If you know Nissan, you’ll know they have a reputation of making cars as smooth as their engines – engines that have won prestigious “engine of the year” awards in their classes. Apart from sensible family sedans, business enterprise saloons and hot sports cars, Nissan also have a rather outstanding minivan – the 2011 Nissan search LE – top of the line trim, with seating for more folks to delight in all that it has to offer!

Exterior
The first thing you notice is that distinct chrome outlay just over the front grille. You would be excused for thinking it’s a saloon, and not a 200 inch long folks carrier! It is beautiful, and no less practical proper from the start, with automatic xenon headlamps, power sliding doors – not the power slides like other Nissan cars mind you, roof rails, 18 inch alloy tyres and even a moon roof, which is part of an optional package.

Interior
The equipment list on the 2011 Nissan search LE stretches even more on the inside, in tune with the three rows of seats. There’s an 8-way power driver’s seat, flat folding second row captain seats, and a 60:40 split-folding third row. You have tri-zone automatic climate handle, a 120V AC power outlet, mood lighting, an in-cabin air microfilter, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming mp3, a hard drive Navigation program and HomeLink transceiver as standard. Also standard is the amazing Bose mp3 program with 13 speakers, DVD Leisure program complete with wireless headphones and a 7″ in-dash monitor.

Safety
The 2011 Nissan search LE, being the top-of-the-line variant spares no frills providing the full complement of safety features. Nissan’s advanced airbag program features dual-stage front airbags with seat-belt sensors, side airbags for all three rows, and front seats with active head rests and pre-tensioner and load limiter equipped seat belts. Traction handle and automobile Dynamic handle are also present, as are four-tyre vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking program and digital Brakeforce Distribution. The power steering is speed-sensitive as well. The LE is also equipped as standard with the Blind Spot Warning program, which is very useful if you’re hunting to do some highway kilometers.

Performance
Handling propulsion duty is a smooth 3.5L V6 – one of Nissan’s finest engines. With 260 horsepower and 240 lb/ft of torque, it has sufficient push to make this search quite potent. It features Nissan’s CVTCS and is installed as standard with iridium spark plugs. With independent suspension front and rear, featuring front stabilizer bars for added good measure, a light digital power steering program and with the digital aids, handling this big search is a breeze.

Overall, the 2011 Nissan search LE checks all the proper boxes. It’s comfortable, practical, spacious, safe, frugal yet has good power on tap, and more importantly, it’s fun and reliable at the same time.

Overview – 2011 Nissan Quest LE
Model: Nissan Quest
Trim: LE
Price: From $41,350
Body Style: Minivan
Engine: 3.5L V6 24V DOHC with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System
Power: 260 hp / 6000 rpm
Torque: 240 lb/ft / 4400 rpm
Transmission: Xtronix CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight: 4,568 lbs.
Wheels & Tires: 18 x 7.0 aluminum alloy with 235/55 TR18 all-season tires
Vehicle Warranty: 3 year / 36,000 miles limited coverage
Powertrain Warranty: 5 year / 60,000 miles limited coverage
Fuel economy EPA MPG: 19 city / 24 highway