2006 Nissan Quest Review
2006 Nissan Quest Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+10
Used Quest for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Flat-folding rear seats, head airbag protection for all three rows, smooth and powerful V6, innovative roof system.
Cons
- Inconvenient control layout, some low-grade plastics, third-row seat isn't split-folding, can't get a second-row bench seat.
What’s new
Changes to the 2006 Nissan Quest mainly involve trim level and feature adjustments. A new 3.5 S Special Edition trim provides some of the Quest's premium features at a more affordable base price. For the existing trims, there's illumination for the steering wheel-mounted controls, available satellite radio capability and an enhanced front-row storage tray (SL and SE trims). Nissan has also made the rearview monitor standard on the SE and optional on the SL. Michelin PAX run-flat tires are now optional on the SL and SE.
Edmunds says
With its non-traditional sheet metal, innovative features and strong V6 engine, the 2006 Nissan Quest provides a stylish alternative to the class-leading competition, but can't match their level of refinement or user-friendly nature.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 4dr Minivan (3.5L 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$226/mo for Quest 3.5
Quest 3.5
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Large Minivan
Vehicle overview
At the initial unveiling of the Quest, spokespeople have used words like "sexy," "sophisticated" and "stylish" to describe the Nissan minivan. Although it's a departure from the traditional bread boxes one often sees lined up in front of elementary schools in the afternoon, whether the Quest really qualifies as sexy is still a point of contention. Regardless of what image it conveys on the outside, the Nissan Quest is designed for family-friendliness on the inside.
For starters, it claims the widest opening rear sliding doors, as well as flat-folding seats for both the second and third rows. Interesting design features abound in this Nissan minivan, but unfortunately, form starts to get in the way of function. The center stack is a huge pod that houses all the audio, climate and navigation controls. It looks cool but offers little in terms of user-friendly ergonomics. There's a front overhead console with a sunglasses holder and dual maplights, and an available full-length rear overhead console to assist rear passengers with additional storage bins, lighting and air vents, but no lower center console between the second-row chairs.
Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, while a rear heating and air conditioning system is standard. Also standard are side curtain airbags to protect the heads of those in all three rows. For power, Nissan Quest drivers have a 3.5-liter V6 engine at their service -- it's rated for 240 horsepower in this application. Although the engine is responsive underfoot, the wide gear ratios and sluggish downshifts from the base four-speed automatic transmission tend to blunt performance. SL and SE models come with a five-speed automatic that is much more responsive. While the Quest does boast distinctive styling, we suggest you shop around before falling for the shape. Though competitive in many areas, the 2006 Nissan Quest still isn't at the top of its class.
Performance & mpg
Power is provided by a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated for 240 horsepower. Base and S Special Edition models come with a four-speed automatic transmission, while SL and SE models upgrade to a five-speed automatic. Although the five-speed tranny provides better acceleration, the four-speed's lower gearing allows it to achieve slightly better fuel economy: EPA estimates are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway with the four-speed and 18 city, 25 highway with the five-speed.
Safety
Four-wheel antilock brakes, full-length side curtain airbags, BrakeAssist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and traction control come standard on all Quest minivans. A stability control system comes standard on SE models along with seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants; the airbags are optional on the midlevel SL. In government crash testing, the Nissan Quest earned a perfect five stars across the board. In frontal offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the Quest received a rating of "Good" (the highest).
Driving
While the V6 engine feels powerful around town and on the highway, the five-speed automatic makes a noticeable difference in how that power is delivered and is a worthwhile upgrade. The 2006 Nissan Quest is a willing player in the corners, but overall ride and handling are a few steps behind the class-leading Odyssey and Sienna.
Interior
Inside, the Nissan Quest provides seating for seven passengers. Nissan's minivan offers flat-folding seats for both the second and third rows, a segment "must-have" these days. Unfortunately, the third row lacks the flexible, split-folding design available in competitors. Maximum cargo capacity measures 149 cubic feet (144 on the SE). Interesting features include a center-mounted instrument cluster and information screen designed to put stereo and climate controls right at your fingertips. Unfortunately, the myriad of buttons looks too similar and can be difficult to use while driving. The SE model comes with Skyview windows -- five fixed rectangular openings cut into the Quest's roof to give the rear-seating area an open feel.
2006 Nissan Quest models
The Nissan Quest minivan comes in four trim levels -- 3.5 base, 3.5 S Special Edition, 3.5 SL and 3.5 SE. The base model comes standard with 16-inch wheels, front and rear air conditioning, cruise, keyless entry, CD audio, and power windows, locks and mirrors. The 3.5 S adds a power-operated rear tailgate, a power-sliding passenger-side door, rear park assist and an in-dash CD changer. Going with the 3.5 SL provides alloy wheels, an eight-way power driver seat, rear-seat audio controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and power-adjustable pedals. Top-of-the-line SEs offer 17-inch wheels, leather seating, a rearview monitor, dual power-sliding doors, automatic headlights, a power front-passenger seat, automatic climate control, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and fixed skylights over the rear-seating area. Options include Michelin PAX run-flat tires with 19-inch wheels, a navigation system, a rear-seat DVD-based entertainment system (the SE's system features two screens), satellite radio and a fold-away seat package.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Nissan Quest.
5 star(46%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(18%)
2 star(10%)
1 star(5%)
61 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2.5 out of 5 stars
Do not purchase. Transmission issues that Nissan ignores
wyogal1890, 06/22/2015
2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 S Special Edition 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
We bought this van used with 52,465 miles. From the first month we have had problems. First bad seals and now transmission issues. It doesn't happen all of the time, but I put the van in drive, push the accelerator and nothing happens. The RPMs go up, but the van won't go forward. I have had to have my van towed to the dealership twice, and of course it works fine when it gets … there. After a Google search it appears I am not the only person having this issue. I think it is time for Nissan to step up and fix this issue. This is our main family vehicle and it is not reliable.
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Purchase
CmdrScotie, 01/17/2010
2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 S Special Edition 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Bought new in '06, and used it for errands and cross country trips. Plenty of room for the whole family (4 of us) with luggage. I've taken care of this van the way a vehicle is supposed to be taken care of, and have had no problems.
4 out of 5 stars
Pretty Good vehicle
quest888, 08/31/2011
2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 SE 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my Quest brand new in january 2006 and I take good care of it, always have. It has paid me back well since I have never had any engine problems and it's going on 128,000 miles now. this van has taken me and my family everywhere. the only thing i have replaced is the engine mounts, one catalytic converter and lower control arms all after hitting the 5 year mark. it was expensive … to replace these but considering the amount of driving i've done on it i didn't feel too bad and chalked it up to wear and tear. as far as the engine goes, no problemo! still running smooth like new! just take care of it and do not neglect regular maintenance services and this van will keep running well......
4.75 out of 5 stars
The Magic Bus
New Mini Van Mom, 07/30/2006
2006 Nissan Quest 3.5 4dr Minivan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Going from a Camaro to an Altima and now to the Quest (Due to our ever growing family) Vehiclewise, some major adjustments have been made. I was very opposed to getting a van thinking that the "stigma" would be too great to deal with. I'll admit the 1st few times I drove the van I felt "older" but after you get over the stigma of "I'll never drive a minivan AKA grocery getter" it's … actually nice! My children love the room and for now, they still think it's cool. The price was amazing and by far the Quest is the best looking van on the road. So far we have nothing major to complain about and things have been great! We love the comfort and roominess.
2006 Quest Highlights
3.5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Quest include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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 / 5Passenger5 / 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 – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
Related Used 2006 Nissan Quest info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Ford Explorer 2018
- Used Mazda MX-5 Miata 2018 For Sale
- Used Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series 2018
- Used Cadillac Escalade 2019
- Used Kia Sportage 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Fisker Ocean 2023
- 2024 Atlas Cross Sport
- 2023 Bentley Bentayga
- 2024 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500
- Chevy Equinox Electric Vehicle
- 2023 INFINITI QX
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Audi A5 2023
- 2024 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Coupe News
Other models
- New Audi Q4-Sportback-E-Tron for Sale in Modesto, CA
- Used Buick Encore-Gx in Okeechobee, FL
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqe-Suv for Sale in Lady Lake, FL
- Used Lexus NX-300 in Upper Darby, PA
- Used BMW M2-CS in West Newton, MA
- Used Chevrolet Cruze in South Lyon, MI
- Used Kia Optima-Plug-In-Hybrid in Bayonne, NJ
- Used Pontiac Gto in Libertyville, IL
- Used Tesla Model-Y in Chino Hills, CA
- Used BMW Alpina-B7 in Hagerstown, MD