Nissan released the fourth generation of the Maxima in May 1994, just in time to catch the Forrest Gump movie on the silver screen and earn the top spot in Ward’s Best Engine.
Just like Forrest Gump, the Maxima was a long-distance runner with a strong, fuel-efficient engine. Nissan built it on a new platform and dropped the previously used rear independent suspension, which affected the rear-seat comfort. It was within the same price range as its main competitors, Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon, but slightly cheaper. With some help from the Cray supercomputer, Nissan’s engineers found better solutions to stretch the 1995 Maxima and make it lighter.

Its exterior design featured a front fascia with sharp inner corners and softened edges for the headlights and a grille that mimicked angel wings (that’s what Nissan said). The wrapped-around plastic bumper sported a black rubber strip to prevent scratches in the parking lot. It worked well against dumpsters as well. The cab-rearward design hid the front-wheel-drive transmission, while the optional rear wing spoiler warned the bystanders that the Maxima could run quite fast for its segment.

Inside, the base trim level featured cloth upholstery, a cassette player, power windows, and air-conditioning, but the leather seats, the Bose sound system, and the sunroof were on the options list. Its long wheelbase allowed comfortable seating for four, with a raised center tunnel to reinforce the bodywork.

The platform was the one that stood apart from the crowd. It featured urethane bushings at the front suspension and stiffer suspension, transforming the Maxima into a swift cornering machine. It’s 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in seven seconds flat was on the hot-hatch territory.