2006 Nissan Maxima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's flagship sedan shares an underskin design with the slightly smaller and less costly Altima. Maxima comes in sporty SE and luxury-oriented SL models, both with a 265-hp V6. Altima offers this same engine, but Maxima's is tuned for more power. SE comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on SE and standard on SL is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Both models come with ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction control is standard. An antiskid system is optional with automatic transmission. Leather upholstery is standard for SL, optional for SE. Nissan's Skyview roof of dual tinted-glass panels is standard. A conventional sunroof is available. Also optional are a navigation system; heated front seats; and an Elite Package with full-length center console, twin rear bucket seats instead of a three-passenger bench, and power rear-window sunshade. Wireless cell phone connection is a new option for '06.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

A spruced-up 2007 Maxima arrives this summer with revised styling inside and out and a "gearless" continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) replacing a conventional automatic and manual. SE and SL models continue. Both use an unchanged 3.5-liter V6, though a new rating method brings a paper cut of 10 hp and 3 lb-ft of torque. For more details, see our "Sneak Peaks" report.

2006 Nissan Maxima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Steering feel

Handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70

2006 Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/13/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

SE 4-door sedan, manual	$27,900	$25,511	$605

SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,900	$25,511	$605

SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$30,150	$27,568	$605

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic controls, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, glass roof panel, fog lights, cornering lights, sport suspension, 245/45VR18 tires, alloy wheels.

SL adds to SE:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: sport suspension.

Bi-xenon headlights, 225/55HR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sensory Pkg.
SE	$2,350	$2,039
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, 4-way power passenger seat, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass.

Driver Preferred Pkg.
SL	$800	$694
Power tilt/telescope and heated steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power entry/exit driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment, power-folding automatic day/night outside mirrors, wireless cell phone link.

Elite Pkg.
SE	$4,600	$3,990
SL	$1,750	$1,519
Driver Preferred Pkg. plus heated rear bucket seats, rear center console, trunk pass-through, power rear sunshade, automatic up/down rear windows, rear auxiliary power outlet. Deletes split folding rear seat.

Safety
Antiskid system
SE, SL	$600	$520
Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg., power sunroof. NA SE w/manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
SE, SL	$900	$780
Deletes glass roof panel.

Navigation system
SE, SL	$1,800	$1,561
Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SE	$1,000	$867


Satellite radio
SE, SL	$350	$304
Requires monthly fee. SE requires Sensory Pkg., Driver Preferred Pkg., or Elite Pkg.

Wireless cell phone link
SE, SL	$300	$260
SE requires Sensory Pkg.

Floormats
SE, SL	$160	$121
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE	$270	$207


Bi-xenon headlight delete
(credit)	$-150	$-131
Replaces bi-xenon headlights with halogen headlights. Requires Driver Preferred Pkg. or Elite Pkg.

Mudguards
SE, SL	$130	$99


Chrome alloy wheels
SE	$1,550	$1,102

2006 Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	111.2

Overall Length, in.	193.5

Overall Width, in.	71.7

Overall Height, in.	58.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3447

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	265 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	255 @ 4400

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	20/29

5-speed automatic	20/28

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Maxima 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2006 Nissan Maxima Photos

Also in the 2006 Nissan Maxima Review:

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Nissan Maxima Road Test

Nissan Maxima Prices & Equipment

Nissan Maxima Specs & Safety

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Nissan Maxima Full Review

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