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:

• 

  The Quest Continues - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DREWSTER - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve had a quest for a month and a half with about 2,400 miles traveled. Im beginning to worry about the build quality. The two side doors are rattling and it refused to start during some cold weather (possibly frozen fuel).Two days after getting the van home we had a flat tire. The Goodyear service center told us the bead of the tire was seated properly. The Quest feels great on the highway and is comfortable to travel in.

• 

  New to the minivan family. - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By barrell - June 18 - 4:13 am

  We are new to the minivan thing so i can only say moving from the 2005 Nissan Altima I am very pleased with the Quest so far. Drivability has been great, it handles very well for a minivan and has plenty of room to boot. Looking at the 06 model versus the 07, I have to say they are moving the design in the right direction on the styling.

• 

  Highly dissappointed!!!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By VERY DISSAPPOINTED.. - June 17 - 9:26 pm

  To make a long story short. Ive had my van for 3 1/2 yrs. Now... Ive spent 1500 to repair a pair in the engine and the service depart. Did not fix the problem... When I return the van 2 days later they decided that it was now the transmission that needed to b replaced (which they would pay 1/2) after Id already spend 1500. Ive had new brakes front and back and new rotors... Ive spent at least 2500 in 09 for repairs! Not happy at all with this van..

• 

  ying/yang - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By arm/lo - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Overall, when you first see it, its a stylish beauty.Moonroof leaks, service stinks, rattle on side doors, many manufacture defects! Rear hatch panel bowed and replaced with one that bows out even more!The miles til empty gauge was poorly designed, in my previous minivan it told me exactly how many miles I had left til I ran out,very helpful info when running errands, to know when to refuel. This minivan as soon as it hits 1/4 tank, the light turns on and the gauge turns to a * symbol and the guessing game starts!Have more complaints but space is limited!!

• 

  The Quest is the Best! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Stefanie Ascherl - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. My husband wanted an SUV but with a family on the way, I wanted something not so high off the ground with good gas mileage. We looked at the Sienna and the Honda and the Quest was the one for us. I love all the room and the sensor in the back is fantastic. We really didnt need all the bells and whistles but we are happy to have them. The BOSE system is a plus. With kids, the sliding doors are a must. I cant keep my husband out of it.

• 

  Very Good Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Serge - June 7 - 6:23 am

  I]ve bought Quest 2004 after two another NISSANs. I was impressed of its exterior design. After driving it for more than 4 years I can say: It is great van. Its fixtures really gives me more than BMW or Mercedes, especially turn side lights, tire pressure sensors, and great powerful engine, one of the best engines at all to that time. Excellent interior space, wide side doors and more - this is an additional fixtures which keeps me a lover of this car. Id have the only real problem due the first year - fuel pump. Later you can find front breaks problem every 7- 10K miles - vibration which cause of the very heavy car for this disks, but NISSAN resurfaced it under factory warranty.

• 

  I hope this Nissan I know - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By marklea - June 5 - 2:53 pm

  Nissan did a nice job in concept of this van. Radical exterior look, roomy lay out of interior, functional features. The reason I personally bought this van was for my personal track record with the 3.5 engine and overall Nissan reliablity. I have owned other Nissans and interior appointments have not always been A+, but Nissan cars look good,perform with a sporty edge, and most importantly are reliable. So far I am somewhat concerned based on what I read in other reviews. I have had a few quality issues in first 2 months, trim falling off, rear heater not function, ash tray compartment not fit etc. Nothing major though. Extended warranty helps though

• 

  02 Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By apollo_ten - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive...as fun as a minivan can be.

• 

  Great reliable car - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Pauline - May 31 - 2:10 pm

  Have not had any mechanical problems with this car. It runs quiet and the paint job is very good no rust. The kids love the Audio center. I am buying a new Nissan Van.

• 

  Good and Bad - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By JackInFla - May 13 - 4:10 pm

  Bad; Very thin exterior sheet metal. Brake pads and rotors only good for 15K. Atleast 3 recalls,leaks in passenger door, moon roof. Second row seats even w/ extra charge are NOT fold flat. Front seats are very uncomfortable, feels like plywood. Gas milage is 9 mpg worse than my 98 Vette. Hate the varible steering while parking. Should have indicator of what lights are on or off and lights should go on auto. when wipers are on. Good; Great space, am-fm above par with speed variable volume, separate a/c and heat in back great. Heated front seats good and motorized side and back doors are well worth it.