2002 Nissan Quest Review
2002 Nissan Quest Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
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Pros
- Tidy exterior size, lots of bang for the buck, interior flexibility.
Cons
- Insufficient passing power, limited interior space.
What’s new
This is likely the last year for the Quest before it is discontinued. As such, changes for 2002 are minimal. These include revised 16-inch alloy wheel designs for the GXE and SE, new exterior colors and revised option packages.
Edmunds says
A minivan on critical life support. Buyers should look elsewhere.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Nissan Quest GXE 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$247/mo for Quest GXE
Quest GXE
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Minivan
Vehicle overview
Nissan completely redesigned the Quest in 1999 in an attempt to keep pace with superior vans from Honda, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota. But that effort has proven too little, too late. The Quest isn't a good seller (Ford sells seven Windstars for every Quest) and will be axed from Nissan's lineup after a short 2002 model run. Don't fret; Nissan will reintroduce the model mid-decade, with far more competitive design and packaging than this current version.
For 2002, the Quest is available in three flavors: value-oriented GXE, sporty SE and luxurious GLE trim. The GXE does come with basics like air conditioning, keyless entry and 16-inch wheels, as well as an optional second-row bench seat with integrated child seats and machine-washable cushions. SE models are tuned more aggressively, featuring acceleration-sensitive strut valving and a strut tower brace under the hood for more stable cornering. The SE also comes with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, rear air conditioning, a CD player and second-row dual captain's chairs. The GLE, which comes standard with leather seating and the handy rear parcel shelf, also gets powered and heated front seats, a two-position memory system for the driver seat and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Versatile passenger space is the Quest's stock-in-trade with a standard driver-side sliding door and a third-row limousine seating option among its many features. Nissan says you can get 24 different combinations with the bench seat and 66 when the van is equipped with the second-row captain's chairs. Second-row seats can fold down into a table or be removed completely. The third-row seat also folds into a table, folds further for more cargo space or slides forward on integrated tracks -- all the way to behind the driver seat.
Under the hood is a 170-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine that makes 200 pound-feet of torque down low for good punch in traffic. This engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Antilock brakes and power steering are standard on all Quest models, and the suspension provides a smooth, quiet sedan-like ride underneath GXE and GLE models. SE models are tuned to provide more driver involvement with the road.
The Quest's dashboard has a functional layout with the audio unit located above the climate controls for easier access. An automatic headlight on/off switch (standard on GLE and SE) can be set to sense the onset of darkness and automatically turn the headlights on. Visibility is great, too, from upright but comfortable seating that's tempting for a long trek. Gauges are small, but acceptable, and controls are pleasing to operate. Nissan also offers an entertainment system that includes a 6.4-inch overhead monitor and a video cassette player. A floor-mounted system is also available for Quests equipped with a sunroof.
Distinctive in shape and enjoyable on the road, Quests perform adequately, though more passing power would be appreciated. Except for the upright seating position, this Nissan's handling traits make it easy to forget that you're inside a minivan. The Honda Odyssey still has it beat, though, and offers more interior room and automatic sliding doors to boot. So keep in mind those invaluable words of wisdom, "My momma told me, 'You better shop around..'"
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Nissan Quest.
5 star(53%)
4 star(41%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
36 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Excellent value for the money, still looks modern
blockmachining, 12/19/2011
2002 Nissan Quest SE 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Pros: Value, dependability, comfort
Cons: Watch the plastic sliding door handles
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
We bought the van new in April, 2002. We now have 118K miles on her. The only unscheduled problem we have had was the axle boots ripped open around 62K miles, so we replaced both axles. This repair was completely unexpected as the vehicle is always garaged and not … abused. When it hit 105K, I changed the timing belt, water pump (preventive maintenance only...no issues at the time, just easy to get to while the timing belt was off), drive belts and spark plugs. She continues to run like a champ. We have the SE model which improves handling; however, you can definitely feel the bumps when you hit them. We get between 20 and 21 miles per gallon driving a 50/50 mix of highway and city driving. Right now, the only issue we have is the radio display fades in and out which is a common problem on these vehicles. There is a cheap repair where you resolder the power supply lead on a circuit board inside of the radio. Right now, it's not bad enough to mess with so we are leaving it alone. We have the captain's chairs in the middle row which is comfortable for the kids. We also have the overhead video player which the kids love. We, the grandparents, love it to. Just turn it on and the kids will not make a sound except for needed bathroom breaks and the I'm hungry, feed me calls. The van came with Goodyear tires which lasted approximately 40K miles. Then we put on a set of Yokohama Avid Touring S tires which lasted almost 65K miles. These were really quiet tires; however, the weight of the van made the tires look underinflated. We now have on General Altimax RT tires which ride and handle excellent. They also appear to support the weight of the van a little better. It's too early to tell about tread wear but right now, it looks like they will last approximately 50K miles or so. The van's sliding door handles are a weak spot when the doors are frozen. Do not use these handles to break open the frozen door. Just grab the handle, pull on it until the door lock unlatches, then grab the body of the door and pull on it to break the ice holding the door closed. The handles are only plastic and cannot handle the pressure required to break the ice. I learned this the hard way. I like the white background on the instrument cluster found in the SE vans. They look really cool during the day and are easily legible during the night. The sound system is really good for a van. The SE came with the sub speaker system which gives it a little thump! I have used nothing but synthetic oil in the engine since it was new. It will burn approximately 1 quart of oil every 5K miles. I also have my oil analyzed at Blackstone Labs every 7.5K when I do the oil change. So far, engine wear is below the average level for this engine. I attribute this to the synthetic oil usage. I don't use the high dollar Mobil 1 or other high performance synthetic oils. I just use the Walmart brand synthetic since this is not a high performance engine. I used Mobil 1 in my 90 Nissan 300ZX twin turbo because this engine was a high performance engine and was often ran very, very hard. If you use synthetic oil, you can run this oil for the full 7.5K oil change interval recommended in the owner's manual. There is no need to change it every 3K miles like the oil companies recommend. They really like to see you spend your money for their oil! I'm going to change the transmission oil filter and oil when she hits 120K just to be safe. I have not had to touch the exhaust system so far, which is almost hard to believe. The muffler still looks and sounds good and the stainless still exhaust piping should last the entire life of the van. The van has a high performing AC system and the heat is warm within just a mile or two of starting out. There a few rattles in the sliding doors and rear hatch when you hit a fairly large bump, but it's not too bad. The van is definitely past middle age, so what would you expect? I have some rattles now, too. I hope this review helps you. If you can find a good used Quest van, I'd recommend it. No, you will not get a polished van like what is produced today. But you will save approximately 30K dollars if you were to buy a new one. Good luck.
3 out of 5 stars
Great soccer mom car, not for a new driver!
Thomas, 11/01/2016
2002 Nissan Quest GXE 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Obviously, the car is old, so the technology is out of date. My 2002 Quest even has a VCR! The car was originally my grandma's, and she drove it a total of 15,000 miles from 2002-2007. However, after she died and my mom inherited it, we had to replace a lot of things. Luckily though, my grandma had a 5 year warranty on the car, so that was great. I just inherited it after I got my … license, and it is definitely NOT a good car for a first time driver. The car has been dropping oil since 2013, and the AC has also been broken since then. The one positive thing I have to say about this car is that it has the most comfortable cloth seats I've sat in (much more comfortable than my parents' 2012 and 2016 Ford Escapes). Overall, the car is just okay. Not for me, but okay for a soccer mom or grandma if you can't afford a newer minivan.
3.63 out of 5 stars
Look's Great, Rides Terrible
sunshinemom, 03/28/2004
2002 Nissan Quest GLE 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
I loved the look and style of my
Nissan Quest GLE. The wood grain dash
and stylish leather seats made me feel
like I driving a Lexus. That is until
I ran over dirt in the road. The ride
is horrible. You feel every bump! I
found myself scouring the road for
divets and ruts just to avoid them.
Otherwise, it was a great vehicle. My
kids loved the extras like the …
overhead video system. And, my
husband and I loved the dual function
of the sound system. It allowed us to
listen to the radio (or not!) while
our kids watched a movie with head
phones.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Under Rated
Mark G, 03/29/2002
2002 Nissan Quest SE 4dr Minivan (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
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.
2002 Quest Highlights
GXE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,739 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $247/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 25.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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