The 2006 Nissan Maxima is a luxury midsize sedan that aims to be sportier and more upscale than it's closely related Altima sibling. It offers two trims, both powered by a very responsive and powerful 3.5-liter, 265-hp V6 engine. The sportier SE features a sports suspension and bigger 18-inch tires. You can get it with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. The more luxurious SL is paired with the auto tran only and has smaller 17-inch tires, but comes with more standard interior features. ABS, traction control, and side airbags are all standard on both trims.

Minor updates occurred for the 2006 Maxima. The navigation system gets updated and the controls on the steering wheel now light up. Bluetooth is a new option in 2006. The Maxima seats 5 with a rear bench seat, although it does offer the nice option of rear bucket seats, reducing capacity to 4, but allowing for a more comfortable ride for all passengers. A standard SkyView sunroof panel that stretches the length of the cabin opens the car up even more. This sunroof does not physically open, however. A conventional sunroof is an available option. The luxury SL features heated leather seats and wood trim, which are options on the SE.

The V6 power is quite satisfying to 2006 Maxima owners, who appreciate its instant acceleration power on the highway and its road grip around curves. There are some torque-steer issues, and the wide turning radius seems to be the biggest complaint. Overall, owners like the smooth ride and the spacious cabin with its comfortable seats.