The first two generations (internally designated V40 and V41) of the Quest were short-wheelbase models co-developed and manufactured with Ford, aside its badge engineered Mercury Villager.

For model year 2004 and the third generation (V42), Nissan ended its joint venture with Ford, manufacturing the Quest on its own.

For model year 2011, the fourth generation (RE52) became a widened variant of the Nissan Elgrand minivan and was now manufactured in Japan.

In 1987, Ford and Nissan entered a joint agreement to develop an all-new vehicle to compete in the minivan segment scheduled for 1991.

NMMC production began in June 1992 on the main body components, with engine assembly beginning in August.

For a short time, the Quest was sold in Japan in a right hand drive configuration at Nissan Bluebird Store locations, but sales were limited and cancelled after the facelifted version was released in 1996.

The engine was also modified for the Quest and Villager to become a non-interference design: if the timing belt were to break, the pistons wouldn't come in contact with any open valves in the cylinders.

Because of manufacturing issues, Nissan had an arrangement for Ford to assemble the minivan in North America, and in turn they were allowed to rebadge it and sell it under the Mercury brand as the Villager.

That year saw the introduction of changes to the front and rear fascias, as well as headlights and tail lamps and the elimination of the motorized shoulder belts.

The 2000 Nissan Quest was tested in a competition organized by Car and Driver against the Chevrolet Venture, Toyota Sienna, Mazda MPV, and Chrysler Voyager.

The Quest performed poorly and placed fifth out of the five minivans tested; the editors cited a lengthy braking distance of 220 feet from 70 mph and inflexible seating configurations (the third-row seat was not removable) as downsides, while the Quest's performance and nimble handling were cited as advantages over its competitors.

Luxury GLE models also received an in-dash six-CD changer and a wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

An optional overhead family entertainment system replaced the former floor-mounted model, though it could still be specified for SEs and GLEs equipped with a sunroof.

In 2000, decisions were made by Ford and Nissan to abandon the joint venture three years earlier than had originally been planned.

The design by Alfonso Albaisa was chosen in late 2000, with a concept vehicle being presented in January 2002 at NAIAS as a thinly veiled preview.

The third generation Quest features an unusual moonroof glass arrangement with separate panels above each passenger with individual retractable sunshades, while the roof above the passengers accommodates 2 DVD screens with auxiliary input plug, when the VHS shaped IWCC Xl system was discontinued.

[16] National Sales figures 2003 - 23,170 (From remaining 2002 & 2004 model early sales) 2004 - 46,430 2005 - 40,357 2006 - 31,905 2007 - 28,590 2008 - 18,743 2009 - 8,564 In March 2022, a Facebook user found the V42 concept at Express Scrap Metals scrap yard near Nashville, Tennessee, waiting to be crushed, alongside the 2007 Nissan Bevel concept.

The Nissan Quest was dropped from regular production in Canada after 2014 and in the United States after the 2016 model year due to declining sales.