2011 Nissan Quest SL: Vacation and Family Ready

In a USA Today six-vehicle minivan comparison, the 2011 Nissan Quest SL was ranked No. 3. It was the fourth most expensive of the group at $38,040. What does this seven passenger family mover have to offer?

The Quest has a good looking interior that includes a combination of chrome and flex wood. Its interior is described as the Infiniti of minivans. The exterior styling is completely new over the last model. The Quest has a swooping trapezoidal grille and headlights. Additionally, the hood and windshield are highly raked. The B, C, and D-pillars are blacked out and the waistline is described as arrow-straight. At the back, the tailgate is upright and gives the Quest an appearance of height. The wheelbase measures 118.1 inches.

The interior is finished well. The dash and the gauge cluster look like they have been lifted from the Infiniti. Gone are any hints of hard plastics as now the dash is soft to the touch and the upper door panels are stitched and padded leather. The 1st and 2nd rows include comfortable captain's chairs and the 3rd row reasonably seats two adults. The front driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable and the passenger seat is a 4-way power adjustable unit. The dual sliding doors are power operated.

Other interior features include an 11-inch drop-down screen located in the middle of the ceiling behind the front row.

Additionally, storage areas and cup holders are available throughout this minivan. There is 25.7 cubic feet of space behind the 3rd row, 63.6 cubic feet with the 3rd row folded down, and 108.4 cubic feet with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded. Of note is that the Quest's cargo space is significantly less than the others as its 2nd and 3rd row seats fold flat but not into the floor.

The stereo system is AM/FM/CD/MP3 playback decoder and has a USB connection. The controls are mounted on the steering wheel.

The Quest is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 making 260 hp and 240 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a continuously variable unit (CVT). The 0-60 time is in 8.2 seconds. Of note, before you consider purchasing the Quest, be certain that you can accept the sound of the engine and CVT combination.

The stopping power is provided by four-wheel discs. The discs are vented up front and measure 11.4 inches. At the rear they are solid and measure 12.1 inches. The tires are 235/55 18 inch.

The Quest has four-wheel ABS with brake assist, traction and stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The suspension consists of MacPherson struts, gas filled shock absorbers, coil springs, and stabilizer bar at the front and multi-link, gas shock absorbers, coil springs, and stabilizer bar at the rear.

On the road the Quest's is quite enjoyable to drive. The new structure provides a boom-free cabin and it results in responsive handling. The electric speed-sensitive steering provides good road feel and on center characteristics. Last, but not least, the Quest provides a soft ride that is suited for long family trips.

The key features of the Quest SL includes a rear view monitor, push button ignition, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, tri-zone air conditioning, 2nd and 3rd row air conditioning and heater vents with 2nd row controls, power windows and door locks, 2nd and 3rd row slide shades, dual front map lights, dual 2nd and 3rd row reading lights and more.

The Quest's gas mileage is rated at 19 city and 24 mpg highway (21 mpg combined).

The 2011 Nissan Quest SE is a cool and somewhat bold looking minivan that performs well. Thus, it should definitely be in your mix of minivan test drives.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price -- " He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com. Become Kyle's friend on Facebook and Twitter.