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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  BUYER BEWARE - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Sylvia Myers - December 25 - 3:43 pm

  This van has been a sorry purchase from the start. 7 months after we got it, I called the nav number and they told me I needed to buy a new $280 disc as any addresses newer than 5 years in Houston could not be located, next the tires have gone bald after only 32K miles, Nissan canceled this feature and now we are to pay for all new tires and sensored rims as Michelin or Nissan will come thru. It is cheaply made and has all the packages on it, even tho we cant get some to work. Head rests are uncomfortable, also leg room on front passenger side. For the price its an utter failure and cant believe Nissan wont stand by owners problems

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  The mini van that has changed our lives - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Liacurci - December 24 - 10:00 am

  An excellent van with comfortable seating for 7. Can fit 5 car seats. Has great and easy handling. Drives like a sports car. I am always offering to drive everyone because it is so much fun to drive! We have nicknamed it the spaceship because of all the innovative features. My kids like to watch movies in it in the garage!

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  Good value - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Grok - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for running from sport to sport as well as loading up for vacation and trips to grandmas. 240 hp V6 is very "peppy" for a minivan. Suspension is solid and four wheel disc gives execellent stopping power. Center mount dash and gauges were odd at first but now work well. Moon roof is noisy when retracted but a nice feature nonetheless.

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  Dream car! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Herstoryan - December 24 - 10:00 am

  It is very well planned and extremely spacious. I really like not having a center console in between the driver and passenger seats. I love this vehicle!

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  Excellent buy - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By tncarmel - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Quest. I had a Chevy Tahoe before and found the 3rd row seat non- functional when you have teenage boys. They look like sardines in a can with their knees up to their stomachs. The only complaint that I have is that theres no option for an 8th seat. I have 6 boys, 4 of which are teenagers. Its a good thing that the oldest has his own car and seldom wanted to ride with us.

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  kidsandpets - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By petjet - December 24 - 10:00 am

  this minivan is exceptional!!! I have four kids and two large dogs, and it accomadates everyone comfortably. My kids love the dvd player and wireless headphones. They are quiet when driving and as soon as they get in the van, they are asking for a movie. My husband who has a 4x4, even enjoys driving it. the sunroof and sky view windows are great. I feel like a spirited mom driving everyone around.

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  Not Just another minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Brita - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We love the unique look and rooominess. The comfort features please passengers of all sizes, in all seats. Friends call it our mini jet based on the ride and unusual look.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kwestluver - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Having been burned with used cars in the future, we have been pleasantly surprised with how reliable this quest has become. Highly recommend it!

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  Great Van!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By bjones9043 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  What a nice mini-van!! It has a great amount of power and a lot of room inside for a large family. It is such a versatile vehicle.

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  Great Mini-Van Purchase - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Hogshead - December 16 - 1:33 am

  This is a good, almost great mini-van. The in town gas milage is a little underpar, but past that I have no complaints except for the dealer. I recently took it on a 1200 mile trip and it was very comfortable to drive for the 10 hours each day I sat in the drivers seat. The kids had tons of room and had no complaints.