1999-2002 Nissan Quest: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2002 Nissan Quest and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Control layout
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Interior materials
Vehicle Highlights
Like the similar Mercury Villager, Nissan's front-drive minivan got a major makeover for 1999, featuring new outer sheetmetal. A left-side sliding door was newly standard. Wheelbase was unchanged, but the body grew by 4.6 inches in overall length and 1.2 inches in width, gaining 9.6 cubic feet of interior volume. Sole engine was Nissan's 3.3-liter V6, delivering 19 more horsepower and 26 more pound-feet of torque than the previous 3.0-liter. A 4-speed automatic was the only transmission. Quests came in three forms: entry-level GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE. Standard equipment included antilock brakes, power door locks and front windows, air conditioning, and a security system with remote keyless entry. The GXE had a removable two-place middle bench that could be optionally fitted with child seats. SE and GLE versions substituted twin captain's chairs. All three contained a three-person third-row bench that slid on built-in floor tracks. The sporty SE featured a firmer suspension than its mates, with performance tires on 16-inch wheels.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Quest GXE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2002 Nissan Quest. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2002 Nissan Quest.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Nissan Quest:
Only minor changes were evident on the 2000 minivans from Nissan. The top-line GLE model gained a rear stabilizer bar and simulated woodgrain interior trim. Perforated upholstery went into the SE's available Leather Package. A rear-seat video entertainment system became available as an option.
2001 Nissan Quest:
Quests got a modest cosmetic touchup outside and a revised dashboard in what would be their last full season. After a brief run of 2002 models, both the Quest and the related Mercury Villager were scheduled to disappear. Meanwhile, the GLE minivan gained an in-dash CD changer, a rear cargo shelf, 16-inch wheels, and rear antiroll bar as standard equipment. Heated seats became standard in the SE and GLE, as did a new 130-watt "Super Sound" system. The SE benefited from a retuned sport suspension. Models without the available sunroof now offered an optional rear-seat entertainment system with flip-down ceiling-mounted screen and concealed VCR. A floor-mounted rear-seat video system remained available for SE and GLE models with the sunroof.
2002 Nissan Quest:
New wheel designs were Quest's only major change for 2002.
Our road test for the 1999-2002 Nissan Quest includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2002 Nissan Quest and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2002 Nissan Quest is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
In performance and accommodations, Quests differ little from their Mercury Villager counterparts. Acceleration is reasonably peppy from a standstill, but unimpressive in the 35-55 mph range. In fact, highway passing response borders on inadequate with a full load and the air conditioner working. Engine roar under heavy throttle is notable, though wind and tire noise are on par for this class. So is fuel economy. A test Quest, when new, averaged a less-than-frugal 16.9 mpg. Relatively compact in size, the Quest (and Villager) offer above-average minivan maneuverability, helped by firm steering with ample feel. Cornering response is crispest with the SE edition, which rides 16-inch tires instead of the usual 15-inch. The Quest's suspension soaks up bumps decently, but overall ride quality does not match that of longer-wheelbase minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan and Toyota Sienna. Relatively cozy, the Quest's interior has scant clearance between any of the seats. Front seatbacks are narrow, though supportive cushions improve overall comfort. Low step-in height is pleasing, but third-row entry/exit is rather tight due to a low roof and narrow passageways. Cargo room is slim with the third seat in its normal position, though the available adjustable-height parcel shelf is handy. The third-row bench can slide forward to free up a large cargo hold, but its release handle is difficult to reach. Second-row seats remove easily. Interior storage includes a removable net between front seats, double door pockets, and numerous bins. Despite targeting upscale buyers, the Quest and Villager contain a lot of hard-surfaced interior plastic items inside, along with industrial-look switchgear and unfinished edges.
Value for the Money
Smaller outside and inside than most rivals, Nissan's Quest and the equivalent Mercury Villager are more maneuverable. Both trail the competition in refinement and acceleration. Quests have held their value more strongly, thus cost more secondhand.
Smaller outside and inside than most rivals, Nissan's Quest and the equivalent Mercury Villager are more maneuverable. Both trail the competition in refinement and acceleration. Quests have held their value more strongly, thus cost more secondhand.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Quest GXE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 50 |
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.
Check-engine light:
Clogged fuel injectors may cause hesitation and check engine light. (1999-01)
Engine misfire:
Poor idle quality or stiff accelerator action is often traced to a dirty throttle body. Can be caused by overfilling the oil in the crankcase. (1999-2000)
Heater core:
Leaking heater cores require a restrictor in the heater inlet hose. (1999-2000)
Vehicle noise:
Rattling or banging noises from the rear are due to the leaf-spring supports hitting the mountings. Washers were being installed as shims under warranty. (1999)
Windows:
The second and/or third windows may pop open as doors are closed or may not latch properly due to maladjustment of the latches. (1999)
Wipers:
Replacing the turn-signal/wiper combination switch can cure erratic windshield wiper operation. This is part of a Nissan service campaign. (1999)
Wipers:
The wipers may operate on their own due to a faulty multifunction. (1999)
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 | $500 |
| Alternator | $350 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,320 |
| Brakes | $370 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,150 |
| Exhaust System | $385 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $900 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $455 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Quest | $6,200-7,900 | $5,400-6,900 | $2,700-3,400 |
| 2001 | |||
| Quest | $5,100-6,500 | $4,300-5,500 | $2,000-2,600 |
| 2000 | |||
| Quest | $4,300-5,600 | $3,600-4,600 | $1,500-1,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Quest | $3,600-4,800 | $2,900-3,800 | $1,000-1,300 |
|
|
|||
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 | 4-door van | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 194.8 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3830 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 135.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Quests got the same powertrain: a 170-horsepower 3.3-liter overhead-cam V6 engine driving a four-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 170 | 200 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: 16.9 |
|
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 | 1999 Quest |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 1999-2002 Nissan Quest directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999:
Fuel-tank retention strap (two per minivan) can break at spot welds, causing underbody rattle; if welds fail, there may be fuel leakage and/or separation of fuel tank from vehicle.
1999:
Second-row captain's chair on right side of some minivans may have inadequate lubrication of easy-entry/exit latch system, and actuator spring could deform, causing latch to remain in unlatched position; seat would then slide freely on track, and springs would move seat to easy-entry position.
1999:
Taillight socket's locking tab may have insufficient force to retain the bulb.
1999-2000:
One or more of the five bolts that mount rack-and-pinion steering gear may have been incorrectly tightened; could result in steering looseness and noise or vibration. Eventually, bolts could fracture or fall out.
2001:
The seatbelt-buckle bolt could loosen, leaving the occupant improperly restrained in a collision.
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