2006 Nissan Maxima: Road Test
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2006 Nissan Maxima ▼
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- MSRP: $27,900 -$30,150
- Invoice: $25,511 -$27,568
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Our road test for the 2006 Nissan Maxima includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Nissan Maxima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Nissan Maxima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Nissan Maxima help you decide if a 2006 Nissan Maxima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
No manual-transmission model made available for test. With automatic, Maxima is strong on takeoff and from midrange speeds; test SE did 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. Shifts are velvety, responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test automatic-transmission SE averaged 20.6 mpg in driving slightly biased toward highway miles. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Both models cope well with most bumps and ruts. SL has slight comfort edge over SE, thanks to softer suspension, more-forgiving 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Steering annoys with artificial feel, nonlinear turn-in response. Maxima otherwise balanced, predictable, more agile than most midsize sedans. Sport-tuned suspension gives SE a tad more control vs. SL in quick direction changes. Braking strong, stable.
QUIETNESS
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
V6 makes pleasant, subdued snarl at full throttle, a modest hum at cruising pace. Wind noise well-tamed, but tire thrum intrudes some on coarse pavement. That's especially true for SE, which also suffers noise from suspension as it pounds over bumps.
CONTROLS
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Dashboard's hi-tech design groups most controls around a central screen that displays audio and climate settings, plus trip info. Many buttons have look-alike shapes and markings, take time to sort out. Optional navigation system adds to clutter, but isn't hard to learn. Gauges large and legible. Interior materials attractive but not posh, and some surfaces are low-rent hard. Suedelike dash/door-panel trim looks prone to early wear and soiling. SL cabin has nondescript woodgrain accents; SE uses more-attractive metallic garnishes.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Ample space for six-footers on supportive, well-shaped seats, though the feel is a bit cozy. Taller occupants may wish for more rearward seat travel, and more head clearance. Available heated steering wheel, power tilt/telescope steering column are upscale features that further distinguish Maxima from Altima. Roof and rear-end styling impede visibility aft, over the shoulder, but no more than in some rivals. Some dashtop reflections in windshield.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Two adults is the practical limit with bench seat, the maximum with Elite option's twin rear buckets. Either way, the feel here is cozy, too; leg, head room good, but not grand. Entry/exit hampered by sloping roofline, narrowish floor-level passages.
CARGO ROOM
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Trunk's opening too small for bulky boxes, but compact strut-type trunklid hinges--another plus over Altima--don't steal space or endanger luggage. Split rear-bench seatbacks fold for long cargo. Elite Package provides only narrow trunk pass-through. Small dashboard glovebox, but ample cabin storage elsewhere; Elite option adds a second roomy console bin in back.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Maxima stands apart from its corporate sibling Altima in styling, size, and features. It also feels more substantial and looks more upscale. But it costs more, too--close to some premium midsize sedans, in fact. It has the performance to compete in that class, but not the polish. A V6 Altima costs less than a Maxima, and satisfies just as much.
Total Score
| SE w/nav. sys., auto. | SL w/Elite Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 59 | 59 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 59
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