The Maxima was marketed as an upscale alternative to the Altima and prior to 1993, the Stanza, distinguished by features such as a premium interior and V6 engine.

[1][2] Most Maximas were built in Oppama, Japan, until North American assembly began in Smyrna, Tennessee, for the 2004 model year.

An exclusive option for 1988 was the DUET-SS Super Sonic Suspension -which was part of the Electronics Pkg- replacing the trip computer that was previously offered.

[9] The electronically controlled shock absorbers were installed on a trailing arm suspension for both the front and rear wheels.

1988 was also the year that the previously standard digital touch system offered on the GXE sedan became part of the 'Electronics Package' option as well.

The SE (and some GXEs) offered dual power seats, a five-speed manual transmission, three-way shock adjustable suspension, front and rear windshield defroster, and a factory-installed security system.

Larger dimensions made it the second Japanese sedan sold in North America to qualify as a "mid-size" (after the Mazda 929).

Nissan used a "4DSC" window decal on the third-generation Maxima in North America, marketing it as a "four-door sports car."

A refresh occurred in August 1991 for the 1992 model year (from July 1991 production), adding a driver's side SRS airbag.

The digital touch entry system on the GXE (in conjunction with the new Luxury Package) allowed the windows to be lowered and the moon roof opened from outside the vehicle on a keypad integrated on the front door handle, without the key in the ignition.

The automatic transmission on all GXEs (RE4F02A) was a compact unit from Jatco, which featured "sport" and "comfort" modes that shifted at different points.

The Ti added a rear spoiler, climate control air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, electric seats and a PIN touch-pad locking system.

[11] Nissan Australia released a facelift in January 1993 that included a new grille insert, revised tail lamps, wheels and cabin trim.

[16] The independent rear suspension of the previous generation was replaced with a lighter multi-link beam system, part of a general trend of cost-cutting by Japanese manufacturers in the wake of the bursting of Japan's economic bubble of the early 1990s.

[citation needed] A top-of-the-line 1995 Maxima GLE equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission turned in a 7.6 second 0-60-mph run with a 15.8-second/88.6-mph quarter-mile time.

[17] At the time, the Maxima was one of few four-door, six-cylinder cars sold in North America with a standard manual transmission.

A viscous limited slip differential came standard on Canadian SE models equipped with the 5-speed manual (in the US, the VLSD was restricted to the Infiniti I30).

In October 1996, the Maxima's exterior was refreshed for 1997, with new five-spoke alloy wheels, plastic (clear-lens) headlights vs. the previous glass headlights, a slightly different front and rear fascia with new redesigned tail-lights, the rear-facing part of the trunk was smoothed out to match the tail-lights, redesigned fog-lights and badge designs, and a chrome grille insert for GLE's (body color for SE models) was added.

The interior gauge cluster was also titanium tinted and the optional leather seats were perforated and embossed with SE on the backrests.

[19] This generation was also sold as the Maxima QX in Europe and other parts of the world, and was mostly identical to the Japanese Cefiro except for minor trim differences.

In Europe a smaller, two-liter V6 engine with 140 PS (103 kW) was available in addition to the larger 3.0, to suit local taxation structures.

Finally, the "SE Comfort and Convenience Package" included a sunroof and 17" dark chrome alloy wheels.

The sporty SE model came standard with 18 inch alloy wheels, P245/45R18 V-rated tires, stiffer suspension, rear spoiler, and an optional 6-speed manual transmission.

New interior changes included an Intelligent Key system with integrated ignition tab, new center console, and new white-and-orange gauges as opposed to the older pure orange ones.

Performance:[28] For 2012, Nissan modestly freshened the Maxima's exterior, with a new grille, taillights and new alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch diameters.

Nissan's flagship Maxima sedan entered the 2014 model year in late August 2013 with the addition of a new S Value Package.

The Nissan Sport Sedan Concept shown in the 2014 Detroit Auto Show previewed the exterior design of the vehicle.

[33] For the 2021 model year a 40th Anniversary edition is available with unique Ruby Slate Grey Pearl paint, black exterior & interior trim, black wheels, 40th Anniversary floor mats & exterior badge and a unique white face gauge cluster.

[36] Performance:[37] The first use of the "Maxima" badge was in August 1977, as the top equipment level on the Japanese domestic market Nissan Stanza (A10).

In the United Kingdom, the "Maxima" name was also used in the mid-1980s as a high series trim designation on the B11 Sunny, N12 Cherry and the Japanese built versions of the T12 Bluebird/Stanza.