Nissan Quest Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.32/5 Average
969 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 21 through 30 of 969.00
  • Quest, anything but a "minivan" - 2005 Nissan Quest
    By -

    As a 28 year old mother of 3, I give the Nissan Quest a 10+! Not only is it fun to drive, but it also quite sporty. I always swore that Id never be a "Minivan Mom" but the Quest is anything but a "minivan". Im a young mother and I want my minivan to reflect that. Thank you Nissan!

  • Oh Yeah! - 2004 Nissan Quest
    By -

    I was anticipating buying an SUV. Had my heart set on Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade or the Hummer H2. Went to the nissan lot to test drive a used 2002 Tahoe. The dealer asked if we had seen the "NEW" Quest. I quickly told him, I was not interested in a minivan. He drove it around anyway and it was "Love at first sight." The vehicle more than accomodates my family of five. The kids abosultely love this car. It handles far better than I ever imagined. If you havent driven it, you have really missed out.

  • Wife Now Happy to Be a Minivan Driver - 2004 Nissan Quest
    By -

    After swearing she would NEVER own a minivan, my wife is proud to tell her friends she is now driving a 2004 Quest SE (many questions and comments from other other moms in the nursery school parking lot). The styling is cool and sporty. It is easy for her to get the kids and groceries in and out (especially with the auto-open passenger doors and hatch). Great performance from the V6 engine (much better than her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero LTD). Who said a practical car had to be a drag to drive? Much applause to Nissan for taking the risk on styling!

  • Happy with Quest 07 - 2007 Nissan Quest
    By -

    In addition to an excellent safety rating, it had the most features at a reasonable price. Spacious interior, excellent V6 power engine, smooth and quiet drive, easy fold 3rd-row seat. We like the sleek exterior style, as well as the re-modeled interior (2007).

  • Under Rated - 2002 Nissan Quest
    By -

    Although this may not be the best Mini-Van ever made, it is a darn good one! It has a very quiet and solid ride. Very good ergonomics. The engine has enough power. The criticisms about not having enough passing power are stupid. This is a “Mini-Van" not a racecar. The worst thing about this vehicle is the rear bench seat folds up and slides forward, but you cannot take it out. The captain’s chairs in the middle do come out. This leaves a pretty screwy arrangement for the carpet.

  • Best Damn Mini Van Out There - 1999 Nissan Quest
    By -

    My husband and I test drove several Mini Vans when we were looking for one and wound up with the Quest for the comfort and handling of it. I love it! I have always owned a Nissan and I cant believe that we actually thought that the Pontiac Montana was more a good Van. If oyu want my opinion, stick with Nissan they hold there value and are very reliable cars.

  • Very Happy - 2004 Nissan Quest
    By -

    Very satisfied with the room and comfort. Love the style and the Navigation system is awsome!

  • Quest-ED - 2004 Nissan Quest
    By -

    No I did not buy 1 yet! but getting my Maxima serviced at dealership I was put in Enterprise loaner, 2my surprise it was Quest 3.5S, bit excited to see the Quest bit disappoited for just S. I took it out for a long drive 380 miles to be exact in 2-days. As we are considering to replace our current 91- Previa w/any of tripplets (Sienna/Odyssey/Quest). Excellent HiSpeed handling, pickup the get-go, simply a Hi-Performance Mini-Van! The passanger side airbag ON/OFF feature with seat presure, G8 inguinity!

  • A great mini van that is fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Quest
    By -

    Traded in a pt cruiser turbo gt and cant believe how refined the quest is compared to the pt. The quest has a smoother, quieter ride, more power, more room, better gas mileage, handles better, more standard "toys", less torque pull on the steering wheel, etc etc. I really enjoy driving the quest. It corners like a sports car. I added 2" oversize hubcaps and they are absolutely perfect for the quest. Gives it an entirely different look. Sportier than ever! Added a nissan nose mask and it fits perfectly and really protects the front of the quest. Next additions will be a less restrictive "homemade" cold air intake and a straight through glass pack muffler.

  • 2004 Quest SL - 2005 Nissan Quest
    By -

    I love the styling both inside and out, the controls were a little awkward at first but quickly got used to them, its really agreat place for the gauges, Performance is excellent ant its a real head turner, I get more comments on it than any vehicle I have ever owned including Mustangs and Muscle cars. My only complaint is that it is hard to back into a parking spot straight, there is nothing straight on the van to use as a reference

Nissan Quest Reviews By Year:
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