2006 Nissan Maxima Sedan

What’s New?
The Nissan Maxima receives minor changes for 2006, including an available factory-installed satellite radio package (XM or Sirius), available Bluetooth hands-free phone system, outside mirrors with available auto-tilt down in reverse and auto-dimming functions, a revised navigation system, and illuminated steering wheel controls.

Overview
The Maxima is Nissan’s entry in the competitive large sedan segment. It offers a long list of standard features, as well as a strong engine and a sleek exterior design. The Maxima was designed with coupe-like lines to suggest, to those who need a sedan, that this car isn’t one. Nissan previously marketed this as a “four-door sports car.” Some Nissan enthusiasts would argue that the Maxima started the sports car sedan segment, and from the beginning this model placed as much emphasis on “fun-to-drive” as it did on people- and cargo-carrying capabilities.

Both trim levels, SE and SL, come well equipped with numerous interior features, including standard dual-zone air conditioning, a 60/40 split-fold rear bench seat, a 240-watt audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, power everything, cruise control, airbags (including side curtain airbags), keyless entry, an anti-theft system, and a choice of wood or metallic interior accents.

The Maxima features a 3.5L V-6 engine (the VQ series) that makes 265 hp and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The independent suspension is tuned for a sporty ride and spirited handling as well as comfort. Stopping is accomplished via four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist (which helps apply full pressure in the event of an impending collision), as well as 17-inch wheels on the SL and 18-inch wheels on the SE model.

The Competition
More than a dozen models fill the Large Conventional segment in which Maxima competes, with new names (Hyundai Azera and Buick Lucerne) going up against old standards (Ford Crown Victoria and Pontiac Grand Prix).

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM top sellers included the Chevrolet Impala (246,481 sales in calendar year 2005), Chrysler 300 (144,048), and Pontiac Grand Prix (122,398). Maxima sales (75,425) have remained steady over the past few years. Other competitors include the Ford Five Hundred and Crown Victoria, Toyota Avalon, Mercury Montego and Grand Marquis, Dodge Magnum and Charger, Kia Amanti, Buick Lucerne, and Hyundai Azera.