The first generation Nissan Maxima was rolled out in 1995. It was a four door sedan, which was powered by a V6 engine with 190 horsepower. It was equipped with a front-wheel drive and was available in three versions, an entry level GXE sedan, a SE version and a top of the line GLE. The GXE and SE were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The GLE was equipped with four-speed automatic transmission that was electronically controlled, which was optional on the other two models. In 1996, a seat that could be adjusted in four different ways using power was installed on the GLE versions. The Maxima got a brand new look in 1997, which included a new looking front, a changed grille and its headlights were made brighter. Also the lights at the back were changed as well as the cover for the trunk. In 1998, the SE and GLE models got airbags in the side for those seated in the front. Traction control was added to all Maxima models in 1999.

In 2000, the second generation Nissan Maxima made its debut. Its wheelbase was extended by two inches so that there was more space inside the vehicle and in the trunk. The new version was powered by a 3.0 Liter V6 rated at 222 horsepower. It was still available in three versions, an entry level GXE sedan, a SE version and a top of the line GLE. The GXE and SE were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The GLE was equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission that was electronically controlled, which was optional on the other two models. The Maxima was equipped with anti-lock brakes, airbags in the side for those seated in the front and traction control that was an option on the SE and GLE models. The GXE was equipped with 15 inch tires, whereas the SE and GLE had 16 inch tires. In 2001, the horsepower rating of the engine were increased by five and music system controls were added to the steering wheel on the SE and GLE models while it was optional on the GXE. A new 3.5 Liter V6 engine rated at 255 horsepower equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission was the change for 2002. The SE version now got a Titanium equipment package that included special tires, a top-notch music system manufactured by Bose that had a CD player located in the dashboard and a compass.