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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  I would recommend the Quest - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Mark - May 11 - 9:51 am

  I find the Nissan Quest a very capable minivan. I test drove the Honda and Toyota and came running back to the Nissan for three primary reasons: 1) The interior fit and finish and organization was far superior to the other minivans. 2) The interior noise was much less than the competitors, and 3) I liked the way the seats folded and the rear storage area. The Nissan gets a bad rap for the non-traditional storage compartments and seats but I find that on a daily basis the set up is far superior to the alternatives. The rear covered storage compartment allows me to store a stroller, blankets, emergency equipment all while still allowing groceries and other items to be hauled. While the total storage area may be less than the competitors, who the heck is hauling around that much stuff without the kids. I find that laying down the second and third rows provides plenty of space when needed. Also, I average 26-28 MPG when traveling at 55-65 miles per hour in the summer. This is great gas mileage for a minivan. I currently have about 30,000 miles on the van and only one maintenance issues so far (rear shock replaced on warranty). Yes, the OEM tires needed to be replaced at 20,000 miles, but who really cares. Very few OEM tires last that long anyway and it gives the owner the opportunity to put on good tires for the winter. The heated leather seats are wonderful and the automatic doors and reach hatch save the day. The only complaint I would have is that it was hard to find a used one. Overall, I recommend this van without hesitation. I bought the LE version with 12,000 miles for $22,500 in November 2014.

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  LEMON - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DEBORAH FABRY - May 11 - 3:43 am

  I have had so much trouble with this van. The first week I had it the sliding door jam. I pulled it and the cable broke and scaratched my side panel. had to be repainted and door put back on. Tire sensors keep going out have 2 more out now.. glove department door hinge broke. I took back twice for the air bag said was off when someone was sitting in front seat, rubber gasket came off around back door. hinge that held up trunk broke [hit me in the head]. i have had lots of new cars and i spend a lot of time at the dealership very unhappy

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  Quest is a piece of artwork! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By nissandude - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my 8th Nissan product and is the most innovative one I have ever owned. It keeps with the Nissan personality of being a very unique, fun, and beautiful piece of engineering. In a segment where bland styling is usually a given, this vehicle stands out big time.

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  Transmission Problem - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Sludge - April 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle replaces a 1995 Quest Van. This is a nice vehicle which drives smoothly and has good acceleration. I presently have a problem with intermittent failure of the transmission to shift after starting. The vehicle has twice started in 3rd gear and refused to upshift or downshift. I took it to the dealership who called Nissan for help in solving this problem. According to the service manager Nissan says this is a known problem which they do not have a solution for yet. I reserve judgement on this van until I see if Nissan can fix this problem. On the bright side, turning the vehicle off and restarting restores the transmission to normal function.

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  2 separate wheel bearing replacements - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Lori Harmon Burns - April 27 - 8:03 am

  I loved this car the first year. However, the wheel bearings have had to be replaced on two separate occasions. One around 46,000 miles the next 4000 miles later. Passenger sliding door does not stop when I am in door frame. Pushes hard and I have to work to stand up against it before it reverses if it does. Worried about if kids are in frame and potential for fingers or even worse torso or head getting crushed in door shutting.

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  New owner 2013 Nissan Quest LE - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By jay24 - April 27 - 4:46 am

  Purchased may 2013. Like many features and would buy again. The biggest complaint is mileage but maybe its because it has less than 1k on odo. I drive like a dead person because I want to see a decent mileage number to get my wife off my back. She thinks I made a bad decision because I am only getting 13.1 mpg. I traded in my 2008 Yukon Hybrid getting 16.4 because it was stalling in traffic and dealer could not fix after three attempts.

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  Nissan Family - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By c_howe - April 26 - 6:46 pm

  We used to drive a 1993 Nissan Quest, and just over a year ago we finally sold it. We replaced it with a 2000 Dodge Caravan. Probably my most regrettable choice ever. We just purchased a new Quest 3.5 S and couldnt be more thrilled. I wouldnt even look at another brand of minivan, and will replace this one in many years with another Quest. The interior design is so comfortable for my family of 6. The exterior is very stylish. We love it!

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  My Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WallyS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Quest that I have owned. My other one was 99 and this one has it beat by a mile. It took no time at all to get use to the new features.

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  Bitter lemons!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 04queststinks - April 15 - 12:43 pm

  We bought this car new in 2004, we immediately started having problems! Rattling back seat which was recalled and the dealers fix for this on our expensive new car was...duct tape! Seriously?! Then the sliding door started rattling, the rubber strip above the side door flew off while driving. Have replaced brakes numerous times, the front windows get stuck when it rains!, the console is made of some cheap material that doesnt wear well, the lights and vents randomly fall out of the ceiling! The timing chain guides broke and the power steering pressure hose broke and it just sucks!!! Waist of $ what a lemon!

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  Good Van that Needs Some Improvement - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Good Van Except for - April 13 - 8:20 pm

  Nissan had the right idea with this Van but they failed in execution. If the quality problems (rattling, paint chipping) were addressed prior to release it would be an EXCELLENT van but instead it is a good van as long as you dont mind going to see the dealer often.