1993-1998 Nissan Quest: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Steering/handling
- Passenger room
Cons
- Wind noise
- Acceleration (with load)
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
Identical to the Mercury Villager except for minor styling details and varying levels of standard equipment, Nissan's front-drive minivan was its first since its slow-selling midengine, rear-drive model of the late '80s. Two models were initially available--the base XE and the premium GXE. The XE came with either seating for five or seven passengers, and the GXE was available only with seating for seven. Both are propelled by Nissan's 151-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6, coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Quest XE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Nissan Quest:
For its sophomore season, the Quest gets a new driver-side airbag. But even with the airbag, motorized belts are retained. Antilock brakes, which were optional on both the XE and GXE versions become standard on the GXE.
1995 Nissan Quest:
The Quest enters 1995 with few changes. The most significant is that second-row "captain's chairs" are now standard for the upper-level GXE model.
1996 Nissan Quest:
For 1996 the Quest undergoes the most extensive changes since its introduction. Chief among the changes are a new passenger-side bag, which is an integral part of the Quest's all-new instrument panel. The new dashboard has a more ergonomic wraparound look with easier access to all major controls. A styling facelift results in new grille, front and rear bumper fascias, side moldings, taillights, and headlamps.
1997 Nissan Quest:
Only minor equipment changes are made for 1997. The most noticeable is the availability of captain's chairs for the base Quest XE model.
1998 Nissan Quest:
Quest got few changes in the final year of its current design. A restyled model arrived for 1999.
Our road test for the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1998 Nissan Quest is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Quest is a carlike, luxury-oriented people mover that stresses comfort over hauling. As a result, the Quest has a low step-in height that allows easy entry and exit. It also provides a very comfortable driving position, good visibility, and an ample supply of cupholders and cubbies. Although the 3.0-liter engine is adequate, it can't quite match the muscle provided by the larger V6s in front-drive minivans from Ford, GM, and Chrysler. When loaded, maneuvers such as merging onto freeways or passing slower traffic cannot be accomplished with quite the same ease. But, compared with other minivans, body lean is quite modest. Actually, Quest handles with more poise than some regular passenger cars. Ride quality is commendable, too--absorbent, yet stable and comfortable at highway speeds. The suspension is firm enough to minimize bouncing on wavy roads, and it soaks up most bumps without breaking a sweat. On the negative side, wind and road noise are excessive at highway speeds. Front head room and leg room are both quite good, but only adequate for the middle- and rear-seat passengers. Stereo and climate controls are low on the dashboard and a long reach, hampered by small buttons. With all seats in their normal positions, the rear cargo area is tight. Trying to improve the Quest's hauling capacity requires removing the truly cumbersome center seats.
Value for the Money
Compared with other minivans, the Quest has less interior room. It also lacks many of the standard features found on its rivals. Nevertheless, it's a good choice if you need more than a midsize station wagon but don't need the interior space provided in one of the bigger minivans.
Compared with other minivans, the Quest has less interior room. It also lacks many of the standard features found on its rivals. Nevertheless, it's a good choice if you need more than a midsize station wagon but don't need the interior space provided in one of the bigger minivans.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Quest XE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Quest includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Quest .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Burnt transmission fluid and no reverse gear may signal a defective rear control valve and low/reverse brake. (1993-94)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission does not shift properly until warmed up, make sure it is filled only with Nissanmatic "C" transmission fluid. (All)
Check-engine light:
Clogged fuel injectors may cause hesitation and check engine light. (1997-98)
Coolant leak:
Coolant may leak from the front of the cylinder head, which may appear to be a head gasket, but comes from a threaded plug in the front of the head. (1993-95)
Doors:
A rattle in either of the front doors may be caused by the door-guard-beam spot welds breaking loose. (1993-94)
Heater core:
Leaking heater cores require a restrictor in the heater inlet hose. (1993-98)
Suspension noise:
A new stabilizer bar and bushings are needed if there is a crunching or scraping noise from the front end. (1993-95)
Tail/brake lights:
If the tail/brake lights work intermittently, the socket may be loose from the plastic connector. (1993-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $330 |
| Alternator | $300 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $835 |
| Brakes | $255 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $615 |
| Exhaust System | $250 |
| Radiator | $505 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $380 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Quest details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1998 | |||
| Quest | $3,000-4,000 | $2,300-3,100 | $700-900 |
| 1997 | |||
| Quest | $2,700-3,400 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Quest | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Quest | $2,100-2,700 | $1,500-1,900 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Quest | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Quest | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Quest include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 3-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3815 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 126.4 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 3.0-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission serve as the only powertrain choice. It provides 151 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 174 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 151 | 174 | 4-speed automatic: 17/23 | 4-speed automatic: 19.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Quest include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1998 Quest |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1993-1998 Nissan Quest directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993:
Fuel-filler hoses may have been cut prior to installation by knife used to open shipping box; fuel leakage could result, leading to fire if exposed to ignition source.
1993:
Leaves and other foreign matter can enter through cowl panel air intake during operation of front heater and/or air conditioner, resulting in build-up in the plenum that can lead to noise, odors, or even a vehicle fire.
1993:
Master cylinder on some vans was improperly assembled or damaged during assembly, which can result in loss of braking at two wheels, causing increased pedal travel and effort and increased stopping distance.
1993:
One or both bolts securing automatic seatbelt tracks to B-pillars were not adequately tightened on some vans, increasing risk of injury in collision or sudden maneuver.
1993-98:
Cracks have developed in the vent hose, allowing a fuel leak.
1995 with sliding third-row bench seats:
Cable that connects seat-adjustment level to latch might be pinched in roller assembly, preventing latch on left side from fully engaging seat rail.
1995:
Rear lamp socket may not illuminate, resulting in malfunction of stoplamp or rear running lamps.
1996:
Power windows can be closed after ignition key is turned to "off" position and right front door is opened.
1997:
Some batteries have a defective negative post that can cause acid leakage and corrosion.
1997-98:
Fuel in the tank can expand into the vent hose and leak due to cracks in the hose.
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