minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Gordom - June 29 - 2:00 am

  It had been monopolized by the wife and kids for a month before I snuck away with it for a 500 mile business trip. Loved every minute of it. The nightime departure through hill country showcased the handling, ride and responsiveness. Lots of power and was glued to the road cornering. No peering through the wheel to see if I might be speeding (I was) due to the new offset gauges. Excellent drivers visiblity and room. Audio system rocks. Quest is at home on the highway. Set the cruise control and enjoy the ride. Effortless to drive and astoundingly comfortable. Im thinking Titan for Dad for Xmas.

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  A van worth a look - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Nhan TTT - June 29 - 2:00 am

  We’ve recently purchased this van after looking at all the others. This one definitely caught our (the wife & I) eyes. The look is great, the engine is very able, the styling is sleek and very different from the others. We’ve had it for about two months now and it is truly fun to drive. The ride is pleasant and the handling on the road and around turns is awsome. This our first “loaded” (w/o DVD (decide we’ll install aftermarket) and navigation system (really don’t need)) vehicle. All those little extras are well worth it.

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  Long Term Quest Update - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By irloyal - June 28 - 10:23 pm

  After having owned this Nissan Quest for 3 years and 36,000 miles I felt a long term review would be helpful to others. Pros: The Vans styling is still unique and turns heads. The engine runs as strong as the day purchased and is plenty potent for any type of driving. Only routine manintenance has been reqired for the most part, but exceptions are noted in the con section. The dealer ships have been very good about handling warranty issues, and they have increased the warranty to 60,000 miles at no charge. Cons: Horn Stuck. Over-sensitive tire pressure sensors. Replacement tires require new size unless you buy Goodyear. Overall Rating: B Overall Value: B+ Buy Again? Yes

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  Nissan Quest 2004 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J - June 26 - 11:06 am

  Quite frankly I am surprised by the negative reviews, because we love this van. Other than one recall issue that was rapidly fixed with additional new items installed, we have had no problems with this van. I have taken it on numerous 1000 mile trips and smaller 200 mile trips with no problems. The car handles extremely well, has great seating and storage capacity, gas mileage (21 city/ 28 hwy), good stereo sound, excellent DVD. Although different, the center console with controls at your fingertips is wonderful and the screen size is no problem for the over 40 set. The mirrors are the best I have ever had with respect to total driving visibility. Kids call it the "Space Mobile."