The 2006 Nissan Altima saw no significant changes for the model year. A redesign was in the works for the following year.

The 2006 Altima came in five trims: the base model, the midrange S, the plush SL, the top-of-the-line SE, and the high-performance SE-R. The SE came standard with a 3.5-liter, 240-horsepower V6, the SE-R had a 3.5-liter 260-horsepower V6, and the others had a 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower four cylinder engine. All models came with a folding rear seat, power doors, and a tilting steering wheel. Upgrading to the S got air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a CD player. The SL included a power driver's seat and an upgraded sound system. Upgrading to the SE got the bigger engine, foglamps, and bigger wheels. The SE-R gets a more powerful engine and comes fully loaded.

Drivers appreciate the 2006 Altima's reliability, large trunk, and excellent gas mileage. Some drivers have had problems with the quality of the interior.