For 1993, the Nissan Maxima saw some safety upgrades, including a standard driver's-side air bag and built-in seatbelts in the back seat. The '93 Maxima came in two trims: the GXE and the sportier SE. The SE was available with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, and the GXE was available only with the four-speed automatic. The GXE had a 3.0-liter, 160-horsepower V6, which was bumped up to 190 horses for the SE. The fuel economy is about 19/26 mpg for both engines.

The Nissan Maxima is known for its reliability and comfort, and drivers attest that the 1993 model is no exception. Some drivers have had problems with the automatic transmission, and many complain about the cupholders.

Although many see this as a common everyday car, the SE version used the 300ZX engine which was slightly down-tuned to 190 horsepower, but with a little modification the SE can put out 300hp.